Ayurveda, a 5,000-year-old holistic health system from India, focuses on the body, mind and spirit in conjunction. It uses a combination of herbal supplements, meditation, yoga and nutrition, among other treatment methods. Some aspects of Ayurveda might improve heart disease, although more research is needed to form a definite conclusion on its benefits, if any.
Maharishi Ayurveda
The Raj Maharishi Ayurveda Health Spa in Iowa follows the Maharishi branch of Ayurveda. The spa follows the belief that it can prevent and treat heart disease by improving circulation in your body through diet, and improve your gastrointestinal system and metabolism through holistic methods. More research is needed to determine if these methods will counteract heart disease. There is also a more conventional focus on handling stress in a healthy way, learning to change unhealthy habits and learning to exercise.
Transcendental Meditation
A chapter by Hari M. Sharma in the book "Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine," edited by Marc S. Micozzi, included a review on numerous studies showing that transcendental meditation is beneficial for the heart. According to the studies, it improves heart rate, blood pressure, cholesterol, lipid levels and cardiac output. It also helps your body better adapt to stress. Transcendental meditation might reduce hardening of blood vessels, a risk factor for heart attacks and stroke. Use transcendental meditation in conjunction with conventional medicine for heart disease.
Expert Opinion
An article in the May to June 2005 issue of the journal "Cardiology in Review" commented that evidence does not currently support the idea that Ayurvedic medicine could help heart disease or high blood pressure, a risk factor for heart disease. Nevertheless, researchers noted that yoga, which often accompanies Ayurvedic medicine, can have valuable effects on heart disease and high blood pressure by reducing stress and promoting a healthy lifestyle. Further, the article stated that some herbs, like garlic and turmeric, used in Ayurveda might be beneficial for overall health.
Warning
An Ayurvedic practitioner will often suggest taking herbs along with other treatments. It is important to be cautious of herbs used in Ayurvedic medicine. All herbs can have side effects and interfere with medications, so research them and check with your doctor before taking them. Also, some Ayurvedic herbs include heavy metals, including mercury and lead, in them. Be sure to find a legitimate Ayurvedic doctor and check with your regular doctor on the Ayurvedic methods you are considering trying.
References
- "Cardiology in Review"; R. Mamtani, et al.; Ayurveda and Yoga in Cardiovascular Diseases; May to June 2005
- The University of Maryland Medical Center: Ayurveda
- The Raj Maharishi Ayurveda Health Spa: The Maharishi Ayurveda Approach to Cardiovascular Health
- "Fundamentals of Complementary and Alternative Medicine"; Chapter 32 -- Contemporary Ayurveda; Marc. S. Micozzi
