Stress and Anxiety reduction via Brain Heart Communication - unique Ayurvedic therapy - Heart (Hridaya) Basti

My beautiful client Priya inspired me to write about Hridaya Basti when she came to see me last week for this treatment and shared her experience and benefits that she experienced with this therapy.

Honestly that is not the treatment I perform often at my clinic just maybe because my practically geared brain is always choosing treatments that seem to me to be more effective. I also must confess that even though I personally experienced almost every Ayurvedic therapy, heart (hridaya) basti has been off my radar.

In Priya's case, she admitted this therapy has always been so powerful in assisting her to release trapped emotions, to help moving forward with the lighter heart and embrace new challenges while letting go of the old trauma.

Ok, let's try to figure out how this therapy works and why it may assist on both physiological and spiritual level. After all, Ayurveda encompasses practices that promote health and longevity of body, mind and spirit.

The procedure consists of holding warm medicated herbal oil in a dough ring sealed over the chest area with the thin paste of flour. The temperature of oil is kept consistent for 30-45min. The therapy is very comfortable and relaxing.

How it Works:

After the application of the warm oil, penetration of heat through the skin not only dilates the blood vessel (aorta) but also stimulates the receptor of vagus nerve through heart-brain communication and mind becomes calm.

Effects:

• Increases the vasodilation

• Decreases viscosity of blood

• Change in nerve conduction

• Strengthen the heart muscles

• Increases the pain threshold

• Increases the tissue extensibility

• Improves the blood flow

Ok, in India in Ayurvedic hospitals Hridaya Basti is used as an external approach to many cardio-pulmonary diseases by maintaining the proper flow of blood. It is commonly used in pain condition. Of course, it is used as part of the comprehensive treatment plan.

Here in Australia we can certainly beneficially use this therapy for its' calming effect on mind and strengthening effect on cardiac muscle as part of the rehabilitation protocols.

This therapy has shown to provide some relief in palpitation, fatigue and interrupted sleep.

In Ayurveda, Hridaya Basti is also considered a Heart Chakra Healing Therapy

It is a warming and nurturing procedure for the Hridaya marma (energy point) and the heart.

It energises Anahata Chakra seated near the heart which gives positive influence to the whole body and mind.

It is considered one of the best Ayurvedic treatments for heart, lung and some psychiatric disorders.

Number of treatments and duration:

• A One-Off treatment for general maintenance of healthy mind and heart connection periodically is very beneficial

• A series of three, five or seven treatments for more serious conditions required
  

Referenced Research Article:

A Comprehensive Clinical and Analytical Approach of Hridaya Basti, Yada H, Silswal M amd Srivastava, published date August 08, 2022, Journal of Natural and Ayurvedic Medicine

If you feel that Hridaya Basti might be a beneficial therapy for you, reach out and/or Book to try HERE.