Indian Medicine Reverses Artery Damage

Research reported in the April edition of the American Journal of Cardiology suggests a program of treatment involving relaxation techniques and herbal medicine can help to reduce damage caused by the hardening of arteries in healthy individuals. Researchers placed 20 individuals on a program of vedic medicine which was seen to reduce the condition, known as Artherosclerosis. Artherosclerosis is considered a major risk factor for heart attack and stroke.

Patients were monitored over a period of one year, placed on a traditional low fat Indian diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, given herbal supplements and asked to practice a number of meditative and yoga exercises. Patients also worked for 30 minutes a day as part of a gentle exercise program.

On average, arterial thickness decreased by 0.318mm in all patients, compared to a reduction of 0.082mm amongst patients on amodern treatment programme and an increase of 0.22mm amongst patients undergoing a standard modern care programme.

Dr Robert Schneider, leading the study at the Centre for National Medicine and Prevention in Fairfield, Iowa described the results as 'quite encouraging'. Dr Shneider also noted that 80% of patients responded to the program, while modern apporaches have very rarely been effective in reducing atherosclerosis.

"Actual regression is unusual...using several modalities of this natural system together creates a synergistic effect, was more effective than modern therapies".

Friday, 24 May 2002