HYPERTENSION/ HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE

Hypertension is the condition where you have chronically and abnormally high arterial blood pressure.

Also known as the ‘silent killer’ high blood pressure afflicts millions around the globe.

Hypertension is known as Rakta Gata Vata in Ayurveda. It can be caused due to vitiation of any of the three doshas viz. Vata, Pitta and Kapha, though the contribution of the Vata dosha is more responsible.

Causes of Hypertension

• Sedentary lifestyle
• A family history of heart disease or high blood pressure
• Stress and Anxiety
• Unhealthy diet
• Obesity/overweight
• Smoking
• Alcohol
• Vitiation of Vata Dosha
• Metabolic disorders
• Excessive intake of common salt
• Over-consumption of fast-food/junk food
• High blood pressure can also be secondary to other conditions – kidney disease, cardiac disease, etc.

Symptoms of Hypertension:

• Headache
• Dizziness
• Palpitations
• Heart pain
• Frequent urination
• Fatigue
• Difficulty in Breathing
• Flushed face and red eyes
• Nosebleeds (if severe)
• Anger and irritability
• Burning sensations

Treatment

Treatment is based on bringing imbalances back to normal. In the treatment of hypertension – nutrition, physical exercise (Yoga), breathing exercises (Pranayama), meditation (Dhyana), behavioral modification along with internal medications are prescribed.

• Nidana parivarjana
• Shodhana
• Virechana
• Shirovirecana
• Niruha Basti
• Raktamokshana
• Pizicchil
• Shirodhara
• Shamana medications
• Satvavajaya
• Rasayana Chikitsa
• Gokshura
• Sarpagandha
• Gulkand
• Sootshekhar
• Jatamansi
• Arjuna
• Punarnava
• Physical exercise (Yoga)
• Breathing exercises (Pranayama),
• Meditation (Dhyana)
• Limit sodium in the diet