Pain in chest - #19986

Hi,

Can you tell me if the pain is sharp, dull, or tight? Does the pain occur after physical exertion, stress, or certain activities? Do you also experience any difficulty breathing or increased heart rate when the pain occurs?

In Ayurveda, chest pain can sometimes be linked to Vata and Pitta imbalances, particularly in cases where there is tension or stress affecting the body. If using a pain relief spray on the back helps, it could be related to muscle tension or nerve irritation in the back, which might be referring pain to the chest area. I recommend focusing on reducing stress through practices like Pranayama (breathing exercises) and using Ashwagandha for its calming and muscle-relaxing properties. Gentle massages with Sesame oil can also help release tension in the back and chest area. However, it’s important to monitor the symptoms and consult a healthcare professional if the pain persists or worsens.

Hello Mr SK,

Thanks for sharing your concern.

Is the pain continuous? Dull or sharp and radiating? Do you get it before eating or after? Is there any digestive symptom like bloating or acidity? What is your weight?

The fact that your chest pain eases off after using pain relief spray on your back may suggest it isn’t related to cardiac issues since your ECG is normal. It could actually be musculoskeletal, probably stemming from tension, poor posture, or strain in muscles surrounding chest and back. These kind of pain sensations can sometimes trick us into thinking it’s something more serious because the nerves in our back and chest are quite interconnected.

In Ayurvedic perspectives, such discomfort can arise from dosha imbalances, primarily affecting the Vata dosha because it’s responsible for motion and nerve impulses in the body. Excessive Vata may lead to rigidity or pain in muscles and joints. Enhancing Vata balance in your routine could alleviate your symptoms.

Firstly, focus on bringing warmth and simplicity to your daily activities. Warm foods and drinks, like ginger tea or meals with spices such as turmeric, cumin, or black pepper may aid in pacifying Vata. If possible, indulge in a warm oil massage (abhyanga) using sesame oil a few times a week. This can help soothe your muscles and relieve tension.

When it comes to physical activity, gentle stretches and yoga-specific postures (vikasaka) like Child’s Pose or Cat-Cow stretch might bring relief as they help in opening and relaxing the chest and back.

Practicing deep breathing exercises (pranayama), particularly Anulom Vilom or Nadi Shodhana, could improve your respiratory teg kinetics along with helping a balanced Vata.

However, remain cautious and observe your symptoms. Chronic or sudden onset of severe pain warrants prompt medical attention to rule out any other underlying health problem. Safety should always be prioritized. If you start noticing additional symptoms or intensification of the pain, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare professional right away.