If You Suspect A Heart Attack

If you suspect a heart attack, seek emergency medical treatment immediately. Should a heart attack occur, you should go to the emergency room and seek help immediately. Time is of essence. Only examination by a doctor, who will administer an electrocardiogram (EKG) and/or a blood test, can confirm if you are having a heart attack.

Signs and Symptoms present as pain that is crushing, tightness, squeezing, band-like, radiating, cyanosis, sweating, cold, “clenching fist over heart”, pain in the ear, umbilicus, jaw, teeth, back, arm, hand pain (often on the ulnar side), autonomic response of vomiting, nausea or a feeling of impending doom.

About one third of people who have a heart attack do not have chest pain. Such people are more likely to be women, people who are not white, those who are older than 75, those who have heart failure or diabetes, or those who have had a stroke.

Heart attack symptoms for women can be slightly different and present with a feeling of faintness, sudden heavy sweating, nausea, shortness of breath and a heavy pounding of the heart.

Abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) occur in more than 90% of people who have had a heart attack. Immediately and up to a few days after a heart attack, abnormal heart rhythms are a common reason that the heart cannot pump adequately. Abnormal heart rhythms originating in the ventricles (ventricular arrhythmias) may greatly interfere with the heart’s pumping ability or may cause the heart to stop pumping effectively (cardiac arrest). A loss of consciousness or death can result. Sometimes loss of consciousness is the first symptom of a heart attack.

A blood clot is the most common cause of a blocked coronary artery. Usually, the artery is already partially narrowed by atheromas. An atheroma may rupture or tear, narrowing the artery further and making blockage by a clot more likely. The ruptured atheroma not only reduces the flow of blood through an artery but also releases substances that make platelets stickier, further encouraging clots to form.

Uncommonly, a heart attack results when a clot forms in the heart itself, breaks away, and lodges in a coronary artery. Another uncommon cause is a spasm of a coronary artery that stops blood flow. Spasms may be caused by drugs. Sometimes the cause is unknown.

Herbal Remedies

Herbal medicine is a wonderful preventative solution. Complications can arise when taking herbal medicine and allopathic drugs your doctor has prescribed. Great caution should be used especially if you are on blood thinners, diuretics or any other heart related medication. Consult your doctor with any questions you may have, before taking additional herbs or supplements.

Bilberry: Bilberry fruit contains chemicals known as anthocyanosides, plant pigments that have excellent antioxidant properties. They scavenge damaging particles in the body known as free radicals, helping prevent or reverse damage to cells. Consider using for Atherosclerosis. Animal studies have found that anthocyanosides may strengthen blood vessels, improve circulation, and prevent the oxidation of LDL (bad) cholesterol, a major risk factor for atherosclerosis (plaque that blocks blood vessels, leading to heart attack and stroke). Research in people is needed. Also used for Chronic venous insufficiency. Bilberry extracts are used to treat this condition, which occurs when valves in veins in the legs that carry blood to the heart are damaged.

Blessed Thistle: Strengthens the heart. Also known as “St. Benedict Thistle” and “Holy Thistle”, this herb contains B-complex, calcium, iron, manganese and cincin. This herb has been used to tonify the heart, improve circulation and fight plaque.

Cayenne Pepper: is renowned, not only for healing the entire digestive system, and for arthritic pain relief, but also for the heart and circulatory system. It acts as a catalyst and increases the effectiveness of other herbs when used with them. Cayenne has been known to stop heart attacks within 30 seconds. Cayenne has a high source of Vitamins A & C, has the complete B complexes, and is very rich in organic calcium and potassium, which is one of the reasons it is good for the heart. Consider the synergy of taking both cayenne and Hawthorne berry together. Cayenne is also linked to decreases in cholesterol and blood pressure and the general maintenance of a health circulatory system.

Corn silk: Natural diuretic. Corn silk is used as a tea. the potassium in corn silk helps to offset potassium loss which is caused by increased urination. Compared to other diuretics, corn silk reduces the likelihood of muscle cramps and irregular heartbeat due to a loss of electrolytes by increasing urination.

Garlic: A rich source of potassium, zinc, selenium, vitamin A and Vitamin C, is commonly used to fight infection, increase circulation and help prevent cardiovascular disease. Consider eating raw garlic every day; since it is a very effective antifungal agent, or use it in tincture form. Research has shown that garlic is an anti-cholesterol remedy and is recommended for heart and circulatory problems. This is a wonderful natural antibiotic and detoxifier which protects the body against infection by enhancing immune function, as well. Garlic supplement, can be taken in pill form 2 to 3 times a day. Garlic tincture can be taken under the tongue, 2 to 3 times a day.

Ginkgo Biloba: is a known fighter or cerebro-vascular disease. Impaired circulation to the brain, often called a stroke, can cause severe and far-reaching effects on the entire body. Ginkgo has been shown in numerous studies to cause dilation and increase the blood flow in the arteries, capillaries and veins. In addition, they inhibit platelet aggregation, reduce blood clotting and work through antioxidants to protect our vascular walls from free-radical damage.

Goldenseal: Berberine, an active ingredient of goldenseal, can dilate blood vessels. Therefore, it may prove useful in the treatment of certain causes of both irregular heartbeat and heart failure. Do not use goldenseal for more that seven days at a time. Seven days off/seven days on.

Gotu Kola: This herb has a positive effect on the circulatory system as it strengthens the heart and helps lower blood pressure. It improves the flow of blood while strengthening the veins and capillaries. It has been used successfully to treat phlebitis, leg cramps, and abnormal tingling of the extremities.

Green and White Tea: Green and white teas are rich sources of polyphenols, including epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG). Of all the teas, white tea (the budding phase of Camellia sinensis) is the most highly prized and least processed. Upon harvesting, the leaves and buds are quickly steamed and dried to prevent oxidation of the delicate polyphenols. According to major university data bases, green tea contains at least 51 phytonutrients shown to promote a healthy inflammation response, confer profound cardiovascular and cellular protection, support detoxification, and support a healthy metabolism.

Hawthorn Berry: a member of the rose family, was recognized by physicians in the early 1800s for its ability to treat disorders related to circulation and respiration (breathing). Considered a “cardiotonic” herb, the flowers and berries of the hawthorn plant have been used in traditional medicine to treat irregular heartbeat, high blood pressure, chest pain, atherosclerosis, and congestive heart failure. Hawthorn berries contain large amounts of bioflavonoids, which help dilate and strengthen the walls of blood vessels, relax arteries, and improve circulation of blood to heart muscles. studies suggest that Hawthorn berry extract improves heart function and exercise capacity in those with CHF. Participants in research trials also report significantly improved symptoms (like reduced shortness of breath and fatigue). Hawthorn extract may even prove to be as effective as low doses of ACE inhibitors (a leading class of heart medication) in improving symptoms of congestive heart failure. Hawthorne must be taken daily to be affective.

Norwegian Kelp: Helps to clean and maintain the arteries. Some animal studies show kelp may help reduce cholesterol and blood pressure. On the other hand, kelp is also high in sodium, which may raise some people’s blood pressure. Salt-sensitive individuals with high blood pressure should not consume large amounts of kelp. Others may include the herb in a comprehensive heart-disease prevention program.

Motherwort: Improves blood flow circulation and reduces heart blood pressure and palpitations. The glycosides appear to have a short-term ability to lower blood pressure and reduce blood platelet aggregation. As a cardiac tonic, it is said to reduce heart palpitations. This herb strengthen the heartbeat without increasing the pulse rate as it sedates the coronary arteries. This results in increased circulation to the heart.

Olive Leaf: Naturally support the circulatory and immune systems. Based on a recent study published in the medical journal, Nutrition, Metabolism & Cardiovascular Diseases, polyphenols from olive leaf extract, significantly inhibited platelet aggregation in the laboratory. This has important benefits as the antiplatelet effects in olive leaves may offer a degree of protection from thrombosis and other cardiovascular diseases.

Rhodiola: Extracts from the root of rhodiola have been the subject of intensive pharmacological and clinical investigations in Russia and Scandinavia for more than thirty-five years. The results of these studies strongly support the use of Rhodiola as an adaptogen: a substance that normalizes physiology in response to stressors. As such, Rhodiola provides a solid foundation for restoring and maintaining health. It promotes cognitive and physical performance, supports positive emotional states, immune function and cardiovascular health, and restores balance to the hypothalamus-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis.

Rosemary: Is considered a heart tonic. Rosemary is also linked to decreases in cholesterol and blood pressure and the general maintenance of a health circulatory system. Traditionally, the herb has been used to ease muscle pain and spasm, support the circulatory and nervous systems, improve memory and stimulate hair growth.Rosemary tea, which can be made from fresh or dried leaves, offers impressive health benefits.

Aromatherapy Remedies

Aromatherapy can help sooth the heart, calm the nerves and slow a rapid pulse. As always prevention is the key. Maintaining the condition of our heart is important, no matter if you are working with a healthy heart or have had a stroke, high blood pressure, congestive heart failure…aromatherapy can help! Helpful, are essential oils of Clary Sage, Bergamot, Geranium, Ginger, Lemongrass, Neroli, Rose and Rosemary and are all beneficial for the heart.

You can find essential oil remedy recipes by clicking here.

Bergamot: helps soothe frustration and anger. This citrus oil helps those regain self confidence, who have lost it and uplifts and refreshes the Spirit. Bergamot has a reputation that evokes joy and warms the heart.

Clary Sage: The heart-shaped leaves of Clary Sage is considered an antispasmodic oil, can decrease heart rate and is considered mildly hypotensive.

Geranium: The fuzzy heart-shaped leaves of Geranium may also be an indicator that this fragrant oil is used to improve the circulatory system. Geranium is also known to soothe an agitated heart.

Ginger: This rich, spicy oil so often used for nausea also helps normalize blood pressure either by raises blood pressure by restricting external blood flow, or lowers it by dilating surface blood vessels.

Lemongrass: This oil contains five different compounds that inhibit blood clotting.

Neroli: Studies show that just inhaling Neroli can lower high blood pressure. Stress-related heart problems respond well to this fruity oil.

Rose: A gentle Heart tonifier, Rose’s psychological properties play mostly upon it effects on the mind. The mind, which is the center of our emotional being, extends it’s energy to the heart. Rose oil calms, nourishes and supports the heart and helps restore a sense of well being. Rose oil can be very beneficial in helping with anxiety, palpitations and insomnia. The compassion of the Rose is seen through it’s ability to heal emotional wounds. When loss, rejection or sorrow has injured our capacity for nurturing and self love, Rose oil brings a sweet and gentle comfort, binding the “heart strings” from the Heart to the Mind.

Rosemary: Studies show that this oil improves general circulation.

 Top Supplements for Heart Health

Arginine or L-arginine is one of the best known natural supplements used for cardiovascular disease. The most common explanation for its cardiovascular benefits has to do with L-arginine’s affect on nitric oxide. L-arginine is a substrate for the enzyme nitric oxide synthase (NOS). The enzyme converts L-arginine to nitric oxide. This leads to vasodilation, improved coronary endothelial function, and increased coronary blood.

Aspirin Therapy can help prevent a heart attack or clot-related stroke by lowering the clotting action of the blood’s platelets. Long term use of aspirin may also cause unwanted side effects, such as stomach bleeding, bleeding in the brain, kidney failure, and other kinds of strokes. There may be a benefit to daily aspirin use if you have some kind of heart or blood vessel disease, or if you have evidence of poor blood flow to the brain. Consult your doctor before you begin any aspirin therapy regimen.

B Complex is a multifunctional blend of the highly crucial vitamins including B-2, B-6, B-12, Niacin and Pantothenic acid to help maintain a sufficient daily intake. These vitamins are essential for normal formation of blood cells, and also support vision health, a healthy nervous system and energy metabolism and considered nourishing for the heart.

Carnitine or L-carnitine supplements may reduce your chances of developing heart failure after a heart attack and improve exercise capacity if you already have heart disease. Carnitine is a nutrient that helps the body convert fatty acids into energy. This energy, in turn, is used primarily for muscular activities throughout the body.

Coenzyme Q10 (CoQ10) is one of the most important heart health supplements. Also known as ubiquinone, ubidecarenone, coenzyme Q, the essential nutrient Coenzyme Q10 is a necessary component of cellular energy production and respiration. It is a component of the mitochondrial electron transport system which supplies the energy required for a variety of physiological functions. Co Q10 provides support to all cells of the body, and is especially supportive of tissues that require a lot of energy, such as the heart muscle, periodontal tissue, and the cells of the body’s natural defense system. Co Q10 enhances energy levels in every cell in the body, providing increased energy and exercise tolerance, and optimal nutritional support for the cardiovascular system. CoQ10 seems to encourage energy production helping enzymes release energy in every cell, stimulates immune system function, improves heart function, enhances the production of cellular energy, and is a powerful antioxidant. Coenzyme Q10 is used to improved circulation. Improving circulation provides great benefit to heart health as it assists in improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the heart. This allows the heart to work more effectively and contributes to lowering blood pressure. CoQ10 moves energy throughout the body, increasing the efficiency of cellular metabolism, regulates the heart beat and keeps oxygen in cells longer. Levels of CoQ10 are low in people with heart disease. Several research studies suggest that CoQ10 supplements can help reduce swelling in the legs, enhance breathing by reducing fluid in the lungs, and increase exercise capacity.

Nutritional Advise

Eat heart healthy foods. These foods include non meat sources of protein (grains, tofu, nuts), fish, poultry, lean meat (35-60 grams per day), skim or low-fat milk, cottage cheese, margarine (non hydrogenated), that is high in vegetable oils (such as corn, cottonseed, safflower, sunflower, sesame, or soybean). Also onions, garlic, chickpeas, fresh vegetables and fruit.

Eat a handful of nuts each day. About an ounce of nuts a day raise the good cholesterol levels (HDL) and decrease inflammation. Nuts are rich in healthy Omega 3 fatty acids, protein and fiber.

Eat tomato sauce. Tomato sauce is loaded with lycopene and potassium. Potassium is a mineral rich in blood pressure lowering benefits! Eat 10 tablespoons of tomato sauce a week (preferably without the pasta).

Read your food labels. Get rid of any food that has sugar listed in the first five ingredients! Sugar is a cause of inflammation.

Look at sodium content. Sodium levels should not exceed 2,300mg/day.

Look at fat content. Fat should be limited to no more than 30% of total daily calories. Saturated fat should be limited to 7%

Avoid palm or coconut oil.

Water should be a very important part of any nutritional program. 6-8 8 ounces per day. Water allows for the cleansing and free flow in the system.

Decrease (excessive) coffee and other beverages that contain caffeine. Try one (great) cup of coffee a day, instead of four. I advocate up to 24 oz of coffee a day (for most people).

Take dietary control over high fat, high cholesterol and high saturated fat intake.

Eat colorful fruits and vegetables each day. Consider the Full Spectrum Diet, which includes: phytochemicals (7-9 servings of fruits and vegetables daily), 30 grams of fiber, flavinoids (found in red and purple grapes, red wine and black tea).

Pomegranate (Punica granatum) and pomegranate juice is now becoming a popular healthy drink. Pomegranate juice has polyphenols that work as antioxidants. There are more of these healthy polyphenols in pomegranate juice than in green tea, orange juice, or red wine.

Limiting the amount of fat to no more than 25 to 30% of daily calories is recommended to promote good health. However, some experts believe that fat must be limited to 10% of daily calories to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

A low-fat diet also helps lower high total and LDL (the bad) cholesterol levels, another risk factor for coronary artery disease.

The type of fat consumed is important. There are three types: saturated, monounsaturated, and polyunsaturated.

Saturated fats are found in meats, non-skim dairy products, and artificially hydrogenated vegetable oils. The more solid the product, the higher the proportion of saturated fats.

Monounsaturated fats are found in olive oil and canola oil.

Polyunsaturated fats include omega-3 fats, contained in deep-sea fatty fish (such as mackerel, salmon, and tuna), and omega-6 fats, contained in vegetable oils. The ideal combination of types of fats is unknown. However, a diet high in saturated fats is known to promote coronary artery disease, and a diet high in monounsaturated or omega-3 fats is less likely to do so. Therefore, eating fish regularly is recommended.

A high-fiber diet is also recommended. There are two kinds of fiber.

Soluble fiber (which dissolves in liquid) is found in oat bran, oatmeal, beans, peas, rice bran, barley, citrus fruits, strawberries, and apple pulp. It helps lower high cholesterol levels. It may decrease or stabilize high blood sugar levels and increase low insulin levels. Therefore, soluble fiber may help people with diabetes reduce their risk of coronary artery disease.

Insoluble fiber (which does not dissolve in liquid) is found in most grains and grain products and in fruits and vegetables such as apple skin, cabbage, beets, carrots, Brussels sprouts, turnips, and cauliflower. It helps with digestive function. However, eating too much fiber can interfere with the absorption of certain vitamins and minerals. Increase soluble fiber with one teaspoon to one tablespoon of soluble fiber containing guar gum, psyllium husks, flaxseeds or pectin and mix in an 8 oz glass of water two times per day on an empty stomach.

Eating soy products, such as tofu and tempeh (not fried), also seems to reduce the risk of coronary artery disease.

Pure Energy Smoothie with Green Powder contains Soy Protein Powder, Bee Pollen Powder, Psyllium Husks, Lecithin Powder, Chlorella, Spirulina, Klamath Blue Green Algae, Barley Grass, Wheat Grass, Alfalfa, Kelp, Acidophilus, and American Ginseng. Just add 1 tablespoon powder to your favorite juice for a delicious and nutritious high energy start to your day.

Consider these top 25 heart healthy foods

Traditional Chinese Medicine

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is the oldest, continually practiced, and professionally administered health care system in the world. It is a documented medical system spanning over 2,500 years based on comprehensive philosophies, rational theories, clinically tested and empirically verified by over 100 generations of highly educated practitioners.

Chinese Medicine is a total system of internal medicine, which is comprised of a diagnostic procedure based on signs, symptoms and treatment styles including acupuncture, herbal medicine, exercise, diet and meditation. It’s foundation is based on the principles of balance; the interdependent relationship of Yin and Yang. Through this balance, health is achieved and maintained.

The Heart is looked at as the dominant organ for mental activity. It is believed that all information is preserved and processed through the heart. Loving or unloving emotions are centered in the heart. When the emotions become imbalanced, the Spirit can become agitated; once the Spirit becomes agitated, the whole heart system goes out of balance.

The heart is said to house the Spirit, otherwise considered The Shen, in TCM. The Shen refers to the function of processing all incoming sensory and intuitive information and supervising the body/mind reaction to it; associated with the heart.

Acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine has been shown to significantly increase your heart health. Since many factors around heart disease involve lifestyle issues, you can take charge of your health and reduce your risk of heart disease by as much as 80% when using acupuncture. When a person has a heart attack the pain often extends along the arms. This indicates that both on a physical and emotional level the heart, arms and hands are linked. The contact point for the heart is the palms of the hands. The Heart Channel runs along the inside of the arms.

In Traditional Chinese Medicine, the heart is the Emperor of the human body. The heart corresponds to the emotion of joy. Regular expressions of joy and creativity are important for a healthy and functioning heart.

As poetic as this is, true physical signs of agitation, insomnia, anxiety and the inability to feel joy, can occur. Chest pain, heart palpitations, an irregular heart beat, excessive dreaming, poor long-term memory, as well as, psychological disorders are complications a heart imbalance. Heart disease can present with two distinct signs: dyspnea (difficulty breathing) and/or angina or chest pain. Other signs include arrhythmias, orthopnea, weakness and fatigue. Risk factors include high cholesterol, smoking, genetic pre-disposition, obesity, a sedentary lifestyle, hypertension, alcoholism, diabetes mellitus, hypothyroidism.

DIY Acupressure Points for Maintaining Heart Health

There is no substitute for a professional acupuncturist who has studied medicine for 5 years in order to get a license and Acupressure is not meant to be used as a treatment for heart attack. If you suspect a heart attack, seek emergency medical treatment immediately.

Here are some great points that you can press deep and massage to help bring some joy to your heart!

Ayurveda

The principle medical system of India is known as Ayurveda and is over 5,000 years old. This “Science of Life” is considered the art of living in harmony with nature. Developed from the ancient text of The Vedas, Ayurveda views the human body as a “homunculus” of our cosmic Universe, regulated by the balance between three primordial humours, call Dosha.

Your dosha are your Ayurveda mind and body type. There are three doshas in Ayurveda: Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. We each have all three of the doshas in our physiology, just in different proportions, so your dosha is unique and personal; it is like your fingerprint.

From the Ayurvedic perspective, the heart is the seat of prana (life energy), which is maintained by a delicate balance of agni (the solar energy element) and soma (the lunar energy element). Excess mental and emotional stress wastes away soma in the heart. The heart, is also the seat of ojas, the substance within us that maintains life and promotes bliss and longevity.

To protect and nourish the physical heart and the emotional heart, it is essential to promote both soma and ojas. Heart health is governed also by three sub-doshas: Sadhaka Pitta (emotional balance), Avalambaka Kapha (stability and strength) and Vyana Vata (blood flow and beat), which, though present everywhere in the body, has its seat in the heart.

Heart Tonics

Ginger is very good for the heart and the circulatory system because it promotes healthy circulation, vasodilation, and healthy sweating. Ginger also kindles agni, burns ama (toxins), and helps to clear the channels of the body (both subtle and physical). As we have seen, fresh ginger can be added to meals or used to make an herbal tea. Or if you prefer, ginger powder and ginger liquid extract are also available.

Turmeric supports the proper function of the heart and, like ginger, helps to clear the channels of the physical and subtle bodies. It also purifies the blood, strengthens digestion and helps to eliminate ama (toxins) from the digestive tract, which in turn supports the heart. This well-known golden spice can be added to food or taken alone for a wide range of health benefits. Turmeric is available as a powder, in tablet form, and as a liquid extract, so choose whichever product is right for you.

Emotional Aspect:

There is an emotional aspect to every illness. Often times, it is the emotional thoughts or “excess emotions” that will lead to illness. The following therapies are utilized for calming the mind, help with stress relief and focuses on our mental powers over any situation. The ability to balance your emotional, mental, physical and spiritual self are exceptional tools on your healing journey.  Here are some suggestions:

Stress and the Heart

Open Your Heart!

• • Harvest Unconditional Love… love that does not judge, but embraces.
  • Positive Emotions and Attitudes reduce stress and promote a healthy heart.

• Be Humble: Be Loving and Compassionate to all Mankind.
• Do things in a casual way: Speak softly. Avoid anger. Indulge in whole-hearted laughter.

Stress reduction is very important in heart disease. This is a situation that must be addressed. Stress related issues are responsive to counseling and to a wide variety of psychotherapies. During the past several decades, there has been an increasing enthusiasm for focused, time-limited therapies that address ways of coping with stress and it’s symptoms directly, rather than exploring unconscious conflict or other personal vulnerabilities.

Trauma, post-traumatic stress and anxiety trigger a response from the body. Feeling threatened in areas of your life?  This “perception” puts your body into a “fight or flight” mode of danger causing your body to always be ready to defend itself, creating stress, anxiety or even panic. When this happens, our bodies no longer regulate in a normal capacity but at a higher sense of defense and awareness, causing a reactionary response ~ such as anxiety.

Yoga Therapy

Yoga poses can be good alternatives to “traditional” health remedies because they relax the body and mind, improve circulation and respiration, reduce tension and help the body through it’s healing process.

Breath Work:

The Yogic breath exercise can be done without instruction, without danger, and with a good chance that your discomfort and stressful feelings will be reduced. Relaxation Breath is the most powerful tool for stress management.

Sit up, with your back straight in any position. Place your tongue against the ridge of tissue just behind your upper front teeth and keep it there throughout the exercise. Exhale completely through your mouth.

Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four. Hold your breath for a count of seven. Exhale completely through your mouth, to a count of eight. Repeat this cycle three more times for a total of four breaths. Try to do this breathing exercise at least twice a day. You can repeat the whole sequence as often as you wish, but don’t do it more than four breaths at one time for the first month of practice. This exercise is fairly intense and has a profound effect on the nervous system.

Deep Diaphragm Breath

Sit with your legs crossed in a comfortable position. Breathe slowly and evenly from your diaphragm, through your nose. Fill your lower abdomen, lungs, then chest with air. Hold for a four count then slowly exhale the air out from your chest, lungs, then lower abdomen. Repeat 3 or 4 times. That’s it! Just allow your shoulders to drop and your face relax as you breath, deep.

Yogic asanas such as the Bridge pose (Setu Bandhasana) and Fish pose (Matsyasana) are two of my favorite poses for stimulating the Heart Chakra, strengthening the neck, upper and middle back, increasing circulation to the heart, spine and brain, stimulating the parathyroid and thyroid glands, as well as, the pituitary and pineal gland. These two poses are similar. The bridge pose presses through the legs and lifts the buttock in the air. The fish pose keeps your buttocks on the ground with your legs stretched out along the floor and you are arching the upper back with the elbows on the floor beside you. You can find these poses here.

Also consider Cat, Cobra, Laying Down Twist, Simple Inversion...

Crystal Reference

Crystals Associated with the Heart

For meditation and contemplative purposes, these gems have a long standing association with the heart and healing emotional matters of the heart energy! They have been used as adornments in clothing and on crowns, in armor and on breastplates and for the purpose of magic and healing. The colors of green and pink have been associated with the Heart Chakra and are considered balancing colors found in crystals that soothe the heart and release emotional blockage.

Aventurine is a member of the quartz family and has a concentrated ability to dissolve emotional blockage. It’s a particularly effective crystal for emotional healing and is especially helpful when worn for this purpose or placed on the heart center during Chakra balancing. It helps to balance the emotions, and is one of the best stones to wear or carry during stressful periods.

Emerald is a symbol of love and good fortune. This stone is used for abundance, growth, peace, harmony, patience, love, fidelity and honesty. It used against negative energy and has been used in many forms of divination. Most effective on the Heart Chakra perhaps because it access desires held deep within. Emerald provides inspiration and helps those in need of balance, healing, and infinite patience.

Jade is found in different colors, but green Jade has the ability to mellow one’s existence. Helps one rid themselves of negative thoughts and energy. Very beneficial to the heart in both physical and spiritual senses. It is a very protective stone and will keep its wearer out of harm’s way. Jade is a humbling stone.

Kunzite helps those who suffer from inner turmoil and helps to find the balance between reason and feeling. This heart soothing stone increases tolerance and the ability to deal with anxiety associated with criticism from others. This stone clears emotional debris and is exceptional for panic attacks.

Peridot is a warm and friendly stone. Helps understand relationships and other realities. This visionary stone helps connect us to our destinys and to an understanding of the purpose of existence. The more green the stone, it is used at the Heart Chakra, to clear a pathway, strengthening the breath of life, and the ideals of prosperity, growth, and openness.

Rhodochrosite is a gentle and yet probably the most vibrant loving stone to heal the Heart Chakra, especially for giving/receiving love. Rhodochrosite is the “Stone of Love and Balance”. Helps self-forgiveness, deservingness and trust issues, spiritual and self-love, desire to live and purpose.

Rhodonite is the “Stone of Love”! This stone symbolizes “self realization”. Rhodonite works with the Heart Chakra by soothing the heart center as well as the Root Chakra for grounding and balancing, due to the presence of black oxides in this stone. This balance of colors allows for a powerful and vibration for caring for one’s self. Rhodonite allows for confidence and self worth.

Rose Quartz represents love, beauty, peacefulness, forgiving, loving, self-love and emotional balance! Rose Quartz works with the Heart Chakra. It is a soft, gentle, soothing stone that warms the heart center. Helps diffuse negative stimuli and uncomfortable memories. Helps us discover the ability to love ourselves and makes us more open to other people.

Pink Tourmaline is used for emotional and spiritual love, healing loss, emotional pain, fear and self-gentleness. Best in combination with counseling. Most powerful together with Kunzite or Rhodocrosite. This stone helps us with discovering self-love, compassion and releasing of old hurt. Use for trust.

Unakite is a fulfilling stone. We often think of the emotions as originating and residing in the heart, but another place where they live, often imprisoned, is in the solar plexus. As young children, discouraged away from the full expression of our emotions, we learn that shallow breathing helps us not to feel as much. The repression of feeling can become automatic, and life, while perhaps less painful, also has less joy. Unakite can soothe the Heart Chakra issues, along with issues of repression.

The Heart Chakra, 4th chakra, is a vast network of energy centered in the chest. The Complete Chakra Kit  stimulates the seven main energy sources which govern all the major organs and psychologically alters and clears the body’s energy in order to allow healing to take place. A great stress relieving meditation tool!

Peacefulmind Remedy Bags are our fantastic prescription remedies for a multi-layered approach to treating specific disorders. These very special bags are a plan of care for treating problems such as arthritis, anxiety, stress or pain – just to name a few.  These bags features 3 of the crystals for treating a disorder, a sample herbal remedy, a meditation, an essential oil blend and acu-point self-massage techniques. Also with great tips and remedies for recovery. Choose from over 80 disorders.