The Heart in Ayurveda

In Yoga and Ayurveda, the heart, not the mind is considered the seat of intelligence and wisdom. The heart is also known as the energetic center of the body where different physical, mental and energetic pathways converge. Hrdaya is the name for the heart in Sanskrit.

Hr  means, “to receive”.
Da means, “to give.”
Ya means, “to control.”

We have lots of language around the heart and emotions. “My heart is heavy.” “Follow your heart.” “I had a change of heart.” Western medicine has acknowledged for some time that our emotions can affect our health and lifespan. Recent studies in neurocardiology have confirmed what Ayurveda has discussed for over a thousand years. The heart has memory neurons and relays information to the brain, it produces several hormones including oxytocin, noradrenaline and dopamine, and the heart encodes and processes information independent to the brain.[1]

In Ayurveda the heart is the seat of The Ten Great Vessels which support circulation and lymph. Three of the Srotamsi (internal channels of the body) are rooted in the heart:
             The Mano Vaha Srotas (the mind channel) which is responsible for thinking, discernment and feeling.
             The Prana Vaha Srotas (the respiratory channel) which controls flow of life force energy throughout the body and higher intelligence.

               The Rasa Vaha Srotas (lymph/plasma channel) which is responsible for nourishment of every cell.

The seat of Ojas, our immunity, vitality and enthusiasm are in the heart. Each of the dosas, Vata, Pitta, and Kapha have an aspect that dwells in the heart. The heart chakra, Anahata Chakra acts as a bridge between the physical and subtle bodies as well as the lower and higher selves. It is the crossroads of the nadis (energetic channels) and processes emotions and experiences.

On this Valentine’s week I invite you to consider the opening of your heart. This week in classes we will be doing heart openers and backbends that support our hearts. Please join me virtually or in-person. Watch my video on The Three Part Breath, a pranayama that is great for our hearts. I also just posted a short yoga video for opening the heart. Most importantly, give yourself a gift for Valentine’s Day of self-care. What is one thing you can do to take care of yourself and support heart health?

[1] https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/explorations-the-mind/202202/the-significance-the-heart-brain-connection