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== Etymological derivation ==

== Etymological derivation ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">The term "hridaya" is derived from the Sanskrit language, and its etymology can be broken down to understand its meaning: The core of the word "Hridaya" comes from the Sanskrit word "Hṛd [हृद्]" which denotes the heart or the centre. ‘Hru’ means one which draws fluid or blood from the body forcibly, and ‘Da’ means to give. This term is fundamental to the concept, capturing the essence of the organ's centrality in both a physiological and metaphorical sense.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The term "hridaya" is derived from the Sanskrit language, and its etymology can be broken down to understand its meaning: The core of the word "Hridaya" comes from the Sanskrit word "Hṛd [हृद्]" which denotes the heart or the centre. ‘Hru’ means one which draws fluid or blood from the [[Sharira|body]] forcibly, and ‘Da’ means to give. This term is fundamental to the concept, capturing the essence of the organ's centrality in both a physiological and metaphorical sense.</p>

== Definition of hridaya ==

== Definition of hridaya ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">The term "Hridaya" carries multifaceted meanings within the Ayurvedic context. In its essence, hridaya signifies more than a physical organ; it is a dynamic force governing the body, mind, and senses. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 30/4] Critical analysis of Ayurvedic literature reveals that Ayurveda includes the heart and the brain under the umbrella term 'Hridaya.'</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The term "Hridaya" carries multifaceted meanings within the Ayurvedic context. In its essence, hridaya signifies more than a physical organ; it is a dynamic force governing the [[Sharira|body]], [[Manas|mind]], and [[Indriya|senses]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 30/4] Critical analysis of Ayurvedic literature reveals that [[Ayurveda|Ayurveda]] includes the heart and the brain under the umbrella term 'Hridaya.'</p>

== Structure of hridaya ==

== Structure of hridaya ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">Understanding the structure of the hridaya is pivotal in comprehending its diverse functions. From a physiological perspective, the hridaya is commonly associated with the heart, a muscular organ situated in the chest. The heart is like a lotus in an inverted position. It is open while awakening and contracted during sleep. [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 4/32]</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">Understanding the structure of the hridaya is pivotal in comprehending its diverse functions. From a physiological perspective, the hridaya is commonly associated with the heart, a muscular organ situated in the chest. The heart is like a lotus in an inverted position. It is open while awakening and contracted during [[Nidra|sleep]]. [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 4/32]</p>

== Origin/ utpatti ==

== Origin/ utpatti ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">The heart is formed from the sara[essence] of shonita and kapha [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra sthana]] 4/31]. It is the supporter of the pranavaha dhamanis. Below the heart on the left side are the pleeha(spleen) and the phupphusa(lung), and on its right and below are the yakruta (liver) and kloma (pancreas). When this is covered by tamas (delusion,ignorance), all living beings sleep. [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra sthana]] 4/31].</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The heart is formed from the sara[essence] of shonita and [[Kapha dosha|kapha]] [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra sthana]] 4/31]. It is the supporter of the pranavaha dhamanis. Below the heart on the left side are the pleeha(spleen) and the phupphusa(lung), and on its right and below are the yakruta (liver) and kloma (pancreas). When this is covered by [[Tamas|tamas (delusion,ignorance)]], all living beings [[Nidra|sleep]]. [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra sthana]] 4/31].</p>

== Size ==

== Size ==

The pramana of hrudya is two angula. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana|Vimana sthana]] 8/117]

The pramana of hrudya is two angula. [Cha. Sa. [[Vimana Sthana|Vimana sthana]] 8/117]

== Importance of hridaya ==

== Importance of hridaya ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">The hridaya is a vital organ, intricately linked to the trimarams and dasha pranaayatana, encompassing the three doshas and ten pranas. All these factors govern physiological processes. Any harm to the hridaya is believed to result in severe diseases, complications, or even death. The ayurvedic texts highlight that the hridaya serves as more than a pump for blood circulation. It is depicted as the central regulator of prana, orchestrating its flow rhythmically. Moreover, the hridaya governs the body, mind, and senses, acting as the seat of intelligence and vitality.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The hridaya is a vital organ, intricately linked to the trimarams and dasha pranaayatana, encompassing the three doshas and ten pranas. All these factors govern physiological processes. Any harm to the hridaya is believed to result in severe diseases, complications, or even death. The ayurvedic texts highlight that the hridaya serves as more than a pump for blood circulation. It is depicted as the central regulator of prana, orchestrating its flow rhythmically. Moreover, the hridaya governs the [[Sharira|body]], [[Manas|mind]], and [[Indriya|senses]], acting as the seat of intelligence and vitality.</p>

== Hridaya in different contexts ==

== Hridaya in different contexts ==

=== Hridaya as koshthanga and pratyanga ===

=== Hridaya as koshthanga and pratyanga ===

<p style="text-align:justify;">Hridaya is mentioned as one of the organs of koshthanga. According to Charak, fifteen koshthangas have been mentioned. These include nabhi [umbilicus], hridaya [heart], kloma [oesophagus], yakrit [liver], pliha [spleen], vrikka[kidney],  [[Basti|basti]] [urinary bladder], purishadhara [colon], [[Amashaya|amashaya]] [stomach], pakvashaya [intestine], uttaraguda [rectum], adhara [[Guda|guda]] [anus], kshudrandra [small intestine], sthulantra [large intestine] and vapavahanam [omentum]. [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 7/10] [A.Hr. Sharira Sthana 4/1,12] </p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">Hridaya is mentioned as one of the organs of koshthanga. According to Charak, fifteen koshthangas have been mentioned. These include nabhi [umbilicus], hridaya [heart], kloma [oesophagus], yakrit [liver], pliha [spleen], vrikka[kidney],  [[Basti|basti]] [urinary bladder], purishadhara [colon], [[Amashaya|amashaya]] [stomach], pakvashaya [intestine], uttaraguda [rectum], adhara [[Guda|guda]] [anus], kshudrandra [small intestine], sthulantra [large intestine] and vapavahanam [omentum]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana|Sharira Sthana]] 7/10] [A.Hr. [[Sharira Sthana|Sharira Sthana]] 4/1,12] </p>

=== Pranayatana ===

=== Pranayatana ===

<p style="text-align:justify;">Hridaya is one of the organs of pranayatanam. Pranayatanam is also called as jivitadhamam. "Ayatanam" means resting place, and "dhamam" means residence. These are the resorts of life. There are ten pranayatana or jivitadhama situated in our body. These are murdha [head], kantha [throat], hridaya [heart], nabhi [umbilicus], [[Guda|gudam [anus]]],  [[Basti|basti]] [bladder], [[Ojas|ojas]], shukram [reproductive elements], shonitam [blood] and mansa [muscle]. Out of these, the first six organs are said to be "Marma”. [Cha. Sa. Sharira Sthana 7/9] </p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">Hridaya is one of the organs of pranayatanam. Pranayatanam is also called as jivitadhamam. "Ayatanam" means resting place, and "dhamam" means residence. These are the resorts of life. There are ten pranayatana or jivitadhama situated in our [[Sharira|body]]. These are murdha [head], kantha [throat], hridaya [heart], nabhi [umbilicus], [[Guda|gudam [anus]]],  [[Basti|basti]] [bladder], [[Ojas|ojas]], shukram [reproductive elements], shonitam [blood] and ma nsa [muscle]. Out of these, the first six organs are said to be "Marma”. [Cha. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana|Sharira Sthana]] 7/9] </p>

=== Roga marga ===

=== Roga marga ===

=== As a site of different physiological entities ===

=== As a site of different physiological entities ===

<p style="text-align:justify;">The heart is the seat of chetna (consciousness) [Su. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana|Sharira Sthana]] 4/34], sadhaka pitta i.e. known to help in the achievement of the desired objects [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 21/10], vyana vayu[ash.hru. Su.12/6] i.e. responsible for causing circulation of rasa dhatu all over the body simultaneously and continuously; and para oja as well, [Sh. Sa. Pu. 5/49]. Hridaya is said to be chaitanaya sangraha by acharya charaka. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra sthana]] 30/7] In hridaya, are situated the ten dhamani (ten great vessels arising from the heart), prana, apana, [[Manas|manas (mind)]], [[Buddhi|buddhi (intellect)]], chetna (life), [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhutas (five fundamental elements)]] just like spokes of the axle in the centre of a wheel.[Cha. Sa. Siddhi Sthana 9/4] Shadanga (six divisions of the body, i.e. four limbs, head, and torso), consciousness, sensory organs, five objects of sensory perceptions and the soul, mind and objects of the mind are all located in the heart (i.e. are dependent on the functioning of the heart).[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 30/4]</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The heart is the seat of chetna (consciousness) [Su. Sa. [[Sharira Sthana|Sharira Sthana]] 4/34], sadhaka pitta i.e. known to help in the achievement of the desired objects [Su. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 21/10], vyana vayu[ash.hru. Su.12/6] i.e. responsible for causing circulation of rasa dhatu all over the [[Sharira|body]] simultaneously and continuously; and para oja as well, [Sh. Sa. Pu. 5/49]. Hridaya is said to be chaitanaya sangraha by acharya charaka. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra sthana]] 30/7] In hridaya, are situated the ten dhamani (ten great vessels arising from the heart), prana, apana, [[Manas|manas (mind)]], [[Buddhi|buddhi (intellect)]], chetna (life), [[Pancha mahabhuta|mahabhutas (five fundamental elements)]] just like spokes of the axle in the centre of a wheel.[Cha. Sa. Siddhi Sthana 9/4] Shadanga (six divisions of the [[Sharira|body]], i.e. four limbs, head, and torso), consciousness, sensory organs, five objects of sensory perceptions and the soul, [[Manas|mind]] and objects of the [[Manas|mind]] are all located in the heart (i.e. are dependent on the functioning of the heart).[Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 30/4]</p>

=== As one among the three vital organs ====

=== As one among the three vital organs ====

== Diversities in hridya dravyas ==

== Diversities in hridya dravyas ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">The term "hridya" is used in diverse contexts. The concept of "hridya mahakashaya," drugs that evoke pleasure and are considered suitable for the body. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 4/10] These substances, ranging from food articles to fragrances, act as stimuli that impart pleasurable sensations and are identified as hridya dravyas in classical Ayurvedic texts. While portraying the concept of hridya, it is essential to consider the motor, sensory, and psychological components. Any stimuli that impart a sense of pleasure to the respective sense organ and, consequently, to the hridaya are regarded as hridaya. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The term "hridya" is used in diverse contexts. The concept of "hridya mahakashaya," drugs that evoke pleasure and are considered suitable for the [[Sharira|body]]. [Cha. Sa. [[Sutra Sthana|Sutra Sthana]] 4/10] These substances, ranging from food articles to fragrances, act as stimuli that impart pleasurable sensations and are identified as hridya dravyas in classical Ayurvedic texts. While portraying the concept of hridya, it is essential to consider the motor, sensory, and psychological components. Any stimuli that impart a sense of pleasure to the respective sense organ and, consequently, to the hridaya are regarded as hridaya. This holistic approach recognizes the interconnectedness of physical and mental well-being.</p>

== General causative factors of diseases of heart ==

== General causative factors of diseases of heart ==

=== Physiological aspects in contemporary science: ===

=== Physiological aspects in contemporary science: ===

<p style="text-align:justify;">The heart, a vital muscular organ, pumps blood throughout the body. It functions via an electrical conduction system coordinated by the sinoatrial node (SA node), which initiates the heartbeat. The atrioventricular node (AV node) controls the signal's passage to the ventricles. Cardiac muscles contract synchronously, propelling blood through the circulatory system.<ref name="ref5">Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. John Wiley & Sons; 2017.</ref> Governed by pacemaker cells, the heart's rhythmic contractions propel oxygenated blood to the body and return deoxygenated blood to the lungs. The heart, asymmetrically positioned on the left, beats at about 72 beats per minute at rest.<ref name="ref6">Hall, John. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology 12th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier; 2011.</ref></p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The heart, a vital muscular organ, pumps blood throughout the [[Sharira|body]]. It functions via an electrical conduction system coordinated by the sinoatrial node (SA node), which initiates the heartbeat. The atrioventricular node (AV node) controls the signal's passage to the ventricles. Cardiac muscles contract synchronously, propelling blood through the circulatory system.<ref name="ref5">Tortora, G. J., & Derrickson, B. Principles of Anatomy and Physiology. John Wiley & Sons; 2017.</ref> Governed by pacemaker cells, the heart's rhythmic contractions propel oxygenated blood to the [[Sharira|body]] and return deoxygenated blood to the lungs. The heart, asymmetrically positioned on the left, beats at about 72 beats per minute at rest.<ref name="ref6">Hall, John. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology 12th ed. Philadelphia: Saunders/Elsevier; 2011.</ref></p>

=== Psychology and heart ===

=== Psychology and heart ===

== Conclusion ==

== Conclusion ==

<p style="text-align:justify;">The Ayurvedic understanding of the hridaya, encompassing its structure, origin, and significance, reflects a holistic approach to health. Rooted in ancient wisdom, ayurveda recognizes the heart as more than a mere organ but as a dynamic force integral to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The term "Hridaya" transcends its anatomical confines to symbolize the centre of consciousness and vitality. Emphasizing the role in regulating physiological processes and governing the body, mind, and senses, ayurveda underscores the importance of maintaining the hridaya's health for overall wellness. Furthermore, exploring the diverse contexts in which the hridaya is referenced reveals its multifaceted significance in ayurvedic philosophy. As contemporary science continues to uncover the complexities of heart-brain interactions, Ayurveda's holistic perspective on the hridaya offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit for optimal health and vitality.</p>

<p style="text-align:justify;">The Ayurvedic understanding of the hridaya, encompassing its structure, origin, and significance, reflects a holistic approach to health. Rooted in ancient wisdom, [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] recognizes the heart as more than a mere organ but as a dynamic force integral to physical, mental, and emotional well-being. The term "Hridaya" transcends its anatomical confines to symbolize the centre of consciousness and vitality. Emphasizing the role in regulating physiological processes and governing the [[Sharira|body]], [[Manas|mind]], and [[Indriya|senses]], [[Ayurveda|ayurveda]] underscores the importance of maintaining the hridaya's health for overall wellness. Furthermore, exploring the diverse contexts in which the hridaya is referenced reveals its multifaceted significance in ayurvedic philosophy. As contemporary science continues to uncover the complexities of heart-brain interactions, Ayurveda's holistic perspective on the hridaya offers valuable insights into the interconnectedness of [[Manas|mind]], [[Sharira|body]], and spirit for optimal health and vitality.</p>

== Research works ==

== Research works ==