Treatment For Angina In Ayurveda

Angina pectoris, also known as angina, is chest pain, a coronary artery disease (CAD).  Pain or discomfort in the chest occurs when the heart muscles do not receive sufficient oxygenated blood supply. It is identified by a feeling like squeezing or pressure in the chest. It may also be accompanied by pain in the shoulders, neck, arms, back, or jaw. It is a symptom of coronary artery disease which is a common type of heart disease. If the pain lasts for more than 15 minutes immediate medical attention is required as it may be presumed to be a heart attack.  Ayurveda has a multi-pronged treatment for Angina known also as Angina Pectoris.

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Ayurveda Treatment for Angina

Ayurveda considers the heart as the most vital organ and the seat of prana and as Atman itself the divine self.  Ayurveda treatment for Angina is aimed at removing the symptoms thereby slowing the process of the disease progression. It also aims to prevent the future occurrence of premature death. Ayurveda treatment for angina comprises a combination of herbal medicines, dietary adjustments, and lifestyle changes. A disciplined diet regimen during the herbal treatment is advised. Consumption of plenty of fresh vegetables and fruits with plenty of water intake is the usual recommendation. Other methods include eliminating certain foods and toxins from the body and internal hygiene. 

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Herbal Medicines for Curing and Preventing Angina

Ayurvedic herbs are used singly or in combination to deal with the dosha disturbances. They are prepared using natural processes and do not cause any side effects. Ayurveda works on the risk factors of Angina such as obesity, high cholesterol levels, diabetes, and high blood pressure.   Guggulu extract from the Mukul tree is the most effective herbal medicine that is widely used for reducing cholesterol levels. To relieve the chest pain medicines like Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani, Shrung Bhasma, and Laxmi Vilas Rasa are used. To slow down the progress of the disease, medicines like Amalaki, Medohar Guggulu, Triphala Guggulu, Arogya Vardini, Behada and Haritaki, Chitrak, Kutki, Psyllium, Lashuna, and Pippali are used. Other herbs like Apamarga (Achyranthus aspera), Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentine), Jyotishmati (Celastrus panniculatus), Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Shilajit (Purified bitumen), Tankan (Purified borax), Punarnava (Boerhaavia diffusa) are used to strengthen the heart muscle and control hypertension.

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Preventing Heart Disease

Ayurveda principles point to a preventive lifestyle comprising of healthy eating, exercise and relaxation techniques, and a balanced life with nature. The idea is to correct the dosha imbalances and to strengthen the organ to prevent any further attacks.

• Control of sensory organs to avoid over indulgence to reduce stress
• Avoid being circumstances leading to mental stress and instability.
• Adopt measures that support the heart, help in cleansing the blood vessels, and calm the mind.
• Exercise and Yoga for increasing the supply of oxygen to the cells
• Meditation relaxes the mind and the nervous system
• Use of Herbal tonics and medicines
• Diet modifications to support the healing through herbal therapy