Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is a medical condition where the pressure of the blood against the walls of your arteries is consistently too high. This condition does not show any clear symptoms but, without treatment, may lead to severe cardiovascular conditions such as stroke and heart attack.
Blood pressure is measured using two numbers. The first number is the systolic pressure, which is the pressure inside your arteries when your heart beats. The second number is called the diastolic pressure, and that is the pressure when your heart is resting between beats. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg. If these numbers reach 130/80 mmHg or higher, it is considered Hypertension.
There are two types of Hypertension: Primary Hypertension is the most common type, which develops over time with no identifiable cause. This type generally shows up with age and lifestyle factors including diet, lack of exercise and body weight play significant roles. Secondary Hypertension is caused by underlying conditions like kidney disease, hormonal disorders, or some medications.
Managing Hypertension usually involves lifestyle changes, herbal remedies and age-old therapies. Limiting salt intake, following a balanced diet, engaging in regular physical activity, maintaining a healthy weight, and avoiding excessive alcohol consumption can help manage high blood pressure. Regular checkups with an Ayurvedic expert are essential since high blood pressure could lead to serious complications if left untreated.
Hypertension, or high blood pressure, might happen due to many different reasons, each contributing to the force exerted by blood against the walls of the arteries. Understanding these causes may help with prompt management and reduce the risk of developing this condition.
The most common causes of Hypertension include:
Unhealthy Diet: Consuming foods high in salt, fats, and cholesterol are known to raise the blood pressure.
Absence of Physical Activity: Being inactive makes it difficult for the heart to pump blood more effectively, which may increase your blood pressure.
Obesity: Excess weight places more strain on the heart, requiring additional work to circulate blood, which raises blood pressure.
Age: With age, the arteries naturally become hard, and raises the risk of Hypertension.
Family History: Genetics also play a major role in Hypertension. Having close family members with Hypertension increases your risk of developing this condition.
Alcohol & Tobacco Use: Frequent consumption of large amounts of tobacco or alcohol can affect heart health and increase blood pressure.
Stress: The temporary spikes in blood pressure associated with chronic stress may contribute to long-term Hypertension.
Chronic Conditions: High blood pressure is also linked to certain conditions like kidney disease, diabetes and sleep apnea.
Certain Medications: Some medicines such as pain relievers, birth control pills and cold medicines can raise blood pressure.
High blood pressure often goes unnoticed due to its subtle signs, which is why it is called the "silent killer." Knowing the possible Hypertension symptoms and signs can help you identify the condition early and avoid complications.
Jiva Ayurveda offers holistic Ayurvedic treatment for Hypertension using evidence-based Ayurveda. The treatment plans are customised to target the very root causes of the disease, and instead of just treating symptoms, they focus on holistic healing, balance and stability in totality.
HACCP certified Ayurvedic medicines: These are scientific blends that rebalance the body’s energy system and promote emotional wellness.
Yoga, Meditation & Mindfulness-Practices: These calming practices promote mental health and complete wellbeing.
Ayurvedic Treatments For Hypertension: Therapies like Panchakarma and various massages detox the body and promote emotional balance.
Diet and Lifestyle Changes: Expert advice on changing your eating habits and lifestyle changes for better health results.
Herbal medicines are an essential aspect of Ayurvedic treatment for Hypertension. These remedies help to balance the body's doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha) and promote overall health with traditional herbs that have been used for centuries.
The most effective Ayurvedic medicines for Hypertension are given below :
Garlic (Allium Sativum): Garlic is renowned for its cardiovascular benefits, primarily in lowering blood pressure by relaxing and widening the blood vessels, to allow for easier blood flow.
Arjun (Terminalia Arjuna): The bark of the Arjuna tree is used in Ayurveda because of its heart-strengthening and cardio-protective qualities. It acts as a natural diuretic which reduces blood pressure and prevents heart issues.
Ashwagandha (Withania Somnifera): Ashwagandha is also believed to lower blood pressure by reducing the impact of stress on the body.
Triphala: A staple in Ayurvedic medicine, Triphala is a mix of 3 fruits which acts as an antioxidant and detoxifies the body, which could assist in managing blood pressure.
Gotu Kola (Centella Asiatica): This herb is used for improving circulation and reducing fatigue, which is helpful for patients with Hypertension.
Brahmi (Bacopa Monnieri): Often used to improve mental function, Brahmi lowers stress and anxiety that are common reasons for high blood pressure.
Rauwolfia (Rauwolfia Serpentina): This is among the most prominent Ayurvedic remedies for Hypertension as it helps control the nerve impulses along the pathways that influence blood pressure.
Gokshura (Tribulus Terrestris): This is a diuretic herb that can help manage blood pressure by reducing fluid buildup and increasing urinary flow.
Sarpagandha (Rauvolfia Serpentina): This herb is renowned for its ability to deal with high blood pressure and insomnia based on its sedative properties.
Ayurveda considers Hypertension as an imbalance mainly of the Vata dosha but also of Pitta and Kapha doshas, affecting circulation and stability.
Regular monitoring is essential. If diagnosed with Hypertension, you should check your blood pressure at least once per week.
Ayurveda can help manage Hypertension symptoms through holistic treatments, herbal remedies and lifestyle changes.
Regular yoga, meditation and a diet low in salt, and rich in fruits and vegetables can help maintain normal blood pressure.
Stress may temporarily raise the blood pressure. A sustained high blood pressure may result from chronic stress.
Ayurvedic diet for Hypertension includes whole grains, fresh vegetables, low sodium and avoidance of spicy and oily foods.
Yes, Abhyanga, an Ayurvedic oil massage, relaxes the body and relieves stress, helping blood pressure control.
Yoga poses including deep breathing and gentle physical postures help reduce stress, lower blood pressure and improve cardiac health.
Lifestyle changes like a well-balanced diet, regular exercise and stress management are essential and can help in managing mild Hypertension.
Herbs like Gotu Kola and Ashwagandha are recommended for their stress-reducing and blood pressure lowering properties.
Improvements can be observed within a few weeks of consistent Ayurvedic treatment but long-term changes and regular monitoring are required for lasting benefits.
