Cardiovascular / Circulatory System
The cardiovascular system plays a vital role in transporting oxygen and nutrients throughout the body while carrying deoxygenated blood back to the lungs. It comprises the heart, blood vessels, and blood. Any disorder affecting this system can have severe consequences, significantly impacting overall health.
According to Ayurveda, imbalances in lifestyle, diet, and social behavior can disrupt digestive Agni, leading to the vitiation of Rasa Dhatu. As a result, the Hridya (heart) may struggle to function efficiently. Ayurveda adopts a three-pronged approach to managing cardiovascular disorders.
The first step involves eliminating the root causes, such as overeating, irregular eating habits, and excessive stress. This is followed by the use of herbal remedies like Amrataka, Pippali, and Brahmi. Lastly, external therapies such as Abhyanga, Shirodhara, and Vasti — or other treatments as recommended by an Ayurvedic practitioner—are incorporated to restore balance and promote heart health.
Causes:
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Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas, leading to excess stress and tension.
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Poor diet, lack of exercise, obesity, excessive salt intake, and stress.
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Family history, kidney disease, or thyroid problems.
Symptoms:
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Headaches, dizziness, and blurred vision.
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Chest pain, fatigue, shortness of breath.
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No symptoms in early stages, but if untreated, it can cause heart disease or stroke.
Panchakarma Treatment:
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Virechana (purgation therapy)
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Abhyanga (oil massage)
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Shirodhara (oil poured on the forehead)
Medications:
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Ashwagandha (reduces stress and balances blood pressure)
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Triphala (supports heart and circulatory health)
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Arjuna (tonifies the heart and improves circulation)
Causes:
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Accumulation of plaque in the coronary arteries due to Kapha and Pitta imbalance.
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Poor diet, high cholesterol, smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure.
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Lack of exercise, obesity, or genetic factors.
Symptoms:
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Chest pain or angina, shortness of breath.
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Fatigue, lightheadedness, and dizziness.
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Pain radiating to the left arm, jaw, or back (in severe cases).
Panchakarma Treatment:
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Virechana (purgation therapy)
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Abhyanga (oil massage)
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Basti (herbal enemas)
Medications:
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Arjuna (supports heart function and circulation)
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Triphala (reduces plaque buildup and enhances detoxification)
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Ginger (improves circulation and reduces cholesterol)
Causes:
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Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas affecting the heart’s pumping ability.
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Hypertension, coronary artery disease, heart attack, or valvular diseases.
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Genetic factors, obesity, or infections.
Symptoms:
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Shortness of breath, fatigue, and swelling in the legs.
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Rapid heartbeat, irregular heart rhythms.
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Difficulty breathing while lying down, persistent cough.
Panchakarma Treatment:
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Virechana (purgation therapy)
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Abhyanga (oil massage)
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Basti (herbal enemas)
Medications:
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Arjuna (strengthens heart muscles and improves circulation)
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Guggulu (supports lipid metabolism and heart function)
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Ashwagandha (supports heart health and reduces stress)
Causes:
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Imbalance of Pitta and Kapha Doshas leading to plaque buildup in the arteries.
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High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking.
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Poor diet, lack of exercise, and genetic factors.
Symptoms:
-
Chest pain, shortness of breath.
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Fatigue, dizziness, and lightheadedness.
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Pain in the legs or arms (due to reduced circulation).
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Basti (herbal enemas)
-
Shirodhara (oil poured on the forehead)
Medications:
-
Arjuna (supports heart health and circulation)
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Triphala (detoxifies the body and improves cardiovascular health)
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Turmeric (reduces inflammation and improves circulation)
Causes:
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Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas affecting the heart’s electrical impulses.
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Stress, coronary artery disease, electrolyte imbalances, or thyroid disorders.
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Consumption of stimulants like caffeine or alcohol.
Symptoms:
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Palpitations, dizziness, or fainting.
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Shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue.
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Irregular or rapid heartbeat.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Abhyanga (oil massage)
-
Shirodhara (oil poured on the forehead)
Medications:
-
Ashwagandha (supports heart function and reduces stress)
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Arjuna (tonifies the heart and normalizes rhythm)
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Brahmi (improves mental calmness and supports heart health)
Causes:
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Imbalance of Kapha and Pitta Doshas leading to plaque buildup in peripheral arteries.
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Smoking, diabetes, high cholesterol, high blood pressure.
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Lack of physical activity and poor diet.
Symptoms:
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Pain, cramping, or numbness in the legs while walking.
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Weak or absent pulse in the legs, cold feet.
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Wounds on the feet or legs that do not heal.
Panchakarma Treatment:
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Virechana (purgation therapy)
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Abhyanga (oil massage)
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Basti (herbal enemas)
Medications:
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Ginger (improves circulation and reduces pain)
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Turmeric (reduces inflammation and supports blood flow)
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Arjuna (supports cardiovascular function and improves circulation)
Causes:
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Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas leading to clot formation or rupture of blood vessels in the brain.
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High blood pressure, high cholesterol, smoking, and diabetes.
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Obesity, poor diet, or sedentary lifestyle.
Symptoms:
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Sudden numbness or weakness, especially on one side of the body.
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Sudden confusion, trouble speaking or understanding speech.
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Difficulty walking, dizziness, or loss of balance.
Panchakarma Treatment:
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Virechana (purgation therapy)
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Basti (herbal enemas)
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Nasya (nasal therapy)
Medications:
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Brahmi (improves cognitive function and memory)
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Ashwagandha (supports nervous system and reduces stress)
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Triphala (detoxifies and improves circulation)
Causes:
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Imbalance of Vata and Kapha Doshas leading to slow blood circulation and clot formation
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Sedentary lifestyle, prolonged sitting, or standing.
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Obesity, smoking, or certain medications.
Symptoms:
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Swelling, pain, or redness in one leg.
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Warmth in the affected area.
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Tenderness or heaviness in the leg.
Panchakarma Treatment:
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Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Abhyanga (oil massage)
-
Basti (herbal enemas)
Medications:
-
Triphala (improves circulation and detoxifies the blood)
-
Ginger (supports circulation and reduces swelling)
-
Turmeric (reduces inflammation and improves blood flow)
Causes:
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Imbalance of Vata and Pitta Doshas causing weakening of heart muscles.
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Hypertension, coronary artery disease, previous heart attacks.
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Lifestyle factors like obesity and high salt intake.
Symptoms:
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Shortness of breath, fluid retention, swelling in legs.
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Chronic fatigue, rapid or irregular heartbeat.
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Difficulty in physical activities due to breathlessness.
Panchakarma Treatment:
-
Virechana (purgation therapy)
-
Basti (herbal enemas)
-
Nasya (nasal therapy)
Medications:
-
Arjuna (tonifies the heart and improves circulation)
-
Ashwagandha (reduces stress and supports heart health)
-
Guggulu (supports cholesterol and heart health)