Hypertension or high blood pressure is also referred to as a silent killer. Do you know why? Most people with hypertension don’t know they have it. This condition quietly stresses the heart and arteries and raises the risk for serious problems like heart disease, stroke and kidney failure. Considering this, you would be further shocked to hear that 46% of people with hypertension are unaware of it. Let us explore the condition from an Ayurvedic perspective: What is Hypertension? Hypertension is a lifestyle disease marked by elevated arterial pressure. When your blood vessels continuously work under high pressure, it takes a toll on your heart. This adds up over time, leading to complications if untreated. Causes of Hypertension (Modern Perspective) Modern science identifies several causes of hypertension, such as: Family history of high blood pressure Obesity and lack of physical activity Chronic stress, smoking, and alcohol consumption A high-salt diet Certain medications like birth control pills, steroids, NSAIDs, and decongestants Other health issues like diabetes, sleep apnea, and hypothyroidism Hypertension in Ayurveda Ayurveda, however, looks at hypertension from a different lens. The condition as a result of vitiation of Pitta and Vata Doshas in the Raktha Dhatu (blood tissue). If these Doshas are not in balance, they affect the quality of blood and its flow thereby causing hypertension. The Ayurvedic principles focus on correcting such imbalances by optimizing Agni (digestive fire), which is the key to good health. Causes of High Blood Pressure (Ayurvedic Perspective) According to the Charaka Samhita — one of the most authoritative texts of Ayurveda — here are the potential culprits for hypertension: Madyapana: Consumption of excess alcohol Excess Lavana: High salt consumption Heavy foods: Eating fatty, oily and overly sweet foods Diwaswapna: Daytime napping Krodha, Bhaya and Shoka: Emotional stress such as anger, fear, sadness Shrama: Excessive work effort or physical strain Beeja Dushti: Personal family history of hypertension Chronic conditions: Diabetes, obesity and kidney problems Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension If you’ve been battling high blood pressure, here’s what treatment looks like in my practice. The first and foremost step in managing hypertension is Nidana Parivarjana, which means identifying and removing the root causes. My three-month program Keeping in mind all the root causes of hypertension, my hospital offers a three-month complete treatment plan. During this time, my team and I closely monitor the patient’s diet, routines, blood pressure readings, mental health, sleep patterns and exercise habits during this period. Month 1 : Balancing Pitta and Rakta In the first month, we try to cool down Pitta and improve the quality of Raktha Dhatu. This is achieved through: A customized diet plan tailored to Dosha imbalances. Gentle detoxes to cleanse the body. Mild herbal formulations to support the process. By the end of the first month, patients typically observe major improvements in blood pressure. Month 2 : Treating Other Doshas and Dhatus Once the initial imbalances are corrected, the focus shifts to balancing other Doshas and Dhatus (tissues). During this phase: When the BP reading turns out to be normal, a subsequent customized diet plan is offered. The use of modern medicines (if the patient is taking any) is lowered, but always under supervision. Month 3 : Stabilizing and maintaining By the end of the third month, patients typically control their blood pressure well. The majority of patients need only mild herbal remedies and in some cases no medicines at all. In cases where patients have a slower response due to overly relying on modern medicines or co-morbidities, the program may extend to six months. However, by the end of the treatment, the blood pressure would be under control and the patients are either on mild low doses of herbs or sometimes none! Lifestyle Tips to Manage Hypertension Before starting any treatment, take a second to examine what could be causing your hypertension. What is something you can change at this moment? Here are a few small but powerful changes you can implement: Cut down on salt: Do not eat processed and salty food. Instead of table salt, use Himalayan or rock salt in moderation. Stay active: Include mild exercises such as walking, yoga or stretching. Do not work out excessively as strenuous workouts will raise Vata. Mind your meals: Eat freshly cooked, warm meals. Avoid heavy, fatty, and overly sweet foods. Manage stress: Try practices that calm your mind, such as mindfulness and meditation or deep breathing exercises. Emotional stress is a significant contributor to hypertension. Sleep well: Get regular sleep and avoid daytime naps (Diwaswapna). Limit alcohol: Consumption of alcohol more than the acceptable amount is known to be an inducer of hypertension. Cut back and try to avoid it completely. Avoid over-exertion: Balance is key. Overworking your body or mind can aggravate Doshas. Hypertension doesn’t have to rule your life. By making appropriate changes to your diet, routine, and thought process, you can revert your blood pressure to a normal level easily. Remember, the first step is identifying the root cause and removing it. The Ayurvedic approach is not just about treating symptoms; it’s about bringing balance to your entire being. If you’re ready to regain control of your health, begin making small changes today. And if you’re looking for direction, my team and I are here for you. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me so we can get you started toward a healthier, and more balanced life! If you are struggling with any health issues, you can either book a consultation with us or send us a message via WhatsApp to +91 79074 89839. We have the best Ayurvedic doctors in Trivandrum who are always glad to help you.… Continue reading Ayurvedic Treatment for Hypertension