Today's society of utmost luxuries, sedentary lifestyle, stressful jobs and changed food habits leading to health hazards like Hypertension, Hyperlipidemia, Coronary artery disease, Valvular heart disease, etc. The incidence is increasing day by day with increased rate of morbidity and mortality. The present advanced sophisticated treatments are helpful in relieving diseases but simultaneously resulting into various adverse effects. Hence amid the high-tech medical , the world has turned on Ayurveda in search of improving the quality of life as well as safe and effective treatment options.
The importance of Ayurvedic treatments is borne out by the fact that it is applicable to all cases covering a wide range of preventive, curative, and promotive rehabilitative conditions in the form of Shodhana, () Shamana and Rasayana chikitsa.
KLE Ayurveda Hospital during the academic year 2015 acted rigorously to meet the needs of the society and originated ’’Hridya’’ – Ayur cardiac care unit. The aim of it is to propagate the strength of Ayurveda and to combat the devastating health issues of the society related to Cardiovascular diseases.
Hridya – Ayurcardiac Unit functions with Holistic approach as:
- Preventive Cardiology
- Cardiac disease specific management
- Cardiac Rehabilitation
Preventive Cardiology :
This program presents each major cardiovascular risk factor and current best practices in Ayurveda management. This plays a pivotal role in reducing the global burden of cardiovascular disease.
The section of Preventive Cardiology offers services to patients with cardiovascular disease and those who have a risk of developing it. Individualized treatments are designed to reduce risk factors and prevent disease from getting worse. Our Hridya unit has specialists to offer Panchakarma treatments, Rasayana (Rejuvenation) treatments, nutritional services, exercise programs, stress management and cardiovascular disease risk-reduction management.
These programs help patients make lifestyle changes and determine the best medical treatment plan to:
- Prevent cardiovascular disease / keep disease from getting worse
- Reduce the risk of heart attack or stroke
- Reduce the need for surgery
- Improve quality of life by reducing symptoms
Cardiac disease specific management :
Cardiac diseases treated by Hridya – Ayurcardiology Unit are –
- Coronary artery disease
- Stable Angina
- Unstable Angina
- Post Myocardial Infarction
- Hypertension
- Hyperlipidemia
- Valvular heart disease
- Peripheral vascular diseases
Principles of Ayurveda treatments :
The importance of Ayurvedic treatments is applicable to all cases covering a wide range of preventive, curative, and promotive conditions in the form of Shodhana, Shamana and Rasayana chikitsa
Shodhana (Panchakarma) :
Shodhana (Panchakarma) is a procedure that eliminates the toxins / waste metabolites out of the body either through upper route i.e. through nose, mouth or through lower route i.e. anal canal. It results in bio-purification of body, they are -
Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation) :
Elimination of Pitta dosha through rectal route is Virechana karma. Treatment begins with administration of Medicated ghee that is selected according to Prakriti, disease. Medicated ghee is administered with increasing dose pattern w.r.t to digestive ability of an individual, for the total duration of 3-7 days as per attainment os samyak snigdha lakshanas. Afterwards Abhyanga (Massage) and Swedana (Steam bath) is performed for 3 days. On last day Virechana medicine will be administered that induces purgation wherein Pitta dosha will be eliminated through rectum for 10-15 times. This helps in the biopurification of body.
Basti (Therapeutic Enema) :
Administration of Cardiac specific medicines through rectal route is Basti Karma. It is of two types -
- Anuvasana Basti in which Heart disease specific medicines are used in the form of medicated oil / ghee
- Niruha Basti where in combinations of medicines that include herbal decoctions, honey, medicinal paste, medicated oil are used. These medicines are chosen with respect to various heart disease. Anuvasana Basti and Niruha Basti are practiced on alternate days for the total duration of 8 / 15 days. This treatment is considered as best among Panchakarma.
Shirodhara :
A unique treatment in Ayurveda, where medicated warm oil / herbal decoctions / medicated milk is continuously poured on forehead. This procedure often induces a completely relaxing and rejuvenating mental and physical state. It deeply revitalizes central nervous system.
Beneficial in
- Anxiety, Depression, Stress
- Insomnia
- High Blood pressure
Benefits of Panchakarma:
- Eliminate the toxins / waste metabolites from the body
- Purifies the body and restores balance
- Reduces the signs / symptoms of disease
- It cleanses the channels of the Arterial system
- Strengthens the immune system thus improving resistance to illnesses
- Helps the body to heal itself thus reducing dependency on medicines
Rasayana chikitsa :
- Lashuna rasayana
- Shilajatu rasayana
- Guggulu kalpas
These Rasayana medicines helps to cure the disease as well as strengthening Heart and associated structures.
Yoga and Diet therapy are helpful in balancing body, mind and soul.
So, in general Ayurveda treatment principles act as -
- Kapha-Medahara – Anti-lipidemic
- Lekhana – Scraping action
- Dosha vilayana – Thinning of blood
- Bhedana – Thrombolytic action
Cardiac Rehabilitation treatments :
Cardiac Rehabilitation is a professionally designed program to help people recover from heart attacks, heart surgery and percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) procedures such as stenting and angioplasty. Cardiac rehabilitation programs provide - counseling services, Panchakarma treatments, Rasayana medicines, Yoga and Pranayama to help heart patients increase physical fitness, reduce cardiac symptoms, improve health and reduce the risk of future heart problems, including heart attack.
Who needs cardiac rehabilitation program :
People of all ages who have heart conditions can benefit from a cardiac rehabilitation program such as:
- Post Heart attack
- Coronary artery disease (CAD), angina or heart failure
- Heart procedure or surgery, including coronary artery bypass graft (CABG), percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), including coronary angioplasty and stenting, valve replacement or a pacemaker
Program include:
Panchakarma treatments may be planned to detoxify the body. This helps in keeping normal blood pressure, reduce cholesterol levels and keep heart in a good condition.
Counseling and education to help understand heart condition and how to manage it. Dietitian will consult to create a healthy eating plan. Counseling may also help to cope with depression, anger and stress during recovery.
How long do people need cardiac rehabilitation program :
Rehabilitation plan is designed to meet heart conditions. may need six weeks, six months or longer to learn how to manage the condition and develop healthier habits. Many programs last only three months, but some continue for many months.
Benefits of attending cardiac rehabilitation program :
Panchakarma treatments helps to prevent atherosclerosis, reduce the cardiac symptoms, cholesterol levels and maintains good cardiac function.
Rasayana medicines help to regenerate cardiac activities remove extra fat and doesn’t allow the disease to worsen.
Counseling and education can help you quit smoking, eat right, lose weight, and lower blood pressure. Counseling may also help learn to manage stress and to feel better about heart health.
Regular physical activity helps heart get stronger and work better. Physical activity improves energy level and lifts spirits. It also reduces the chances of future heart problems, including heart attack.