Posted by JB Bardot
Ayurveda is one of the oldest, holistic approaches to medicine, originating in India thousands of years ago. The primary focus of Ayurveda is the promotion of health through the balance of mind, body and consciousness with the use of herbs combined with lifestyle and dietary choices. Certain herbs used in ayurvedic medicine are helpful for improving circulation and strengthening the cardiovascular system. If you’re not familiar with Ayurveda, check with an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting any new treatment protocols.
How Does Ayurveda Work?
The goal of ayurveda is to bring a person into a more harmonious state with his or her environment and restore the body’s ability for self-healing, according to Health Services University of New Hampshire. A practitioner will assess each patient to determine which dosha best suits that person. Doshas are metabolic body types consisting of various compositions of the five elements, space, air, fire, water and earth. There are three doshas and each person fits primarily into one of the three categories. Treatment depends on your dosha, which dictates how you should eat, the necessary healing herbs used, and a myriad of other curative techniques.
Ayurveda for Circulation
Special herbs can be used individually or in herbal tonics to improve circulation and oxygenate the body, notes the “The Yoga of Herbs.” Some increase blood cell count, others expand capillaries, and some remove plaque from arteries and improve blood flow.
Single Herbs and Herbal Tonics Improve Circulation
Amalaki
Amalaki is one of three important herbs used in Triphal, a principle health tonic used for overall toning and good health, writes “The Yoga of Herbs.” It assists in rebuilding new tissues and increase red cell count.
Arjuna
This herb is used as a heart tonic to strengthen the heart and cardiac system and to relieve certain cardiac conditions including lowering the blood pressure and heart rate. It is often found in combination heart tonics.
Punarnavadi Guggul
Punarnavadi Guggul is frequently used to reduce fluid retention in the body, restore kidney function and improve elimination. It is known for its ability to reduce edema and fluids trapped in tissues.
Heart Formula
Heart Formula herbal tonic includes arjuna, bala and hawthorn berry to stimulate circulation, improve blood flow and oxygenation, and to strengthen the entire cardiac system.
Rumalaya
Rumalaya herbal tonic includes guggul and boswellia to support joint health and improve circulation and flexibility in the joints.
Sources:
Health Services University of New Hampshire: Ayurveda
http://www.unh.edu/health-services/ohep/holistic_ayurveda.html
University of Maryland Medical Center: Ayurveda
http://www.umm.edu/altmed/articles/ayurveda-000348.htm
“The Yoga of Herbs”; David Frawley and Vasant Lad; 2001