Hypertension is the condition in which an individual has elevated blood pressure. This chronic condition is very common nowadays. The changing food culture & lifestyle are the main contributing factors. Have you checked your blood pressure recently? Has anyone in your family or friends have elevated blood pressure?
Are you hypertensive?
Let’s make it simpler. Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood on the walls of blood vessels. When the pressure is high there is a consistent strain on your heart to pump blood.
Ayurveda gives the best remedies to control your elevated blood pressure. Hypertension is caused by Vata vitiation. Occasionally there is the involvement of Kapha as well as pitta. In some cases, there is an obstruction in body channels which in turn causes a Vata imbalance.
Role of Doshas in hypertension
Excessive alcohol & salt intake- Pitta, Raktha vitiation
Anger, stress, anxiety- Vata imbalance
Excessive oily foods, sedentary lifestyle- Kapha imbalance.
These are the causative factors for primary hypertension which mean it does not occur as a result of any other disease. Diseases like Diabetes, Renal disease, Obesity, etc. are secondary causes.
By all these causes the blood or raktha gets accumulated with toxins. The vitiated doshas will negatively influence the quality of blood. The blood flow is influenced by Vata. And the quality of blood is affected by vitiated Kapha as well as pitta dosha. So there is high-pressure exertion on the walls of the blood vessels.
Ayurveda protocol
Management of primary hypertension- hypertension not due to any other underlying disease
The first & foremost theory in treatment in Ayurveda is to avoid the causes. Then the vitiated doshas are treated respectively. If the dosha vitiation is extreme shodhana chikitsa is followed.
Vasti is done for Vata, Virechana for Pitta, and Vamana for Kapha dosha. By these purificatory therapies, doshas attain a balance, then shaman therapy is done. This includes consuming kashaya, tablets, medicated water, etc. Blood purifying herbs like ginger, garlic, cinnamon, Basil, etc. are highly effective in preventing hypertension. You can make medicated drinks depending upon your doshas & cause of the disease.
Management of secondary hypertension
If hypertension occurs secondary to a disease, then disease-specific treatment has to be followed. In short, if you are diabetic, then treat diabetes first, automatically your blood pressure will be normalized.
An integrated approach, yoga, meditation & diet control
Also, Yogasanas have a positive influence on controlling the movement of prana Vata or circulation in your body. Pranayama is found very effective in controlling elevated blood pressures. If this is practiced regularly you can see amazing results.
Meditation can control your anger, stress& depression. This reduces the adrenal influx into the blood. So blood flow is not altered in any manner. The normal circulation is maintained so as the blood pressure. Daily practice can improve the general well-being of the body. Most importantly, dietary &lifestyle changes are recommended in Ayurveda.
Rule of 6 to Prevent Hypertension
Never skip your routine checkup of blood pressure& take a blood test when needed
Go for fiber-rich options to enhance digestion & prevent constipation
Sound sleep calms your body& improves the overall metabolic functions
Avoid processed foods like sausages, smoked meats, sauces, etc. You can rely on homemade sausages or burgers. Processed foods contain high sodium which increases the blood pressure
Plenty of fluids are necessary to maintain the blood concentration. Drink an adequate amount of boiled water or medicated herbal drinks
Minimize your habit of eating out. When you want your favorite chunky burgers or pizzas, give it a try at your home with healthy ingredients.
We have discussed hypertension in detail. You can now identify the causes from above & take the necessary precautions to prevent or arrest the further progression of hypertension. Take care of your body, take care of your doshas. Don't disturb your doshas by your diet or lifestyle.