Heart diseases (coronary heart disease--CHD) are common problem worldwide among middle-aged and elderly people and have become increasingly common in younger individuals too. It is a leading cause of deaths and disability worldwide. Poor dietary habits (high intake of cholesterol, fat), hypertension, sedentary life style and cigarette smoking are some of the known risk factor which leads to deposition of fat in the arteries of the heart (atherosclerosis) and coronary heart disease.

According to Ayurveda, poor diet, stress, unhealthy lifestyle causes impairment of digestion which causes accumulation of toxins in the body. These toxins get deposited in different part of the body, such as the coronary artery that leads to obstruction, poor circulation and causes various forms of heart disease. Ayurvedic treatment of heart disease aims to clean the toxins from the body and restore digestion to avoid further increase of blockages in the body.

When it comes to heart health, the ancient texts emphasise the importance of calming the mind, practising non-violence, maintaining mental health and happiness, conserving vital energy, and controlling the senses. As the energetic hub that it is, the heart is deeply affected by just about every aspect of our lives. Subtle therapies can be a powerful means of positively influencing the mind, the nervous system and our overall state of consciousness. The following therapeutic strategies support heart health by:

• Reducing stress.
• Supporting mental and emotional well-being.
• Clearing the physical channels and energetic pathways (srotamsi and nadis).
• Promoting the healthy flow of prana throughout the system.
• Kindling Agni.
• Clearing ama.
• Improving tissue nutrition.
• Supporting ojas.