How to Relieve Heart Palpitations Naturally?
Heart Palpitations: Overview
Heart Palpitation refers to a noticeable feeling or sensation of the heart beating extremely fast or hard. Palpitations generally cause a sensation of a pounding heart or a racing pulse and can give the feeling of the heart skipping a beat or a fluttering in the chest.
Heart palpitations can occur at any time — while sitting, standing still, walking or lying down — and they usually last only for a few seconds. Hence, they are often harmless and go away on their own, without any medical intervention.
Heart palpitations are mostly considered a ‘normal’ occurrence,’ as they can be a result of an intense workout or physical exercise, lifestyle factors, illness, stress, dehydration, or excessive caffeine/tobacco/alcohol use. In most cases, heart palpitations can be effectively managed naturally with the help of some home remedies.
However, in some cases, heart palpitations can be an indication of a serious underlying medical condition, such as Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) which may require immediate medical treatment. Besides Arrhythmia’, some other conditions which are generally associated with serious cases of heart palpitations include thyroid disorders and atrial fibrillation. In some rare cases, heart palpitations may even be related to heart valve disease or heart failure.
The treatment of heart palpitations depends on the cause that triggers the unusually fast thumping of the heart.
Heart Palpitations: Ayurvedic Viewpoint
According to ancient Ayurvedic texts, the occurrence of Heart Palpitations is linked to the possible aggravation of one or more of the body’s following three energies or ‘doshas’ — Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.
Ayurveda experts believe that the treatment of Heart Palpitations has to be based on the underlying reason behind the palpitations, and the symptoms related to the vitiated dosha(s), which trigger the feeling of a pounding heart in an affected individual.
The Ayurvedic treatment of Heart Palpitations, thus, firstly involves the study of symptoms which reveal the systemic imbalance of the dosha(s) that cause the heart to beat too hard and too fast. Once the aggravated dosha causing the heart palpitations is ascertained with the help of the symptoms, Ayurvedic healing involves a recommendation of foods and lifestyle habits along with some herbal remedies as required which can bring the imbalanced dosha back into balance.
How to Relieve Heart Palpitations Naturally
There are some time tested remedies which can be very effective in relieving Heart Palpitations in a safe and natural manner.
1. Eat a Healthy, Balanced Diet
Good heart health can be ensured with the help of proper nutrition and a healthy, balanced diet. To treat Heart Palpitations naturally, it is essential to stimulate heart function by consuming foods which have a high content of ‘electrolytes’ — calcium, magnesium, potassium, and sodium — which play a significant role in regulating heart rate.
A healthy diet for good heart health should include foods like potatoes, bananas, spinach, avocados, leafy green vegetables, fish and nuts. It is also beneficial to avoid processed foods, and eat timely three meals in which breakfast and dinner should be light and lunch heavier.
2. Increase Water Intake to Stay Hydrated
Since dehydration can be one of the causes behind Heart Palpitations, it is important to keep the body hydrated by increasing the intake of water and other fluids.
The recommended daily intake of water to keep the body healthy is 8-10 glasses.
3. Avoid the Intake of Stimulants
To treat Heart Palpitations in a natural way, the intake of ‘stimulants’ — that is, products which increase the activity of the central nervous system and whole body causing palpitations — should be avoided or eliminated because they can cause a rapid heartbeat.
Some of the common stimulants that causes heart palpitations include caffeine, alcohol, tobacco products, illegal drugs, appetite suppressants, certain cough and cold medications, and high blood pressure medications.
4. Use Relaxation Techniques to Remove Stress
In cases where heart palpitations are triggered by stress, affected individuals should use relaxation techniques, so that stress levels can be controlled and palpitations can be reduced.
Some of the beneficial relaxation techniques which can be helpful in reducing stress and relieving Heart Palpitations naturally include meditation, deep breathing, yoga, outdoor activities, light exercises, and taking short breaks from work.
5. Stimulate the Vagus Nerve
Another effective way to relieve heart Palpitations naturally is to stimulate the ‘vagus’ nerve which connects the brain to the heart. Some of the methods which can stimulate the ‘vagus’ nerve are:
- Coughing
- Gagging
- Holding the breath and pushing down (similar to making a bowel movement)
- Splashing cold water on the face
- Taking a cold shower
- Placing an ice-pack or a cold, damp towel on the face for 20-30 seconds
- Chanting the word ‘Om.’
The best technique for stimulating the vagus nerve should be discussed with a doctor before actually using any particular method.
6. Exercise Regularly
Exercise is an effective natural way to make the heart healthy and
Some exercises which can be beneficial for the heart include walking, jogging, cycling, swimming, sports and aerobics exercises. However, since some exercises can induce Heart Palpitations, it is advisable to identify the exercises which can be problematic.
7. Ensure Proper Sleep at Night
A good night’s sleep can keep the heart healthy naturally and treat palpitations. Proper sleep at night allows the heart to rest, and lower the blood pressure and heart rate during the sleep time.
Lack of proper sleep at night can make a person anxious and can cause unnecessary stress. Studies have revealed people who sleep less at night are potentially at higher risk for heart disease, so a sleep of 7-8 hours is important to maintain good heart health.
8. Use Herbs Which can Keep the Heart Healthy
The use of certain herbs can also be beneficial in treating Heart Palpitations naturally. The herbs which can promote heart health include Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Ashwagandha (Withania
Conclusion: Along with following the above-mentioned natural remedies for treating Heart Palpitations, it is also important to know that the condition can be prevented by finding out its triggers (foods, activities etc.) and avoiding them, so that the heart can function in a healthy way. To prevent Heart Palpitations, it is important to take a healthy diet, limit the intake of caffeine, quit smoking, and keep a check on blood pressure and cholesterol levels. However, if these preventive measures are not helpful in preventing Heart Palpitations, affected individuals should consult a medical practitioner or an Ayurveda expert immediately.
