Healing the heart
In Ayurveda, the heart—Hridaya—is far more than a muscle that pumps blood. The heart on a physical level is the basis of our health and longevity. Our life begins with our first heartbeat and ends with our last. Not only is the heart responsible for the physical conditions of our organs and tissues, but it reflects our energy and vitality over all. Let’s explore how Ayurvedic medicine views the heart, how imbalances arise, and how Ayurvedic medicine can restore strength, clarity, and rhythm to the most vital center of life.
"Hridayam chetana sthanam"
"The heart is the seat of consciousness."
— Charaka Samhita, Sharira Sthana 4.34
"Hridayam tridoshasthaanam, srotomoolam chetanasthanam cha"
"The heart is the site of all three doshas, the root of vital channels, and the seat of consciousness."
— Ashtanga Hridayam, Sharira Sthana 3/4
These verses emphasize that the heart is a central control hub for both the physical body and the subtle consciousness.
The heart is considered:
The center of emotion, intuition, and compassion (Anahata Chakra)
The seat of Ojas, the subtle essence of immunity and vitality
The root of key srotas (channels)—especially Rasavaha and Pranavaha srotas (plasma and respiration)
The control center for the body's doshic balance (Vata, Pitta, Kapha)
Ayurveda understands the heart not only anatomically but energetically and emotionally.
Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death worldwide. This could be the result of not only physical complications such as weight issues, diabetes, or improper exercise and diet but also can be the result of powerful psychological and emotional complications. Ayurveda doesn’t just address high blood pressure or cholesterol but invites us to understand what lies beneath the symptoms: lifestyle imbalances, emotional overload, disconnection from our inner rhythm, or energetic blockages?
THE MAHA NADIS
The heart is also intimately linked with a vital network of subtle energy channels, as described in the Vedic texts—particularly the ten great vessels (mahā-nāḍīs). These pathways are closely connected to both the mano vaha srotas (the channels of the mind) and the rasa vaha srotas (the channels of plasma and emotion), highlighting the heart's role as a central hub for both emotional and energetic flow.
Among these ten nāḍīs, three are considered especially significant. These three primary channels run from the base of the spine to the crown of the head, intersecting at each of the seven chakras and forming the energetic core of the subtle body:
Idā Nāḍī – the lunar or feminine channel, associated with cooling energy, runs along the left side of the spine and corresponds with left nostril breathing.
Piṅgalā Nāḍī – the solar or masculine channel, carries warming energy, flows along the right side of the spine, and is linked to right nostril breathing.
Suṣumṇā Nāḍī – the central channel, running through the spinal axis, becomes active when both nostrils are open and breath flows equally through them. It is the main conduit of awakened consciousness and prāṇa.
These nāḍīs conduct the life force—prāṇa—throughout the body, demonstrating the deep interconnection between prāṇa, the heart, and the subtle energetic system.
This is why prāṇāyāma—the practice of controlled, mindful breathing in yogic tradition—is such a powerful tool for heart health. Prāṇāyāma helps activate, purify, and harmonize these three channels, bringing balance to the nervous system, clarity to the mind, and coherence to the emotional and energetic heart.
the anahata chakra
Located at the center of the chest, this energy center is often described as a bridge between the physical and spiritual realms, as well as between the inner self and the outer world.
Energetically, the heart chakra governs:
Compassionate love
Emotional balance
Meaningful relationships
Empathy and connection
It is also the primary emotional hub of the subtle body, where emotions such as love, grief, loneliness, joy, and sorrow tend to collect and express themselves. When balanced, it allows for unconditional love and emotional resilience. When blocked, it can lead to emotional withdrawal, sadness, or relational disconnection.
Each chakra in the subtle body is a convergence point of nāḍīs (energetic pathways), and the heart chakra is no exception. In fact, it adds to the density of energetic intersections at the heart, increasing both its spiritual significanceand its sensitivity to emotional and energetic fluctuations.
THE SEAT OF OJAS
The heart is home to the subtlest most refined form of Ojas. Ojas is the final product of efficient digestion, nutrient absorption, and deep tissue nourishment. When Agni (digestive fire) is strong and balanced, each dhatu (body tissue) is properly formed and nourished, eventually giving rise to Ojas.
But Ojas is more than just a metabolic byproduct—it is also deeply influenced by lifestyle and emotional wellbeing. It can be weakened by:
Chronic stress or anxiety
Past emotional trauma or grief
Poor diet or digestion
Toxic relationships
Overexertion or lack of rest
Excess sensory stimulation
In this way, the quality of Ojas becomes a direct mirror of our overall state—physically, emotionally, and spiritually.
healing the heart with ayurvedic medicine
If you suffer from high blood pressure, cholesterol, or any heart disease, most likely you went to the doctor and got prescribed a pill. Taking a pill is of course easier than changing our lifestyle, but prescription medicines come with high dangers when taken long term. First off, they do not get to the root cause of the problem and often cause more problems in the body. Ayurveda invites us to understand why we are having symptoms in the first place.
The first step is to understand our state of agni or digestive fire- do we have Pitta, Vata, or Kapha agni? (Read blog post on agni for more info). The next step is to understand which dosha’s are out of balance? If Vata is out of balance, we may experience irregular heartbeat, palpitations, anxiety, cold dry skin, and fear. If pitta is out of balance, we may experience hypertension, anger, instability, inflammation, acidity, and intensity. If Kapha is out of balance, we may experience high cholesterol, edema, congestion, heaviness in chest, and lethargy.
Understanding the cause, we implement the right foods for Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We need to reduce ama or toxins in the body by following a diet that is fresh, organic, and free from preservatives. We also need to maintain a steady routine of when to eat certain foods and what not to combine together.
Along with right diet, we can administer different herbs through the skin and orally. Arjuna and Hawthorne berries are both rich in antioxidants and strengthens the cardiac muscle improving elevated cholesterol and blood pressure. Every day spices like cinnamon and turmeric can reduce inflammation and strengthen the heart muscle. Brahmi, shankapushpi, and ashwagandha can restore emotional balance from stress, trauma, and grief.
Anahata basti is a treatment beneficial for heart palpitations, angina, congestive heart failure, the inability to receive or give love, bitterness from past hurts, overcoming fear from being hurt again, and mending a broken heart. Abhyanga infused with marma points is beneficial for detoxing the lymphatic system, clearing toxins, and regaining resilience in body and mind. Shirodhara is useful for a scattered, worried mind, and to regulate hormones. These treatments would be ideal for anyone suffering from heart issues as they promote detoxification and the rebuilding of Ojas.
Yoga and meditation help connect us back to our true selves. When we have a million things to worry about, these practices are so beneficial to start our morning with. They help keep us focused, grounded, and remembering that our true nature is spirit and we are here to enjoy and play in this life. Sometimes life can feel heavy, but reconnecting through yoga will help keep us light.
Rudraksha, the sacred seed of the Elaeocarpus ganitrus tree, is revered in India for its profound support of heart health—physically, emotionally, and spiritually. Worn as a mala or close to the heart, Rudraksha is believed to calm the nervous system, balance the heart chakra (Anāhata), and protect the energy body. Used in meditation, it enhances focus and emotional clarity; soaked overnight in water, the seed infuses the water with subtle, calming vibrations that can be consumed in the morning to support heart vitality and mental peace. Traditionally seen as the "tears of Shiva," Rudraksha symbolizes divine healing and inner balance
.The body can be healed as fast as it is injured and the heart is no exception. If you suffer from any heart disorder, please consider using Ayurvedic medicine to heal properly.