High blood pressure (hypertension) is defined as high pressure (tension) in the arteries that is, a repeatedly elevated blood pressure exceeding 140 over 90 mmHg. Chronic high blood pressure can stealthily cause blood vessel changes in the back of the eye (retina), abnormal thickening of the heart muscle, kidney failure, and brain damage. Hypertension, or high blood pressure, is considered a lifestyle disorder. It is a dangerous condition as it can lead to strokes, heart attacks, heart failure, or kidney disease if not controlled.
Causes of High Blood pressure include high salt intake, genetic predisposition to high blood pressure, obstructive sleep apnea, kidney problems, thyroid related problems, decongestants, certain pain relievers, due to anxiety, stress and hectic life-style,due to smoking and chronic alcohol use, obesity, erratic and unhealthy food habits, excessive salt intake, metabolic disorders and hardening of arteries. Pain experienced at the back of the head and neck on waking up, which soon disappears, dizziness, palpitations, heart pain, frequent urination, nervous tension, fatigue, difficulty in breathing are few of the symptoms observed in Hypertension. According to Ayurveda, constant rise in blood pressure is due to vitiation of vata and pitta dosha. Those with pitta and vata dominant Prakriti(constitution), may be more prone to Hypertensive disorders.
The natural way towards lowering the blood pressure is to create a balance between mind and body with the help of medications, Yoga, meditation, healthy diet and lifestyle. Intake of vegetables like garlic and lemon; fruits like watermelon, Amla (Indian gooseberry), and grape fruit; reduction in the intake of sodium and coffee; and by curbing habits such as smoking and chronic intake of alcohol, correction of diet and lifestyle and adopting measures to reduce excess weight help to lower high blood pressure and maintain it. Regular exercise improves the circulation, eliminates body fat, lowers total cholesterol and raises HDL cholesterol (good cholesterol). Ayurveda also adds that exercise improves the body, depletes excess fat, and brings a feeling of lightness to the body. Ayurveda therapies like abhyanga (Body massage), shiroabhyanga (head massage), shirodhara (Gentle pouring of liquids over the forehead) are few of the therapies that may provide relaxation of mind and body. Virechana(therapeutic purgation) and basti(therapeutic enemas) may also be advised as a treatment for hypertension. Practicing Yoga regularly helps to maintain a tranquil mind and a healthy body. As this disease is known to be a silent killer, measures to lower the pressure helps to protect important organs, like the brain, heart, and kidneys from damage and thus reduce the chances of stroke, heart attack or kidney failure.
Thus keeping oneself happy is the secret to healthy living.
MSRICAIM has specialized consultants who can suggest the right management approach for this condition.
For more details and booking:
Contact:
M S Ramaiah Indic Centre for Ayurveda and
Integrative Medicine (MSR ICAIM)
A unit of Gokula Education Foundation (Medical)
New BEL Road, MSR Nagar
Mathikere PO
Bengaluru – 54
Tel: +91-80-22183456
Mob: +91-9632128544 / +91-9900581203