This is a common process that we go to the doctor for our health issues and the doctor recommends us a few tests of various degrees. According to our condition the doctor recommends blood tests and imaging procedures to diagnose the condition. Therefore, depending on the fault of the test doctor makes a diagnosis and manages the condition accordingly. In the following article we shall discuss why doctors recommend an electrocardiogram (ECG) and treadmill test (TMT). And we shall also see how one can increase and improve functioning of the heart using herbs and other Ayurvedic procedures. Let's discuss!!
Introduction
Why has my Doctor recommended me for an ECG and TMT test? What options in Ayurveda do we have to improve heart function?Many times a person falls sick and is rushed to the doctor's clinic or hospital. On approaching the doctor, the doctor sees and listens to the patient before any management action. Depending upon the complaints of the patient, the doctor advises or recommends the patient a few tests. When patients complain about some of the symptoms that can be directly linked to heart health. Stress, high blood pressure, obesity and increased cholesterol levels are some risk factors that can lead to cardiac problems. There are some tests that we are going to discuss here in this article such as Echocardiogram and Treadmill Test. why these tests are done and how can one improve the functioning of the heart. Let's see!!
Treadmill Test
It is an exercise stress test used to check if the heart receives enough oxygen during exercise or when the heart needs it the most. Usually it is recommended in people suffering from chest pains or signs and symptoms of heart conditions such as coronary heart disease. However there are a few risks like chest pain, fainting, heart attack, irregular heartbeat, collapsing etc. This test is usually done under medical supervision. During the test blood pressure and echocardiogram is done along with the information, the doctor makes a diagnosis of the condition. And take further action according to the diagnosis evaluated.
Electrocardiogram (ECG)
An electrocardiogram is used to monitor electric activity and rhythm of the heart. The test is used to diagnose a number of heart conditions. An ECG helps in detecting coronary heart disease, arrhythmias, cardiomyopathy, heart attacks. An ECG is a fast, painless and safe procedure and does not cause any risk. An ECG can be recommended when facing a problem such as palpitations, chest pain, dizziness, shortness of breath etc.
Ayurvedic Concept Of Heart Health
In Ayurveda, Vyana vayu, which is a subtype of vata dosha is responsible for the movement of the heart such as pumping the blood and regulating the blood circulation. Avlambaka kapha which is a subtype of kapha dosha is responsible for nourishing, protecting and lubricating the heart. Therefore, when any of the dosha gets vitiated or imbalance cardiac conditions are likely to occur. In modern days, sedentary lifestyle and alcoholism, smoking and junk food are adding to the accumulation of the toxins in the body. These accumulated toxins lead to dosha imbalance. Inflammations in the body caused by imbalance of pitta dosha. Vata dosha vitiation responds as symptoms of the nervous system such as hypertension and palpitations. Pitta dosha vitiation leads to irritation and anger making the heart condition.
As we have seen both the tests are recommended to check the functioning of the heart. So it is important to strengthen the heart with some herbal formulas.
1. Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
Arjuna is useful in congestive heart failure, hypertension, chronic stable angina
Formulations available: Arjunarishta, arjun ghrita, kukubhadi churna
2. Pushkarmoola (Inula racemosa)
It is a beneficial herb for the heart as it provides strength to the cardiac muscles. It also alleviates pain related to the heart and it is helpful in the condition of angina pectoris.
Formulations available : Puskaradi churna, pushkarmooladi churna
3. Bala (Sida cordifolia)
As the name of the herb suggests it provides strength to the overall body. It provides strength to the heart. And it is useful in weakness of the heart where the heart pumps inefficiently.
Formulations available : Baladi kwath, baladya ghrita, baladyarishta
4. Shunthi (Zingiber officinale)
Due to the hot potency of the herb, it is good for the heart and also possesses anti inflammatory activity. Moreover it also cleanses blood and removes toxins.
Formulations available : Rasnadi kwath, aadrakhnad, shunthisura, sobhagya shunthi.
5. Pippali (Piper longum)
Pippali is useful in blood disorders and it also cleanses blood from impurities. It increases the blood as well.
Formulations available : Gudpippali, pipplikhand, pippalayasava
6. Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra)
Being a rasayana it rejuvenates the body cell as well as provides power to fight certain conditions. It is used in blood disorders and removes toxins as well. This ultimately results in betterment of the heart.
Formulations available : Yashtimadyadi churna, yashtimadhuadya kwath
7. Haritaki (Terminalia chebula)
Haritaki is a rasayana herb. It benefits every system of the body. It possesses antioxidant and anti-aging properties. It provides energy and strength to the heart muscles and helps the heart to function well.
Formulations available : Abhyamodak, abhyarisht, haritaki khand etc
8. Dashmoola
Dashmoola possess hypotensive, hypocholesterolemic, antiplatelet and thrombolytic activities which play an important role in the management of cardio-vascular and cerebrovascular disorders.
Formulations available : Dashmoolarishta, dashmoola kwath etc
9. Suryanamaskar
Suryanamaskar is also regarded as a preventive measure of cardiovascular disease.
Procedures For Better Heart
Shodhan chikitsa is considered efficient to eliminate toxins and dosha pacification. It is known as panchkarma (set of five efficient procedures). Panchakarma is beneficial in managing a number of conditions including stress, obesity, high blood pressure and other risk factors for development of heart problems.
1. Urovasti
In the procedure of urovasti, warm medicated oil is poured into the trough made of flour of black lentils on the chest. This warm medicated oil is kept for around 30 to 40 minutes. This strengthens the organs of the chest including cardiac muscles. Furthermore, it improves blood circulation. The procedure is effective in cardiac conditions such as coronary artery disease, respiratory problems and chest pain.
2. Abhyanga
Abhyanga nourishes the body and skin and improves blood circulation and therefore impacts the heart for this action which ultimately results in stimulating the heart for better.
3. Pizchil
It is an effective and relaxing procedure which has the benefits of snahana and swedana. A stream of warm medicated oil is poured on the body. This is done with light massage. Warmness loosens the toxins (ama). This is followed by covering the body with a blanket for some time and then hot water bath is indicated. Pizchil is effective in high blood pressure, hypertension, coronary artery disease and other problems that are relatable with heart health.
4. Shirodhara
It is a relaxing procedure in which a constant stream of medicated oil or liquid flows on the head. It is known to soothe the nervous system. This procedure is extremely helpful in insomnia, psychological disorders, anxiety disorders and cardiac problems such as hypertension etc.
5. Virechana
The procedure is done to expel the vitiated dosha. By the procedure dosha get eliminated from the anal route using purgtive herbal medicines. Virechan generally eliminates the pitta dosha which is already directed to the gastrointestinal system by snaehana (oleation) and swedana (induced perspiration). The procedure decreases weight and enhances metabolism and removes toxins build ups in the arteries and veins which results in regaining the elasticity of the blood vessels. Hence helping in better flow of blood to the heart.
Conclusion
With the sedentary lifestyle and consumption of junk and not so good food, the general condition of a person has been deteriorating. This type of life spending, which is detrimental for the health and wellness, has led to the appearance of various types of symptoms which are quite problematic if not managed or treated timely. We have seen when someone faces features such as chest pain and shortness of breath, the doctor advises or recommends an ECG and TMT or other tests to check the wellness or the health of the heart. Therefore, according to the abnormality detected, the doctor manages the condition accordingly. We have already seen what are the herbs and procedures available in the traditional system of medicines. These herbal medications and panchakarma methods are beneficial for the proper functioning and strengthening of the heart. Therefore, if a person is willing to live a life free of any heart ailments, then one should opt for Ayurveda and procedures mentioned above. One should also pay attention towards the type of diet consumption. Furthermore, keeping the heart healthy is in one's hand. Let's choose what is better for the heart. Let's choose Ayurveda!!
Dr. Vikram Chauhan (MD - Ayurveda) is the CEO and Founder of Planet Ayurveda Pvt. Ltd. He is Author of the Book "Ayurveda - God's Manual For Healing". He is an Ayurveda Expert Serving People worldwide through all the Possible Mediums, Operating from Main Branch in Mohali, India. With his Vast Experience in Herbs and their Applied Uses, he is successfully treating Numerous Patients suffering from Various Ailments with the help of Purest Herbal Supplements, Diet, and Lifestyle, according to the Principles of Ayurveda. For More Details, visit www.PlanetAyurveda.com.
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