MIND-HEART AXIS IN AYURVED: EXPLORING THE IMPACT OF ANXIETY ON CARDIAC HEALTH

Prof. Dr. Sachinkumar Sahebrao Patil and Dr. Varsha Sadashiv Khot

ABSTRACT

Heart disease has long been associated with psychological factors, with anxiety recognized as a principal contributor from ancient Ayurvedic texts to modern clinical practice. This paper explores the intricate relationship between anxiety and heart disease through the lens of Ayurvedic principles, with references to classical texts such as Charaka Samhita and Ashtanga Hridaya. The study highlights how anxiety, manifesting through excessive thinking (Atidhyana), worry, and fear, leads to the vitiation of doshas—especially Vata and Pitta—and disturbs the equilibrium of srotas (bodily channels) and dhatus (tissues). Particular emphasis is given to the role of Ojas, Prakriti (constitutional types), and Saaratva (tissue excellence), demonstrating how mental stress disrupts physiological processes including digestion, circulation, and sensory integration, ultimately precipitating cardiovascular pathology. Furthermore, this paper posits that the mind and heart are intimately connected, both structurally and functionally, and that the disruption of mental peace leads to somatic manifestations, reinforcing the Ayurvedic doctrine that ―manaḥ sharīrasya kāraṇam‖ (the mind is the cause of bodily functions). This analysis proposes that addressing anxiety through holistic mind-body approaches rooted in Ayurveda is essential for both the prevention and management of heart disease.

Keywords: Anxiety, Heart Disease, Mana, Ayurved, Mind-Heart Connection.