Heart Disease 

It is a well-recognised fact by researchers that there is a direct relationship between stress and cardio-vascular disease (CVS). Statements such as the following made at the National Conference on Emotional Stress and Heart Disease are becoming commonplace at National Psychological and Medical Conferences. Emotional stress is 'associated with significant blood pressure changes in both normotensive and hypertensive men. The data is quite firm on this point, 'much persuasive evidence has been developed with regard to the potential for emotional stress to represent a significant factor in coronary heart disease and sudden death. It was concluded uniformly that 'emotional stress is indeed a major factor in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease'. According to the data collected, we find that strokes and heart disease are the greatest killers, and stress is often the basis of these diseases. 

The research points out that there is a certain personality type (the type A personality) that is very prone to CVD. Inadequacies that are harboured in the subconscious mind characterise the persons falling under this type. Often, they are the impressions of remnants of unpleasant experiences from early childhood.

The yogic practices unburden the heart, leading one to regain a child's emotions and outlook on life, and be open, simple and spontaneous. This provides enormous mental and cardiac relief for the heart patient who is often deeply entwined in emotional complexes of fear, self-pity, aggression, betrayal or anger. As relaxation occurs, pent-up emotions are liberated and patient gradually learns to live, think and feel simply and honestly, expressing feelings openly and honestly. 

Yoga balances the emotions because the emotions play such a fundamental role in the genesis of cardiac diseases. It is not sufficient that a heart patient adopts a low fat diet alone, in order to manage his condition. According to yogic science, recognition of the patterns and effects of the emotional states upon the heart and mind is absolutely essential for those who suffer from cardiac crisis. This is achieved through the practices of yogic relaxation, yoga nidra and meditation. Mastering the scientific technique of relaxation, like yoga nidra is the most important first step in the recovery from cardiac crisis through yoga. 

The busy executive is often the classic example of the type A personality. In fact, one could reasonably describe the typical executive as follows:

• One, who is engaged in a ceaseless struggle to obtain certain optimum conditions, rewards or results in a limited time and often against opposition (from competitors, structural conditions, or even colleagues). 
• One who accepts challenges and prefers to overcome than rather than retreat;
• One who usually exhibits enhanced personality traits of aggressiveness, ambitiousness and the competitive drive;
• One who is work-oriented;
• One who likes to play hard, who may be explosive in speech and who is often referred to as intense. 

Another personality type (the type B personality) does not usually develop CVD. Table 1 below lists the kinds of behavioural patterns, which are typical of both types. Type A personalities are under almost constant pressure to perform. They are hurried, impatient and often hostile. Type A personalities always seem to be short of time, but they don't recognise that they have over crowded themselves. On the other hand, the type B personality appears to be relaxed and free from the urgencies of time. He doesn't harbour much anger and he generally has the ability to enjoy his work or play. Statistically, he is free from CVD. In spite of what one might think, however, type A personalities do not accomplish more than Type B's. They only exert more effort in order to do the same amount of work that Type B's accomplish in a much more relaxed way. 

>>Keep Reading...