Congestive cardiac failure (CCF), also known as congestive heart failure, is a condition in which the heart’s function as a pump to deliver oxygen-rich blood to the body is inadequate to meet the body’s needs. CCF can be caused by coronary artery disease, high blood pressure, long standing alcohol abuse and disorders of the heart valves. Fatigue; swelling of the ankles and legs or abdomen; breathlessness increased urination, especially at night; nausea; abdominal pain; and decreased appetite are common symptoms of this condition.

The Ayurvedic treatment of CCF is aimed at improving the efficiency of the heart, reducing the load on the heart and treating any potentially reversible causes of this disease. The efficiency of the heart is increased by using medicines like Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Maha-Laxmi-Vilas-Ras, Makar-Dhwaj- Ras, Shrung-Bhasma, Bruhat-Vat-Chintamani and Abhrak-Bhasma. Coronary artery disease, leading to a reduced blood supply to the heart muscles, can be corrected by using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Triphala-Guggulu, Medohar-Guggulu and Chandraprabha-Vati. Weak heart muscles can be strengthened using medicines like Trayodashang-Guggulu, Panch-Tikta-Ghrut-Guggulu, Arjun (Terminalia arjuna), Amalaki (Emblica officinalis), Haritaki (Terminalia chebula), Draksha (Vitis vinifera), Nimba (Azadirachta indica), Patol (Tricosanthe dioica), Patha (Cissampelos pareira), Musta (Cyperus rotundus), Kutaj (Holarrhina antidysentrica), Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) and Naagbala (Grewia hirsuta). Disorders of the valves of the heart can be partially corrected using medicines like Laxadi-Guggulu, Sinhanaad-Guggulu, Dashmoolarishta and Arjunarishta.

It is very important to control high blood pressure, since this puts a continuous strain on the heart muscles. Medicines like Sarpagandha (Raulwofia serpentina), Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi), Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri), Dhamasa (Fagonia cretica) and Sutshekhar-Ras can be used for this purpose. Alcohol abuse can make the heart muscles weak, and also cause destruction in the liver, thereby resulting in CCF. This can be treated using medicines like Arogya-Vardhini, Shankh-Vati, Bhunimbadi-Qadha, Kutki (Picrorrhiza kurroa) and Sharpunkha (Tephrosia purpurea). The load on the heart can be reduced using medicines like Punarnavadi-Qadha, Gokshuradi-Qadha, Yav-Kshar, Apamarga (Achyranthus aspera) and Ikshumool (Saceharum officinarum).

A judicious combination of Ayurvedic medicines can thus be used to control CCF and improve the overall survival of patients affected with this condition. It is important to adopt adequate lifestyle modifications for this disease. Daily salt and fluid intake needs to be restricted. Regular exercise in moderation is beneficial for CCF. A complete abstinence from alcohol and smoking is important to avoid further damage to the heart. Stress needs to be minimized by adopting suitable relaxation techniques.

Have you ever heard of Shiatsu? Many health conscious people today use it as a natural heartburn relief remedy.

Shiatsu is a massage therapy technique. Unlike other forms of massage, a Shiatsu massage doesn’t call for the use of oils or lotions. In fact, when you get a Shiatsu massage you are usually fully clothed in comfortable, loose-fitting garments while the massage is carried out.

This makes Shiatsu a great alternative for natural heartburn relief for those people who find massage beneficial but don’t like the idea of being partially unclothed while the masseuse performs the massage.

So how does Shiatsu work as a natural heartburn relief remedy?

It works on the same principal as acupuncture in that it corrects the flow of Chi throughout the body, bringing both the Yin and Yang elements back into balance, thereby improving the health of the person receiving the massage.

In the case of Shiatsu as a natural heartburn relief remedy, there are various points on the body that, when properly massaged, will correct the flow of Chi and improve the digestive system. As the flow of Chi is corrected, your body achieves natural hearburn relief.

Like most forms of massage, the Shiatsu massage experience is usually quite relaxing. It’s a wonderful way to relieve stress and tension in your body, both of which can trigger heartburn.

Shiatsu is one of the natural heartburn relief remedies that is suitable for pregnant women as well as those suffering from back pain or general discomfort.

Even though Shiatsu is a natural heartburn relief technique, it is still important that you give the Shiatsu massage professional a thorough medical history at your initial consultation. Also discuss your current state of health.

In this way, the massage therapist can use the techniques that are best for you to achieve natural heartburn relief from your massage.

You can perform Shiatsu massage yourself, as there are books available as well as many Internet sites, which show you how.

In order to achieve natural heartburn relief with Shiatsu, it is best to consult a certified Shiatsu therapist instead of trying to contort your body into the correct positions and applying pressure at the right spots etc.

Put yourself in the hands of a professional Shiatsu masseuse knowing that all you have to do is relax and let the therapist do the work necessary to help you achieve natural heartburn relief.

Chris Wells is a former heartburn sufferer who found relief through the techniques revealed in The Heartburn Cure Chris highly recommends The Heartburn Cure as the best way to use natural remedies to become heartburn free.