Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine

210 Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine
most important factors to consider for a patient who uses intrinsic energy
therapies is his or her interest level and finding a certified practitioner
with whom he or she can work.
Effect of Intrinsic Energy Therapies
on Cardiovascular Disease
Because of the relative youth of energy medicine in the West, few
scientific studies have been conducted. Rigorous scientific studies in
cardiology are lacking; however, a few clinical studies have yielded
promising results. Meditation (invoking the relaxation response) and
cognitive behavioral interventions are the best studied intrinsic energy
therapies, because they overlap with mind–body medicine, which has
been receiving more research attention to date.
One of the earliest clinical studies involving intrinsic energy therapies
was done by Udupa (44). In this noncontrolled study, 25 patients with
hypertension (five with previous drug treatment) were selected at random
from a hypertension clinic and matched with 25 normotensive subjects.
All 50 subjects were observed for 6 to 8 wk, without any therapy
for blood pressure stabilization. All 50 were then given the Shavasana
(relaxation) yoga posture to perform for 30 min/d for 3 mo. Both systolic
and diastolic blood pressures decreased significantly in the no-drug
group who performed Shavasana posture. Blood pressure decreased even
more significantly in the five patients who received Shavasana and drug
therapy, indicating that the yoga posture treatment could be combined
with drug therapy to achieve a significant result in a shorter time.
The relaxation response, which is evoked through meditation, visualization,
and related techniques, and cognitive restructuring have been
used successfully in treating cardiovascular disorders, including hypertension
and heart disease (45), particularly when they are stress related.
The relaxation response, combined with cognitive restructuring, lowers
hostility in heart attack survivors (46). In the studies performed by Dr.
Dean Ornish, CVD has been effectively treated with a comprehensive
lifestyle and diet intervention involving relaxation techniques (47).
Relaxation techniques are also effective against stress, and studies
have demonstrated that mental stress and negative emotional states have
a detrimental effect on the cardiovascular system (48). It is also worth
noting that positive emotions have a beneficial effect on the immune
system (49).
The Institute of HeartMath has developed several techniques based
on mental and emotional management. One of the fundamental techniques
involves focusing the attention on the heart while recalling a prior
positive emotional experience. The Institute has also been initiating clini-