Care of the Heart
Cardiovascular disease is any condition that impairs the heart. It is the number one cause of death for women - more than all
cancers. More women die of cardiovascular disease than men although commonly it is thought of as a man's disease and there
is probably more fear about/from cancer than heart disease. In Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali BKS Iyengar says,
"The citadel of purusha is the heart." Purusha is the abstract essence of the self. Chapter III.35 states "By samyama on the
region of the heart, the yogi acquires a thorough knowledge of the contents and tendencies of consciousness." (Samyama is the
combined practice of the last three of the eight limbs of yoga: concentration, meditation, and union with the Divine.)
cancers. More women die of cardiovascular disease than men although commonly it is thought of as a man's disease and there
is probably more fear about/from cancer than heart disease. In Light on the Yoga Sutras of Patanjali BKS Iyengar says,
"The citadel of purusha is the heart." Purusha is the abstract essence of the self. Chapter III.35 states "By samyama on the
region of the heart, the yogi acquires a thorough knowledge of the contents and tendencies of consciousness." (Samyama is the
combined practice of the last three of the eight limbs of yoga: concentration, meditation, and union with the Divine.)
Beets enhance blood flow, provide nitric oxide and increase oxygen uptake.
Stress, a sedentary lifestyle, high blood pressure, alcoholism, obesity, tobacco are factors exacerbating diseases of the heart.
Food can have a big impact on whether or not a person develops cardiovascular disease. Red fruits and vegetables are
good for the heart; interesting since red is the color associated with blood and the heart. Raspberries, cherries, strawberries,
red apples, cranberries, grapes, pomegranates, tomatoes, peppers, beets are especially good for heart health. Perceptions
we allow into our consciousness can be considered food for the mind as can negative emotions like anxiety, anger, worry and
fear. Good sleep is also important for good heart health as well as mindful exercise.
Food can have a big impact on whether or not a person develops cardiovascular disease. Red fruits and vegetables are
good for the heart; interesting since red is the color associated with blood and the heart. Raspberries, cherries, strawberries,
red apples, cranberries, grapes, pomegranates, tomatoes, peppers, beets are especially good for heart health. Perceptions
we allow into our consciousness can be considered food for the mind as can negative emotions like anxiety, anger, worry and
fear. Good sleep is also important for good heart health as well as mindful exercise.
Some herbs that can be useful for the heart are Hawthorn berries, Arjun, Ashwagandha and Sarpagandha. In Ayurveda,
ojas resides in the heart. Ojas is the pure essence of all bodily tissues and is related to vitality and immunity. The heart is the
universal symbol of love. Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita is entitled "The Way of Love". In this chapter Arjuna, a warrior, asks Krishna (God) how to be united with Him and Krishna basically says to love. But it is not the love of romance novels and St. Valentine's Day.
Eknath Easwaran in The Bhagavad Gita For Daily Living Volume 2 relates the words of St. Paul, who he says describes
best Krishna's concept of love. "Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but
rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth...."
ojas resides in the heart. Ojas is the pure essence of all bodily tissues and is related to vitality and immunity. The heart is the
universal symbol of love. Chapter 12 of the Bhagavad Gita is entitled "The Way of Love". In this chapter Arjuna, a warrior, asks Krishna (God) how to be united with Him and Krishna basically says to love. But it is not the love of romance novels and St. Valentine's Day.
Eknath Easwaran in The Bhagavad Gita For Daily Living Volume 2 relates the words of St. Paul, who he says describes
best Krishna's concept of love. "Love suffereth long, and is kind; love envieth not; love vaunteth not itself, is not puffed up,
doth not behave itself unseemly, seeketh not its own, is not easily provoked, thinketh no evil; rejoiceth not in iniquity, but
rejoiceth in the truth; beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. Love never faileth...."
