Hypertension - Ayurveda

There are no specific symptoms for hypertension and this is why it is also called a silent killer.  It is most important to have your blood pressure check regularly. 

Headaches particularly in the back of the head, nosebleeds, shortness of breath, lack of energy, facial paralysis, blurred vision, fatigue, irritability, vertigo, tinnitus, irregular heartbeat, pounding in the neck, chest, and ears, blood in the urine, altered vision or fainting episodes are the sign & symptoms of hypertension.  However, these symptoms might be related to anxiety rather than high blood pressure.

Ayurveda is the biggest contributor to mankind for human longevity and wellbeing in the most natural possible way. Ayurveda can help to heal from hypertension in the best possible organic way with the help of authentic medication, dedicated therapy, and massages. 

First, the holistic assessment of the health is done in which the Vaidya looks at the whole picture of the health and try to achieve full understanding of the body. During the assessment, Vaidya determines that what treatment plan will best suit the patient. Then, the treatment course starts followed by therapy like Shirodhara, thakaradhara, and Abhyangam.etc depending on the conditions of the patient along with herbal medications wholesome and well balanced cuisines, Yoga & meditation session, fitness session to revitalize the body and bring harmony to mind and soul.

In Ayurveda, the diagnosis procedures are two pronged. One aims to establish the state and type of pathology and second decides the mode of treatment.  It is done through holistic assessment of the health. The Vaidya will look at the whole picture of the patient health and try to achieve the full understanding. They observe, palpate and interrogate with the patients. The Vaidya determines the doshas or body constitution, the health of Dhatus (tissues), the strength of digestive fire, immunity and as well as mental harmony. This involves asking extensive questions on topic like lifestyle, diet, personal and professional life, medical history and any current problems. While knowing the constitution of the body, it will provide insight into which of the doshas are most likely to be in excess and which therapies and treatments plan will best suit the patient. 

A risk factor is something that increases a person’s chance of developing hypertension/high blood pressure. The risk factors are: 

• Elevated blood pressure: If systolic blood pressure is ranging from 120-129 mm Hg and a diastolic pressure below 80 mm Hg and proper care are not taken then there is a high chance to develop hypertension in your body.
• Diabetes: 06 out of 10 people suffering from diabetes also have high blood pressure. 
• Unhealthy diet: The diet which has much fat and sodium and too low potassium puts you at a risk for high blood pressure.
• Physical inactivity: Physical activity helps our heart and blood vessels to stay strong and healthy which helps in lowering the blood pressure and keeping a healthy weight. 
• Obesity: Excess body fat stresses our heart and blood vessels which made the heart work harder to pump blood and oxygen around the body which results in high blood pressure.
• Use of much alcohol and tobacco: Consuming too much alcohol and tobacco can increase your blood pressure.
• Genetics and family history: Genes play a big role in high blood pressure as the people with a family history of high blood pressure share common environments and other potential factors which increases the risk
• Age: As one gets older, the risk for high blood pressure increases.
• Sex: Women are more likely to develop high blood pressure at some point during their lives.
• Race or ethnicity: Black people have  high blood pressure than white people

Different factors are responsible for Hypertension. Some preventive measures can be followed in day to day life to stop the disease from aggravating or to lower the risk of hypertension. These are:-

• Maintain a healthy weight
• Avoid smoking
• Do proper physical exercise, Yoga, and Asanas
• Take a healthy and balanced diet
• Be teetotaler or limit alcohol consumption
• Take enough sleep
• Use less salt in your diet
• Use much potassium in your diet

It is most important to find the root cause of any diseases. Ayurveda while addressing the root cause with a holistic and non-invasive approach comprised of proper lifestyle, diet modifications, herbal medications, yoga asanas, pranayama & meditation & therapies such as Shirodhara, thakaradhara and Abhyangam, Snehapanam, virechenam, Niruha Vasthi, etc depending on the condition & severity can heal the ailments from the roots.  

Note: Internal medications and therapy are prescribed by expert Ayurveda physician after complete assessment.

• Shirodhara: It is an ancient Ayurveda therapy that uses medicated herbal oil to treat headaches, sinus issues, and stress. In this treatment, medicated oil is poured on the head in slow oscillation movement and gently massaged to different pressure points in the body. It is very effective in rejuvenation and revitalization of the body.
• Thakaradhara: It is an ancient form of Ayurveda therapy Dhara in which medicated buttermilk is continuously poured over the forehead and scalp in an oscillating pattern for 45-60 minutes. This therapy is very effective in rejuvenating the brain cells, to cure sleeplessness, mental tension, headaches, and skin diseases.
• Abhyangam: Abhyangam is a Sanskrit word that means the application of warm oil on the body. It is an old ayurvedic oil massage. In this massage, the oil is applied on the entire body from the scalp to the sole of feet using soft and gentle strokes followed by a steam bath. This massage reduces the aggravated Vata in our body, gives relaxation, revitalize the tissue, and remove toxic wastes from our body.
• Snehapanam: It is an ancient Ayurveda therapy in which medicated ghee is given to a patient in an empty stomach internally with proportionally increasing doses on regular basis for about 08 to 12 days.
• Niruha Vasthi: It is a cleansing enema therapy wherein herbal decoction mixed with honey and rock salt etc are administered through the route of anal in form of enema to detoxify the body.
• Changed and customized internal and external therapy after assessment
• Regular Yoga & meditation, Pranayama. Asanas & exercise sessions.
• Use of ayurvedic herbs for effective treatment
• Steam bath, herbal juice, and herbal tea
• Guiding Proper routine of lifestyles like dincharya and Ritucharya to manage stress& pressure in day to day life.
• Modification in diet followed by strict ayurvedic cuisines
• Evaluation of personal lifestyle and fitness on a daily basis