Preventive Cardiology:Achar Rasayana in Cardiac Health

Dr. Vikas ChotheEmpire Estate M-2, 001, Chinchwad Pune-19. (India)

vchothe@gmail.com

CVD and Diabetes –a leading cause of death in India

India also leads the world today with the largest number of diabetics in any given country R. Pradeep & V. Mohan (2002) Indian J Med Res 116

Causes of heart disease

IN ALLOPATHY IN AYURVEDA

Over physical exertion,

anxiety fear terror ama excessive sex drastic & excessive

purgation suppression of

vomiting Charak chikitshasthan xxvi/70 © Dr. Chothe. V.R

Modifiable Cardiovascular risk factors

tobacco and alcohol use (bonnet et al.,

2005; rod et al., 2009).

stressful life (pouwer et al.,

2005; kokoszka et al., 2009).

anxiety (engum, 2007).

depression (mezuk et al.

2008)

hostility (rod et al., 2009).

work stress (kawakami et

al., 1999).

habitual sleep disturbances

unhealthy diets

obesity

high cholesterol

Addiction

An estimated 34.7% of all deaths resulting from cigarette smoking are related to CHD.

Alcohol abuse increases the risk for diabetes and CHD.

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Stress

Cognitive signs-poor concentration, low self-esteem

Emotional signs-anxiety, agitation, and feeling lonely

Depression increases the risk for type 2 diabetes by 37%

Behavioral symptoms -social withdrawal, nervous habits such as nail-biting.

Physical symptoms - chest pain, diarrhea, dizziness

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

According to Allopathy emotions are associated with limbic system and different parts of brain.

But according to Ayurveda the heart rather than the brain is the seat of the mind and emotions.

Different emotions have powerful influences on the heart and can cause cardiac diseases.

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

type A personality

hurry to eat, talk, walk and do most other activities

not able to relax or enjoy the satisfaction of achievement

poor listening behavior

a sense of guilt while on vacation or relaxing,

hyperactive response

unsatisfactory interpersonal relationships

self-centered

Rajas and Tamas types prone to CHD

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Lifestyle modification in conventional medicine

no smoking, consuming at least

half a drink of alcoholic beverage per day,

moderate to vigorous physical activity for ≥30 minutes per day,

BMI<25 kg/m2.

consume <10% of energy from saturated fat.

consume <2% of energy from trans fat.

eat (fatty) fish at least once a week.

eat ≥400 g of vegetables and fruits per day.

limit salt consumption to <6 g/d.

Lichtenstein A et al. Circ 2006;114:82

Rasayana for Cardiac health (rejuvenation therapy)

Labhopayo Hi Sastanam Rasadinam Rasayanam (CHARAK CHIKITSASTHANA 1/8)

rasayana means the purification of all tissues from rasa to shukra.

dietary regimen special health promoting conduct and

behavior

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Principle of Rasayana

Heart diseases and diabetes are related to the disturbances in rasavaha strotas.

If rasa dhatu is produced in optimum quality and quantity, then naturally all the tissues in the body will be nourished properly.

It reverses the atherosclerosis process and helps in improving dhatu bala, ojas and stabilizing vitiated doshas.

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Classification Of Rasayana

Ausadha Rasayana - Drug Rasayana.

Ahara Rasayana - Dietary Rasayana.

Achara Rasayana - Conduct of Rasayana.

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Achara Rasayana (Ayurvedic lifestyle modification)

ADOPTION OF ETHICAL ELEMENTS LIKE :

serving elderly people

respect for the parents

fraternal loveunderstanding in

married life© Dr. Chothe. V.R

worshipping gods and teachers

preferring religious sayingsahimsa (non violence)speaking the truth- lying has

been found to boost blood pressure and stress

calm behavior-chronic anger, irritability produces elevation in blood pressure and it can be a serious risk factor for CHD

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

laughter is as good as relaxation therapy to overcome stress. Study shows that laughter decreases adrenaline and cortisol production.

sweet speech following social ethics and conducts

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Sympathy and love towards all

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Three pillars of life

SATTVIK AHARA (DIET) NIDRA (SLEEP)

having equal work & sleep,

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

BRAHMACHARYA (OBSERVANCE OF SEXUAL DISCIPLINE)

Following the rules relating to the three triads i.e. food, sleep and celibacy is essential. Chastity and integrity

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Deaddiction

For those who have a myocardial infarction, the risk of fatal recurrence may be halved after cessation of smoking.

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Four purusharthas (fundamental objectives of life)

dharma (righteousness or duty),artha (wealth),kama (desire for pleasure) and moksha(spiritual emancipation)

The first three are for the body and mind and the last one consists in the realization of the soul.

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Spirituality for Healthy Living

Dinacharya

dina – day & acharya – behavior

In order to keep the tridoshas and agni (metabolism) in a state of healthy equilibrium, Ayurveda prescribes for each individual a specific daily routine

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Arising

Natural urges

Head oil

Cleanliness

Massage

Exercise

Good sleepwww.cozwecare.org

Ritucharya

The doshas are influenced primarily by seasonal variations.

Knowledge of this is related to the balancing of the doshas.

Hence Ritucharya i.e. the seasonal taste adjustments, dietetics and regime is to be followed.

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Art Therapy

Ranging from ancient rock cave paintings at Bimbetaka and mandalas to new aged clinical therapy, art has been used for stress reduction in Ayurveda.

A good painting cleanses and curbs anxiety and banishes bad dreams -Vishnudharmottara Puranana

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

The benefits of Achara rasayana over Modern Medicine:

improving quality of life triad of lifespiritual health - four purusharthasman and naturedaily regimenseasonal regimen and ethical

regimen social healthbalanced personality and behavior

(sattvik) © Dr. Chothe. V.R

Some more benefits…

formation of high quality dhatus (tissues)

increases the quantity and quality of ojas

a vital factor for health and immunity antioxidantanti-stresspeace of mindhealthy and long life

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

If every individual observes rules and regulations (described in Swasthavritta) – daily regimen, seasonal regimen and ethical regimen, takes proper food, sleep and enjoys controlled sexual activity, he can enjoy long and healthy life. © Dr. Chothe. V.R

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

Conclusion

Achara Rasayana (Ayurvedic lifestyle modification) has been highly significant clinically.

Hence there is need for its scientific accreditation in international community

© Dr. Chothe. V.R

 

Thank You

There is more to life than increasing its speed. 

-Mohandas K. Gandhi

© Dr. Chothe. V.R