Did you know that heart disease is the leading cause of death in the U.S.? When it comes to treating heart disease, prevention is the best medicine - small, daily habits make the biggest difference in keeping your heart strong and healthy.
Physiologically speaking, the heart is a muscular organ that pumps oxygen-rich blood throughout the body, delivering nutrients and removing waste. It works as an integral part of the circulatory system, ensuring that every cell gets the oxygen and energy it needs to function properly.
But according to Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), the Heart is more than just a physical organ. It is considered the "Emperor" of the body, governing not only blood circulation but also consciousness, mental clarity, and emotional well-being. The Heart houses the Shen (spirit), which reflects our vitality, joy, and connection to life. A harmonious Heart supports emotional balance and a calm mind, while an imbalanced Heart can lead to anxiety, restlessness, or insomnia.
Heart health involves maintaining good circulation and balanced blood pressure by keeping cholesterol and inflammation in check and supporting healthy blood vessels. Some of the best ways to support your heart include simple practices such as diet, exercise, and stress reduction.
Eat Heart-Nourishing Foods
A heart-healthy diet focuses on eating a variety of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean proteins, and healthy fats, such as those found in nuts, seeds, and fish. It also emphasizes reducing processed foods, added sugars, and excess salt while promoting hydration and fiber-rich foods to support overall heart health. In TCM, some heart-healthy foods include red and pink foods like tomatoes and strawberries, lotus root, goji berries, oats, and garlic, which help nourish the Heart, promote circulation, and support blood health.
Practice Calm and Connection
Stress management is key for heart health. Take a few moments each day for deep breathing, meditation, or gratitude practices. Spending time with loved ones also nourishes the Heart both physically and emotionally.
Get Moving
Physical activity is essential for strengthening the heart and improving circulation. The best exercise is one that you will actually do, so find an exercise routine you enjoy! With the cold weather and slow season of winter, we suggest finding a Tai Chi or Qigong video on YouTube that you can put on and practice in the warm comfort of your home!
Your heart works hard for you, so take this month as an opportunity to care for it in return.
