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