What is Hypertension? / Definition of Hypertension

Hypertension is defined as blood pressure above 140/90 and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120. High blood pressure often has no symptoms. Over time, if untreated, it can cause health conditions, such as heart disease and stroke. Ayurveda treatment helps to maintain blood pressure under control. Let’s see how Ayurveda treatment for hypertension helps to control Hypertension.

Ayurveda View about Hypertension/ Ayurveda approach to Hypertension/ Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as Raktagata Vata in Ayurveda, is one of the most common health conditions. The pressure of the blood in the arteries is high enough to cause heart disease. Your blood pressure is determined by the amount of blood pumped by the heart and the amount of resistance to blood flow in your arteries. According to Ayurveda, high blood pressure occurs when the Vata dosha, which governs the nervous system, becomes imbalanced and disturbs the balance of other doshas in the body.

Types of Hypertension

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a common medical condition characterized by elevated blood pressure levels. There are several types and categories of hypertension, which are classified based on various factors, including the underlying cause and the age of onset. The two primary categories of hypertension are:

Primary (Essential) Hypertension: This is the most common type of hypertension, accounting for about 90-95% of all cases. Primary hypertension has no identifiable underlying cause and typically develops gradually over time. It is often related to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Risk factors for primary hypertension include a family history of high blood pressure, obesity, a diet high in sodium, physical inactivity, and stress.

Secondary Hypertension: Secondary hypertension is caused by an underlying medical condition or medication. It accounts for about 5-10% of all hypertension cases. Various factors can lead to secondary hypertension, including:

Kidney problems: Conditions such as chronic kidney disease, renal artery stenosis, or polycystic kidney disease can affect blood pressure regulation.

Hormonal disorders: Conditions like primary aldosteronism (excess aldosterone production), Cushing’s syndrome, and thyroid disorders can lead to secondary hypertension.

Medications: Certain medications, such as oral contraceptives, decongestants, and corticosteroids, can cause elevated blood pressure as a side effect.

Adrenal gland tumors: Tumors in the adrenal glands can lead to the overproduction of hormones that raise blood pressure.

Sleep apnea: Obstructive sleep apnea can contribute to hypertension, especially if left untreated.

Coarctation of the aorta: This is a congenital heart defect where the aorta narrows, leading to increased blood pressure in the upper body.

Pregnancy-induced hypertension: Conditions like preeclampsia and gestational hypertension can occur during pregnancy and may resolve after childbirth.

Causes and Symptoms of Hypertension 

Higher blood pressure is caused when more blood is pumped by the heart in narrow streets. While not having any particular symptoms, some of the high blood pressure symptoms could include shortness of breath, headaches, or nosebleeds. In some cases, even when the blood pressure reaches life-threatening levels, it can be asymptomatic. Ayurveda, the ancient science, helps stabilize blood pressure as well as keep your heart healthy. In today’s world, sedentary lifestyles and unhealthy diets are the root causes of hypertension. They are creating toxins, these narrow down the blood pressure, leading to hypertension. So it’s equally important to change lifestyle and diet to control Hypertension. Here will discuss about how Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension helps to control Hypertension with Ayurveda

Ayurvedic herbs for Hypertension / Ayurveda Medicines for Hypertension / Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension 

1) Amalaki: Amalaki or Indian gooseberry is a ubiquitous herbal food in Indian cuisine which is also a great natural remedy for hypertension.

2) Arjuna: Arjuna bark extracts consumed in the form of powders and decoctions, do wonder to get relief from hypertension.

3) Sarpagandha: Sarpagandha is a powerful plant that contains a treasure of phytonutrients, specific alkaloids with antihypertensive and sedative qualities.

4) Punarnava: Punarnava is a natural diuretic, which facilitates blood circulation in the renal tract and ensures a healthy blood supply to the kidneys.

5) Tulsi: Tulsi is a wonderful Ayurvedic herb that lowers high blood pressure and effectively corrects signs of hypertension such as headaches and fatigue.

6 ) Garlic: Garlic helps lower blood pressure because it is a natural anticoagulant and lowers cholesterol levels.

7) Ashwagandha: Stress is the main cause of hypertension and there is no better remedy than Ashwagandha to calm the mind.

8) Triphala: its anti-inflammatory properties reduce the strain on the blood vessels and help to control hypertension.

Panchakarma treatment for Hypertension / Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension 

Panchakarma is an ancient Ayurvedic therapy that aims to detoxify and rejuvenate the body. While it can be beneficial for various health conditions, including hypertension (high blood pressure),

Virechana: This is a Panchakarma therapy that involves controlled purgation to eliminate excess Pitta dosha (one of the three Ayurvedic doshas) from the body. It can help in detoxification and reducing inflammation, which may contribute to hypertension.

Nasya: Nasya involves the administration of herbal oils or medications through the nasal passages. It can be used to balance the doshas and improve respiratory functions. While not a direct treatment for hypertension, it can contribute to overall well-being.

 Shirodhara / Takradhara: Shirodhara is a therapy in which a continuous stream of warm oil is poured onto the forehead. It can help calm the nervous system, reduce stress, and promote relaxation. Stress management is essential in hypertension control.

Abhyanga: Abhyanga is a full-body oil massage that can help relax the body, improve circulation, and reduce stress. Regular Abhyanga may contribute to better blood pressure control when combined with other therapies and lifestyle changes.

How Panchakarma treatment helps to treat hypertension?/ Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension 

Panchakarma is an Ayurvedic therapy that focuses on detoxification and rejuvenation of the body. While it may not directly treat hypertension (high blood pressure), it can contribute to an overall improvement in your health and well-being, which in turn may help manage hypertension.

Stress Reduction: Stress is a significant contributor to high blood pressure. Panchakarma therapies like Shirodhara (warm oil pouring on the forehead), Abhyanga (full-body oil massage), Takradhara and meditation can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and calm the nervous system. Stress reduction is a key component of hypertension management.

Detoxification: Panchakarma therapies, particularly Virechana (controlled purgation) and Basti (medicated enemas), help eliminate accumulated toxins from the body. Removing toxins can improve the functioning of various organs and systems, potentially leading to better blood pressure regulation.

Balancing Doshas: Ayurveda believes that imbalances in the body’s three doshas (Vata, Pitta, and Kapha) can lead to health issues, including hypertension. Panchakarma aims to balance these doshas through individualized treatments, dietary recommendations, and herbal remedies.

Improved Circulation: Some Panchakarma therapies, like Abhyanga and Swedana (herbal steam therapy), can improve blood circulation. Enhanced circulation may have a positive impact on blood pressure regulation.

Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension  / Can Ayurveda Cure Hypertension?

Detoxification of the body helps the medicines work better towards taking care of the root cause of the disease. It also equally focuses on improving your lifestyle and diet, as these play a vital role in complementing the effect of medicines and sustaining the benefits of the treatment. Also, since Ayurveda focuses on the disease’s actual cause, it reduces the risk of severe health problems and complications arising out of the untreated underlying cause. This gives an upper hand to the patients who complete their Ayurveda treatment, as they have an effectively reduced risk of health complications arising later. In the first place, Ayurveda uses personalized herbal medicines to balance the aggravated pitta and Vata Dosha. Counseling is also provided for mental relaxation and rejuvenation since the state of mind also plays a vital role in managing hypertension. In the advanced stage, hypertension starts affecting vital organs such as the brain, heart, and kidney. So, the Ayurveda treatment includes:

• Balancing all the affected Doshas.
• Strengthening metabolism.
• Cleansing the body channels.
• Addressing the involved complications.
• Effective Panchakarma treatment is also recommended to manage blood pressure in the long run.

Most important findings about Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension 

• High BP or hypertension is a condition in which blood presses against the walls of the highways due to increased blood inflow or condensation of the blood vessels.
• High blood pressure can be caused by a sedentary life, poor salutary habits, or a beginning condition similar to rotundity and diabetes.
• Taking ashwagandha, cinnamon, parsley, garlic, gusto, watermelon, etc. can control high blood pressure.
• Still, consider taking herbal medications similar to Normact tablets and Parthadyarishtam, If you’re looking for a more effective way to treat high blood pressure.Ayurveda Treatment for Hypertension.