Abstract

A LIGHT ON ROLE OF AYURVEDA IN PREVENTION OF CARDIOVASCULAR DISEASE: A LITERATURE REVIEW

Dr. Dhanshree P. Bhamode* and Dr. Jayashree Katole

Abstract

In the recent year there has been significant increase in incidences related to heart diseases in young age in every part of the world among all races, ethnic groups and cultures. This is due to changing in life style, diet patterns, lack of exercise as well as psychological factors like mental stress and strain. According to the World Health Organization, cardiovascular disease causes 12 million deaths in the world each year. Even with all the advancements in medicine, the management of CVD‟s are yet to be redefined. Though modern medicine provides effective emergency management, it lacks behind in the effective preventive care and avoidance of recurrence. Heart is one of the Trimarmas in the human body and Ayurveda has emphasized that special care (Marmaparipalana) has to be given for the protection of this organ. Heart diseases are described in Ayurveda under the heading of Hridroga and treatment protocols have been explained for its management. As, „Prevention is better than cure.‟ The importance given by Ayurveda for prevention is immense when compared to any other medical sciences. Ayurveda has employed various preventive measures in the form of Dinacharya (daily regimes), Ritucharya (seasonal regimes), Ratricharya (Night regimen), Sadvrtta (Right code of conduct), Herbs and dietary supplements to prevent Cardiovascular diseases through lifestyle modification. „Swasthasya swasthya rakshanam, Aaturasya vikara prashamanam.‟ is the aim of Ayurveda. So, Ayurveda focus more on prevention of disease rather than curative aspect. In this article a honest attempt has been made to gather scattered information regarding prevention of heart disease.

Keywords: Ayurveda, Hridroga, prevention, cardio-vascular disorders.