The inner walls of the heart’s arteries become lined with substances like cholesterol etc leading to coronary artery disease. The accumulation of fat reduces the amount of blood flow that could travel through the arteries, eventually stopping blood supply to the heart muscle. This condition will result in heart attacks and strokes if left unchecked.
According to Ayurveda, the most ancient Indian holistic medical practice cholesterol and coronary artery disease results from the imbalances in the body. Ayurveda principles emphasize that for a healthy living the elements present in the human body and those in the universe should be in harmony. This depends on various factors like the person’s age, sex, food habits and life style and so on.
Ayurveda treatments are based on the concept that diseases occur due to the disturbance in the three doshas in the body namely Vata, Pitta and Kapha. If the pain is mild it may be due to kapha vitiation. When the pain becomes acute and has shifting nature it may be because of vata aggravation. If the pain is associated with a burning sensation it can be concluded that it a pitta related disorder.
Why Ayurveda?
Ayurveda believes in natural remedies without side effects and the treatment involves the use of herbs and natural ingredients in all its forms such as leaves, roots and fruits and seeds etc. Some minerals are also used for certain medications. The therapeutic procedures use medicated oils or powders etc. The therapies are both curative and preventive. Ayurveda focuses on improving the digestive system and addresses the illness in a holistic point of view. Therefore the treatment consists of herbal medicines, diet regulation, life style changes and spirituality. The treatment also is specific to each patient depending on the individual needs and severity of the disorder.
Ayurvedic Treatments for Cholesterol and Coronary Diseases
Ayruvedic Treatment offers the following treatments for coronary artery diseases:
Natural Foods - Ayurveda recommends eating plenty of natural foods, fresh raw vegetables and lime juice, almond, black pepper and turmeric. Oily foods, cold and heavy foods should be avoided or minimized.
Exercise Daily – Ayurvedic remedy lies in balanced diet with good exercise. The treatment can cure and also prevent any disease. Especially in the coronary artery disease it more emphasis is given on mild exercise such as walking, swimming etc. Walking for 30 minutes in the early morning is very good exercise according to Ayurveda.
Healthy Diet - Ayurveda recommends a well balanced diet at regular intervals during a day. It advises against taking heavy food and snacks and eating late at nights. A mixture of a lime with a pinch of salt with a little ginger extract can promote good digestion.. Both lime and ginger are very good for artery diseases.
Yoga and Meditation - Meditation lowers the heart beat rate, decreases the blood pressure of body and reduces the production of noradrenalin, which indirectly affects the metabolism of glucose, lipids, and many neurotransmitters. Yoga postures and the other breathing exercises offer synergistic benefits to the body thereby decreasing the cholesterol level and removing the excess fat from the body.
Sound Sleep – Ayurveda considers deep sleep as good as the balanced diet in maintaining good health. Researches have proven that deep sleep would reduce blood pressure, tension, depression and any other issues that increase the risk of the heart disease. It also suggests peaceful activities to improve mental health.
Herbal Treatment for Coronary Diseases in Ayurveda
The following herbs are used to treat the coronary Diseases in Ayurveda:
- Alfalfa
- Arjuna
- Coriander
- Garlic
- Guggulu
- Holy Basil
Diet Recommendation to reduce Cholesterol and Coronary Diseases
Ayurvedic physicians may recommend a diet regimen as given below
- Drink Plenty of water to flush out toxins from the body
- Soya products are good as they are rich in protein
- Avoid alcohol, tobacco and smoking
- Limit consumption of chocolates ice creams as they contain high levels of fat
- Consume almond and walnut on a daily basis. These dietary practices would reduce cholesterol accumulation in the body and prevent coronary diseases.