With high blood pressure affecting more than one billion people around the world, or nearly 30% of the world’s adult population, it is clear that it is a condition that does not discriminate.
The really scary part? In the majority of cases, there is often no single cause for the rise in blood pressure, or any identifiable symptom; until it is already too late and has caused far too much damage to your vessels and organs.
This makes early diagnosis and management of high blood pressure a vital tool in ensuring optimal health. And while conventional medicine offers a range of medications to help lower blood pressure, we find that Ayurveda offers the most holistic and complete approach to treating and preventing hypertension.
What is hypertension?
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition characterized by persistently elevated blood pressure levels.
Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps it around the body. When blood pressure consistently exceeds the normal range, it can strain the arteries and organs, leading to various health complications. Hypertension is often referred to as a “silent killer” because it usually does not cause noticeable symptoms until it reaches an advanced stage.
Blood pressure is measured using two values: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure represents the force exerted on the artery walls when the heart contracts and pumps blood, while diastolic pressure represents the force when the heart is at rest between beats.
The standard blood pressure reading is expressed as systolic pressure over diastolic pressure, measured in millimetres of mercury (mmHg). Normal blood pressure is considered to be around 120/80 mmHg. However, hypertension is diagnosed when blood pressure consistently measures 130/80 mmHg or higher.
Hypertension is classified into two main types:
- Primary (essential) hypertension: This is the most common type and has no identifiable cause. It develops gradually over time due to a combination of genetic, lifestyle, and environmental factors. Primary hypertension is often associated with risk factors such as age, family history, obesity, sedentary lifestyle, stress, and poor dietary habits.
- Secondary hypertension: This type of hypertension arises from an underlying medical condition or as a result of certain medications. It can be caused by kidney disease, hormonal disorders (such as adrenal gland problems or thyroid disorders), certain medications (such as oral contraceptives or corticosteroids), and other factors.
Hypertension is a significant risk factor for various serious health conditions, including heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, and damage to blood vessels. Therefore, it is important to diagnose and manage hypertension promptly to reduce the risk of complications.
Regulating blood pressure through Ayurveda
According to Ayurveda, hypertension is primarily associated with imbalances in the doshas, specifically Pitta and Vata doshas. Pitta dosha is linked to heat, metabolism, and the regulation of body functions, while Vata dosha is associated with movement and circulation. When these doshas become imbalanced, it leads to disturbances in the cardiovascular system, resulting in high blood pressure.
Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension typically involves lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, and stress-relieving therapies. Lifestyle changes may include adopting a healthy diet low in sodium, saturated fats, and cholesterol, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, managing stress, limiting alcohol consumption, and quitting smoking. All of this, with the ultimate goal of eliminating toxins and restoring balance, to achieve overall health.
Ayurvedic Approach to Hypertension:
1. Diet and Nutrition:
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of a balanced and appropriate diet to regulate hypertension. The following dietary guidelines are often recommended:
- Reduce the intake of salty, oily, and spicy foods.
- Include fresh fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes in the diet.
- Incorporate foods rich in potassium, such as bananas, oranges, and leafy greens, as they help maintain healthy blood pressure levels.
- Avoid caffeine, alcohol, smoking, and processed foods, which can contribute to increased blood pressure.
2. Herbal Remedies:
Ayurvedic herbs play a significant role in managing hypertension. Some commonly used herbs include:
- Ashwagandha: Known for as an effective adaptogen, Ashwagandha helps reduce stress and supports cardiovascular health.
- Arjuna: This herb has cardioprotective properties and helps strengthen the heart muscles.
- Brahmi: Brahmi is beneficial in reducing mental stress and improving overall well-being.
- Triphala: Triphala is a combination of three fruits and is known for its detoxifying and rejuvenating effects.
3. Lifestyle Modifications:
Ayurveda emphasizes the importance of lifestyle modifications to manage hypertension effectively. These include:
- Regular exercise: Engaging in moderate physical activities like walking, yoga, and swimming helps improve blood circulation, reduce stress, and maintain a healthy weight.
- Stress management: Practicing relaxation techniques such as meditation, deep breathing exercises, and mindfulness can help reduce stress levels, a significant contributing factor in hypertension.
- Adequate sleep: Getting sufficient sleep and following a consistent sleep routine promotes overall well-being and helps maintain a healthy blood pressure.
4. Panchakarma:
Panchakarma is a set of Ayurvedic detoxification and rejuvenation therapies that aim to eliminate toxins, restore balance, and promote overall health. Panchakarma treatments, such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Shirodhara (pouring of warm oil on the forehead), and Swedana (herbal steam therapy), may be beneficial in managing hypertension by reducing stress, improving blood circulation, and promoting relaxation.
Conclusion
While hypertension may not be easy to spot and diagnose, incorporating Ayurvedic practices in your day-to-day lives can have an incredible effect in preventing it.
And once diagnosed, regular monitoring of blood pressure, along with a comprehensive Ayurvedic approach is key to managing hypertension and reducing its associated health risks.
This is because Ayurveda reduces stress, improves circulation, and supports overall cardiovascular health by addressing the underlying imbalances in the body. Best of all, with the help of a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner you can receive personalised recommendations and guidance based on one’s unique constitution and health condition. All of which makes Ayurveda a truly unique and holistic system that provides a pathway to optimal health and wellbeing.
For a better understanding of the Ayurvedic approach to hypertension, visit The Ayurvedic Clinic today! Our panel of experienced Ayurvedic therapists and consultants will create a customised treatment plan just for you; which includes personalized dietary recommendations, herbal remedies, lifestyle modifications, and therapeutic interventions to help you treat and manage high blood pressure while achieving overall, optimal health.