Coronary Artery Blockage
Coronary artery blockage reduces heart blood flow due to plaque buildup; Ayurveda links it to dosha imbalance.
About Coronary Artery Blockage
Coronary artery blockage, also known as coronary artery disease (CAD) refers to the obstruction of blood flow in the coronary arteries, which supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle. This blockage is primarily caused by a buildup of plaque (atherosclerosis) within the artery walls; it reduces blood flow to the heart, which can lead to chest pain, shortness of breath, and even heart attack.
Ayurveda views coronary artery disease (CAD) as a consequence of imbalances in doshas and Dhatus (bodily tissues). When Kapha Dosha is imbalanced, it can lead to sluggish metabolism and excessive Meda Dhatu (fatty tissue) production, potentially contributing to plaque buildup in arteries whereas Aggravated Pitta can lead to the formation of "Ama Pitta" (toxic Pitta), which can damage blood vessel walls and contribute to inflammation.
Types:
- Stable Angina - Characterized by predictable chest pain or discomfort during exertion or stress due to partial blockage.
- Unstable Angina - Unexpected chest pain that occurs at rest or with minimal exertion due to Plaque rupture and formation of a blood clot.
- Myocardial Infarction (Heart Attack) - sometimes plaque can completely block an artery, stopping blood flow to a specific part of the heart muscle.
Common Causes
- Atherosclerosis- Primary cause of coronary artery blockage, where plaque (composed of cholesterol, fatty substances, cellular waste products, calcium, and fibrin) builds up in the artery walls.
- Coronary Artery Spasm- Temporary tightening or spasm of the muscles within the artery walls.
- High blood pressure- Uncontrolled high blood pressure can damage artery walls.
- High LDL cholesterol- LDL cholesterol, often called "bad" cholesterol, can build up in the artery walls.
- Low HDL cholesterol- HDL cholesterol, also known as "good" cholesterol, helps remove LDL cholesterol from the arteries.
Ayurvedic Perspective
Treatment and Management:
Dietary Modifications (Pathya)-
- Reducing Ama (toxins): Focus on easily digestible foods and avoid processed foods, excessive sugar, and refined carbohydrates to limit Ama formation.
- Balancing Doshas: Specific dietary recommendations are made based on your dominant dosha. For example, Kapha-dominant individuals might benefit from reducing Kapha-aggravating foods like dairy and sweets.
- Limiting Saturated and Trans Fats: Reduce intake of foods high in saturated and trans fats, which can contribute to bad cholesterol.
Herbal Remedies-
- Guggul: This resin is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties.
- Triphala: This herbal blend may improve digestion and detoxification, potentially impacting lipid metabolism.
- Arjuna: This herb is considered cardioprotective and may support healthy circulation.
Therapies-
Panchakarma-
- Virechana (Purgation): This therapeutic procedure uses herbs to cleanse the digestive system and eliminate toxins.
- Basti (Enemas): Medicated enemas can help cleanse and revitalize the body, potentially impacting lipid metabolism.
Yoga asanas-
- Surya Namaskar (Sun Salutation)
- Bhujangasana (Cobra Pose)
- Dhanurasana (Bow Pose)
- Sarvangasana (Shoulder Stand)
- Halasana (Plough Pose)
- Matsyasana (Fish Pose)
- Ardha Matsyendrasana (Half Spinal Twist)
Home Remedies-
- Garlic: Take 2-3 tablespoons of milk, add 2-3 crushed garlic cloves and boil for 5 minutes, have this on an empty stomach in the morning to optimize cardiac functions.
- Ginger: Known for its blood-thinning and anti-inflammatory properties, Ginger has proved to be beneficial in lowering the level of cholesterol and reducing blood clots.
- Cinnamon: cinnamon bark contains phenolic compounds such as cinnamaldehyde and cinnamic acid with protective properties which can reduce the risk of cardiovascular diseases.
Common Symptoms
- Chest Pain or Discomfort (Angina): Often described as pressure, squeezing, fullness, or pain in the center of the chest.
- Shortness of Breath
- Pain in Other Areas: Such as the arms, back, neck, jaw, or stomach.
- Nausea or Vomiting
- Sweating
- Lightheadedness or Dizziness
Recommended Treatments
Sattvik Diet Treatment
Calm, nourishing, and digestible food patterns that support clarity, steady energy, and gentle healing are designed by doctors and nutrition leads at Atmabodh. Sattvik (sāttvika) nutrition emphasises fresh, seasonal, minimally processed vegetarian foods prepared with care. We personalise this framework to your constitution (prakriti), current imbalance (vikriti), schedule, and cultural preferences. So it’s realistic, enjoyable, and sustainable. The Sattvik Diet Treatment at Atmabodh supports lifestyle change and well‑being. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Please continue prescribed medicines and consult your physician for illness management. Why choose Sattvik Diet at Atmabodh? Doctor‑supervised & personalised plans aligned to digestion (agni), appetite rhythm, and goals. Gentle on the gut: warm, easy‑to‑digest meals that reduce heaviness and bloating. Steady energy & mood via balanced plates and mindful meal timing. Simple, practical recipes using local, seasonal ingredients. Integrative support with Yoga Therapy, breathwork, and Ayurvedic therapies when indicated. Who can benefit? Digestive system: acidity, heaviness, irregular bowels, post‑illness appetite reset. Metabolic support: sustainable weight management, cravings control, steady glucose. Cardio‑metabolic: blood pressure friendly rhythms (low‑sodium, potassium rich, minimally processed). Nervous system: anxiety, overdrive, poor sleep—focus on calming, routine‑building meals. Women’s health: menstrual comfort, perimenopause support (warmth, mineral‑rich foods). Skin & hair: hydration, micronutrients, and oils that support skin barrier. Suitability and pacing are individual; see Safety for medical considerations. Core Sattvik principles Fresh, warm, light‑to‑moderate meals; avoid very cold/icy foods. Regular meal rhythm: 3 structured meals; optional light snack if truly hungry. Mindful spice: cumin, coriander, fennel, turmeric, ginger, black pepper in moderation. Fats: small amounts of ghee or cold‑pressed oils (sesame/groundnut/mustard/coconut as suited). Proteins: mung/masoor/toor dal, kala chana/rajma (well soaked & cooked), paneer/curd (if tolerated), millets. Grains: hand‑polished rice, whole wheat/roti, millets (little/barnyard/foxtail), poha, daliya. Vegetables: mostly seasonal, cooked; raw salads only if digestion tolerates well. Fruits: seasonal, ripe, eaten alone or away from heavy meals. Fluids: warm water, herbal infusions (jeera/ajwain/fennel), thin buttermilk (spiced), coconut water (as suited). Preferably avoid: ultra‑processed foods, excessive chilli/garlic, onion (traditional sattvik avoidance, optional), alcohol, tobacco, energy drinks, refined sugar excess. What happens in your consult? Case‑taking: digestion, appetite, bowel rhythm, sleep, energy, stress, labs/diagnoses, medicines. Assessment: constitution & imbalance mapping; food tolerances; kitchen constraints. Education: portion cues, cooking methods, meal timing, mindful eating. Follow‑ups: adjust for symptoms, cravings, schedule, and lab‑guided goals. Sample one‑day Sattvik plan Morning (on waking): warm water; 4–5 soaked almonds or raisins. Breakfast: vegetable moong chilla with mint chutney orpoha with peas & peanuts; herbal tea. Mid‑morning (optional): seasonal fruit (papaya/guava/apple) or thin spiced buttermilk. Lunch: khichdi (moong + rice/millet) with ghee; lightly spiced veg (lauki/tori/tinda); cucumber‑mint raita. Evening: jeera‑fennel infusion; 1 small handful trail mix (roasted chana + seeds) if hungry. Dinner (lighter than lunch): mixed veg stew with millets/soft rotis; paneer/tofu bhurji if extra protein needed. Pre‑bed: golden milk with pinch of nutmeg (only if suited) or warm water. Portion cue: ½ plate vegetables, ¼ grains/millet, ¼ protein + 1–2 tsp ghee/oil. Therapeutic tracks (choose with your clinician) Weight & cravings reset: higher‑protein dals, millet rotation, fixed snack windows, fibre‑rich veg. Gut calm & bloat care: simple khichdi days, low gas‑forming veg, asafoetida/ginger, slow eating. Sugar‑steady plan: pair carbs with protein/fat, low‑GI millets, portioned fruit, early dinners. BP & heart‑ease: low sodium, potassium‑rich veg, nuts/seeds measured, calm evening routine. Sleep & stress: warm evening meals, magnesium‑rich foods (seeds/greens), caffeine limits, breathwork. Women’s cycles: iron‑/calcium‑supportive foods, warming spices, meal timing to energy. Kitchen & cooking methods Soak legumes/grains; cook till soft; skim excess foam for easier digestion. Prefer steaming, stewing, pressure cooking, sautéing over deep‑frying. Temper spices lightly; avoid burning masala. Use rock salt; add lemon/fermented options for flavour without excess salt. Store leftovers safely; prefer fresh. If needed, refrigerate and reheat once only. Mindful eating habits Sit, slow down, and chew thoroughly. Eat until comfortably satisfied (not stuffed). Keep main meals device‑free; step away for 10–15 mindful breaths if stressed. Maintain 12–13 hours gentle overnight fasting window unless medically contraindicated. Safety & medical considerations Diabetes/thyroid/BP/cardiac: plans coordinated with your physician; no abrupt carb restriction. Pregnancy/lactation: higher‑calorie, micronutrient‑dense variants; avoid herbs not advised. Kidney/liver conditions: protein, potassium, and fluid tailored by doctor. Lactose/gluten intolerance: curd/paneer/wheat substitutes (plant milks, millets, rice, lentils). Eating disorders: this program is not a replacement for specialised care.
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Panchakarma
Classical Ayurvedic cleansing and restoration physician‑supervised, personalised, and gentle. Panchakarma at Atmabodh is a carefully sequenced program that helps release accumulated ama (metabolic waste), calm aggravated doshas, and reset digestion (agni). Every plan is doctor‑led, adapted to your constitution and current state, and coordinated with your ongoing medical care when required. Panchakarma supports well‑being and lifestyle change. It does not replace medical diagnosis or treatment. Suitability is confirmed only after clinical assessment. Who is it for? Digestive & metabolic balance: heaviness, bloating, irregular appetite, sluggishness. Musculoskeletal comfort: stiffness, recurrent aches, postural tension. Skin & scalp support: dryness/roughness, oil imbalance, seasonal flares (as advised). Stress, sleep & mind: restlessness, fatigue, shallow sleep, overdrive. Respiratory ease: seasonal congestion, head–neck load; post‑illness convalescence (only with clearance). Women’s health routines: peri‑menopause transitions, cycle comfort (timed away from menstruation). Eligibility is case‑specific; some conditions are contraindicated (see Safety). What are the “Five Actions”? Vamana(therapeutic emesis) – selected kapha presentations. Virechana(purgation) – guided elimination for pitta‑dominant states. Basti(medicated enema) – anuvāsana (oil), niruha/kashāya (decoction), matra (micro‑dose). Nasya(nasal therapy) – for head–neck pathways, preceded by local prep. Raktamokshana(blood‑letting) – rarely indicated; specialist‑only, strict protocols. Not everyone receives all five; your physician selects the minimum effective pathway. How it works – the three phases Pūrva‑karma (Preparation) Snehana (Oleation): internal ghee/oil titration (if indicated) + external abhyanga. Swedana (Fomentation): steam/heat to soften tissues and mobilise doshas. Diet prep: light, warm, easy‑to‑digest meals; reduction of stimulants. Pradhāna‑karma (Main procedure) The chosen action (e.g., virechana, basti) performed on the medically optimal day. Close monitoring of vitals, comfort, and response. Paśchāt‑karma (Recovery & Rasāyana) Samsarjana‑krama: stepwise diet progression from thin gruels to normal meals. Gentle routine, rest, and targeted rejuvenation. Pre‑program preparation (what we do together) Clinical history, vitals, and relevant labs (as advised). Explain what to expect, precautions, and consent. Set a realistic schedule (typically 10–21+ days depending on goals and responses). Plan for lighter work/social load during intensive days. A typical day during Panchakarma (illustrative) Quiet morning start → vitals & doctor check‑in. Abhyanga (warm oil application) → Swedana (steam) as pre‑procedure. Main procedure on indicated days (e.g., virechana or basti); otherwise supportive care. Simple, warm meals at set times; hydration guidance. Rest, gentle walks, breath‑led relaxation; screen and stimulation kept low. Diet & recovery – Samsarjana‑Krama(post‑procedure) Stage 1: thin rice gruel (peya/kanji). Stage 2: thicker gruel (vilepi). Stage 3: soft rice + light lentils/vegetables (yavāgu/khichri‑style). Stage 4: gradual return to regular, warm, fresh meals. Spices, oils, and portions are adjusted case‑by‑case. No fasting or extremes unless prescribed. Safety, eligibility & contraindications Physician‑reviewed contraindications may include: pregnancy, active infection/fever, uncontrolled BP/diabetes, severe anemia, active ulcers, recent surgery, frailty, acute psychiatric crises. Medications are not stopped or altered without your treating doctor’s advice. Informed consent; hygienic protocols; vitals monitoring when indicated. We coordinate with your physician upon request. What you may notice over time Lighter digestion, clearer appetite cues, reduced abdominal discomfort. Ease and suppleness in joints and soft tissue. Calmer mind, steadier energy, improved sleep quality. Skin comfort and scalp balance. A renewed baseline for sustainable lifestyle change. Timelines vary. Many guests observe a shift within 2–4 weeks with adherence to guidance. Related Therapies Oleation & fomentation Abhyanga (whole‑body oiling) Snehapāna (measured internal oleation, if indicated) Swedana (steam/sudation) Head–neck & mind‑calming Shirodhara / Takradhara Shiroabhyanga (head–neck oiling) Nasya (also one of the five, used in specific plans) Localized applications Kati/Grīva/Jānu/Uro Basti (warm oil pooling) Pichu (oil‑soaked pad) Kizhi (Potli) (herbal bolus compress) Udvartana (herbal powder rub) Lepam (herbal paste packs) Recovery & rejuvenation Rasāyana guidance (diet, routine, sleep hygiene, gentle movement) Breath‑led relaxation / Yoga Nidra
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Yoga Therapy
Gentle, evidence‑informed practices tailored to your body, breath, and life. Yoga Therapy at Atmabodh blends classical yogic wisdom with modern therapeutic insights. Each session is personalised focusing on breath, mindful movement, and relaxation to help you manage symptoms, build resilience, and restore ease. Why choose Yoga Therapy? Personalised: One‑to‑one care plans based on your goals, abilities, and health history. Whole‑person approach: Works on body, breath, mind, emotions, and daily routines. Safe & gradual: Gentle progressions with options for pain, fatigue, or limited mobility. Integrative: Complements medical treatment and physiotherapy; we coordinate when needed. Practical: Short home practices you can realistically maintain. Yoga Therapy supports your healing journey but does not replace medical care. Please consult your physician for diagnosis and treatment. Who can benefit? Musculoskeletal: Back/neck pain, knee/shoulder issues, postural strain, arthritis. Stress & sleep: Anxiety, burnout, insomnia, overwhelm. Respiratory: Asthma, breathlessness, long‑COVID recovery (post‑medical clearance). Women’s health: Menstrual discomfort, perimenopause symptoms, prenatal/postnatal support. Digestive & metabolic: Indigestion, IBS, lifestyle support for diabetes and hypertension. Neurological & nervous system: Tension headaches, migraine, high reactivity/sensitivity. What happens in a session? Brief check‑in: Current symptoms, energy, mood, medications, red flags. Breath‑led movement: Gentle, pain‑free ranges to mobilise joints and release tension. Stability work: Core and postural support using slow, mindful strengthening. Nervous system down‑shift: Breathwork, guided relaxation, or Yoga Nidra. Mindfulness: Simple focus practices to build present‑moment awareness. Home plan: 10–20 minute routine with clear steps (video/handout provided). Typical session length: 60 minutes (first visit 75–90 minutes for assessment). How it works (in simple steps) Initial assessment – health history, movement screen, breathing patterns, goals. Personalised plan – curated postures, breath ratios, relaxation, daily habits.
View Treatment →FAQs
Q: What is coronary artery blockage?
Coronary artery blockage occurs when plaque buildup narrows the heart’s arteries, reducing blood flow and increasing the risk of heart attack.
Q: Can Ayurveda help treat coronary artery blockage?
Yes. Ayurveda focuses on balancing doshas, removing Ama (toxins), improving blood circulation, and strengthening the heart through herbs, diet, and therapies.
Q: Which Ayurvedic herbs are good for heart blockages?
Arjuna, Guggul, Punarnava, and Ashwagandha are commonly used to support heart health and clear blockages.
Q: Is Ayurvedic treatment safe for heart patients?
When done under expert guidance, Ayurvedic treatments are generally safe and can complement conventional care.
Q: Can diet improve coronary artery blockage naturally?
Yes. A heart-friendly diet with fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and healthy fats can help manage and prevent blockages.
Q: How long does Ayurvedic treatment take to show results?
Results vary depending on the severity of the blockage, lifestyle changes, and adherence to the treatment plan.