Last Updated:
Just like your heart keeps you alive, Ayurveda calls legs the body’s “second heart” for their role in pumping blood back to the heart and supporting the body’s detox pathways.
The body’s true detox pathway starts from the ground.
While modern science may have advanced and discovered ways to cure ailments that previously had no cure, Ayurveda contains many significant medicines and techniques that scientists have yet to discover. One of which is about your legs and heart. Just like your heart keeps you alive, the traditional Indian system of wellness calls legs the body’s “second heart” for their role in pumping blood back to the heart and supporting the body’s detox pathways.
Modern medicine identifies the “soleus muscle,” a powerful calf muscle, as our body’s natural detox system. According to Ayurveda, the body’s true detox pathway doesn’t begin in the gut, but it starts from the ground.
Wondering how? Let’s dive deeper into how your legs keep your body naturally detoxified.
What are the soleus muscles?
The soleus is a key calf muscle, located right beneath the gastrocnemius. Unlike our other muscles, the soleus muscle does not tire easily; it plays an essential role in maintaining posture and facilitating walking by aiding in plantar flexion of the ankle.
The soleus muscle works continuously, even when you are standing. Every time we move our legs, especially when we walk on the ground, even a gentle movement activates it. The soleus muscle pumps and pushes blood and lymph fluid back to your heart, preventing stagnation. This pumping action is vital to boost energy to reduce bodily fatigue, eliminate toxins, support cardiovascular health, and maintain fluid balance in the lower limbs.
How does the pumping action activate detox?
Ayurveda practitioners claim that the pumping action of the soleus muscles prevents blood pooling in the legs and activates the body’s detox pathways by clearing out waste more effectively. A few ways Ayurveda practitioners state are:
When you walk, stand, or move your feet, the soleus muscles contract and relax.
It works like a pump, pushing venous blood back up toward the heart against gravity.
As blood flows, the soleus muscle helps flush out toxins, metabolic waste, and carbon dioxide from tissues.
Lastly, it helps oxygen and nutrients reach the cells due to better circulation, improving repair and recovery.
What does Ayurveda say about this concept?
Ayurveda explains this concept through Vyana Vata, one of the five subtypes of Vata dosha. Extending throughout the body via srotas (channels), Vyana Vata is the energy responsible for circulation, detoxification, heartbeat, muscle activity, and the distribution of nutrients across the body. While it ensures proper blood and energy flow, Vyana Vata can lead to lethargy, cold extremities, oedema, and brain fog when disturbed due to stress, a sedentary lifestyle, or poor posture.
The blood that runs through our veins determines a lot of things, and good blood circulation means good health in Ayurveda.
How can you regulate the Vyana Vata?
Experts suggest balancing Vyana Vata is possible through simple practices such as walking barefoot on grass, leg stretching, oil massage of calves, yoga postures like Tadasana and Vrikshasana, and elevating the legs to improve circulation.
- Location :
Delhi, India, India