Achar Rasayana in Cardiac Health
Dr. Vikas Chothe
PG Scholar, Department of Swasthavritta (PSM), College of Ayurveda and Research Centre, Akurdi,
Pune.1 Email:vchothe@gmail.com

Abstract:
Coronary heart disease (CHD) is the leading cause of death in India1.This article attempts to study the
efficacy of Achara Rasayana and Art therapy in the modification of cardiovascular risk factors. Stress2,3,
alcohol4,5and smoking6,7 are important determinants of coronary heart disease and diabetes. Ayurveda
considers the functions of heart and mind inter-linked. By adoption of ethical elements mentioned in
'Achara Rasayana' like following a sattvik diet and life style, speaking the truth, practicing non-violence,
living in harmony with the nature, following social ethics and conducts and incorporating nonconventional
form of psychotherapy such as Art therapy into the comprehensive cardiac rehabilitation program
definitely would enhance efficacy and add value.
Keywords: Coronary heart disease (CHD), Stress, Achara Rasayana, Art therapy

References:
1 Mark D Huffman (2010) Coronary Heart Disease in India. Center for Chronic Disease Control
2 Frans Pouwer, Nina Kupper & Marcel C Adriaanse. Does Emotional Stress Cause Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus? A Review from the European
Depression in Diabetes (EDID) Research Consortium. Discovery Medicine, 9(45):112-118, February 2010
3American Heart Association: Stress and heart disease [article online]. Available from http://www.americanheart.org/presenter.jhtml?identifier=4750.
Accessed 5 April, 2008
4 Rimm EB. Prospective study of alcohol consumption and risk of coronary disease in men. Lancet 1991; 338: 464.
5 Gotto AK. Risk factors of coronary artery disease. In: Braunwald E, ed, Heart disease. W.B. Saunders, 1988; 1153-83.
6Sinha BC. Pattern of ischaemic heart disease in India. J Ind Med Asson 1970; 55: 171.
7 Wilhelmsson C. Risk factors of coronary artery disease. Lancet 1975; 1: 415.

Address for correspondence: Empire Estate M-2, 001, Chinchwad Pune-19. (India) Email:vchothe@gmail.com