Concept of Urastha Hridaya (Heart) According to Ayurveda

Abstract

Hridaya (heart) is considered as one of the vital organ of the body by Ayurveda. Since it is one among the Trimarams and is regarded as Dasha prana ayatana, any injury to the Hridaya results in causation of grave diseases, severe complications or and even death. A vigilant study reveals that, two organs share approximately equal claims to put themselves identical with the term Hridaya which denotes an organ controlling the passage of Prana by collecting, distributing in a rhythm. At one end is the notion that Hridaya refers to brain, at the other end of the scale, it is the view that Hridaya is heart. As per Ayurvedic text, Hridaya is not only an organ that pumps blood, but also something with much wide area of action. Ayurvedic classic mentions that Hridaya is that which controls body, mind and senses, in addition is a seat of the intellect and vitality. Therefore it is essential to understand this organ thoroughly; however, Acharya Charak and Acharya Sushruta considered Hridaya as one among the Kosthangas and one among Kosthas respectively. These descriptions certainly indicate Hridaya as the ‘Urastha hridaya’. The present review article draws attention towards the concept of Urastha hridaya i.e., heart considered in Ayurveda.