Ayurveda and Blood Pressure
Have you had your blood pressure checked lately? This is something we include in your Ayurvedic consultation here at the clinic.
High blood pressure is called hypertension and is defined as a blood pressure above 140/90 and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120. It is a condition in which the force of the blood against the arterial walls is too high.
Hypertension can cause further damage to the body if left untreated. Conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, stroke, damage to the eyes, sexual dysfunction and kidney disease can arise.
The ayurvedic approach to managing high blood pressure is complex, taking into consideration the individual client, their medical history and current state. It must be addressed which doshas are primarily responsible.
There are disease mentioned in the classical text such as Dhamanipratichaya, Siragatavata, Uchha raktachap which are disease where blood pressure is raised. In each of these terms different point of views have been adopted but there is the same opinion that the main pathogenesis occurs in rakta (blood) along with the blood vessels (artery and venous system).
In hypertension a three doshic (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) involvement is seen.
Vata
Chala guna of Vata which is the constant movement, like a snake or an ant. Emotional factors which can increase the blood pressure are fear, anxiety stress and insecurity often seen in Vata imbalance.
Pitta
Ushna and tikshna guna of Pitta - this is the heat and sharp nature of Pitta raising blood pressure.
Emotional factors which can trigger high blood pressure are anger, hate, criticism, judgment and jealousy which are often seen in a Pitta imbalance.
Kapha
Manda and snigdha guna which are the attributes of slowness and unctuousness of Kapha dosha.
Depression, inertia, no exercise and weight gain can result that the blood becomes more viscous. The kapha type of hypertension causes fatty molecules to deposit on the arterial walls this can lead to narrowing of the arteries (arterial sclerosis).
How to lower blood pressure?
Ayurvedic lifestyle
Ayurvedic herbs
It is important to note that all of these recommendations need to be first discussed with your Ayurvedic practitioner. The herbs below will be taken in various forms - liquid, tablets, pills or powder as suggested.
Charaka has mentioned herbs and heart tonics (Hridaya Gana) in the Charaka Samhita SU 4:10.
Ayurvedic treatments recommended are:
Ayurvedic diet
Traditional Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis was used to assess the blood pressure as a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor) was not available. Our practitioners use the traditional Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis and blood pressure monitor.
If you are interested in an Ayurvedic lifestyle, diet and herbs to improve your heart health and cardiovascular system we would love to welcome you at the clinic.
Consultations are available Monday - Saturday.
#bloodpressure #ayurveda #ayurvedictreatment #lakshmiayurveda #consultation #ayurvedicconsultation #ayurvedicpractitioner #highbloodpressure #meditation #exercise #bottlegourd #bittergourd
High blood pressure is called hypertension and is defined as a blood pressure above 140/90 and is considered severe if the pressure is above 180/120. It is a condition in which the force of the blood against the arterial walls is too high.
Hypertension can cause further damage to the body if left untreated. Conditions such as heart disease, heart attack, stroke, damage to the eyes, sexual dysfunction and kidney disease can arise.
The ayurvedic approach to managing high blood pressure is complex, taking into consideration the individual client, their medical history and current state. It must be addressed which doshas are primarily responsible.
There are disease mentioned in the classical text such as Dhamanipratichaya, Siragatavata, Uchha raktachap which are disease where blood pressure is raised. In each of these terms different point of views have been adopted but there is the same opinion that the main pathogenesis occurs in rakta (blood) along with the blood vessels (artery and venous system).
In hypertension a three doshic (Vata, Pitta and Kapha) involvement is seen.
Vata
Chala guna of Vata which is the constant movement, like a snake or an ant. Emotional factors which can increase the blood pressure are fear, anxiety stress and insecurity often seen in Vata imbalance.
Pitta
Ushna and tikshna guna of Pitta - this is the heat and sharp nature of Pitta raising blood pressure.
Emotional factors which can trigger high blood pressure are anger, hate, criticism, judgment and jealousy which are often seen in a Pitta imbalance.
Kapha
Manda and snigdha guna which are the attributes of slowness and unctuousness of Kapha dosha.
Depression, inertia, no exercise and weight gain can result that the blood becomes more viscous. The kapha type of hypertension causes fatty molecules to deposit on the arterial walls this can lead to narrowing of the arteries (arterial sclerosis).
How to lower blood pressure?
Ayurvedic lifestyle
- Mentally calming practices such as meditation
- Pranayama to restore optimal breathing
- Daily exercise and yoga
- Follow an Ayurvedic routine, dinacharya.
- Reduce stressors in your life.
- No smoking or alcohol intake
Ayurvedic herbs
It is important to note that all of these recommendations need to be first discussed with your Ayurvedic practitioner. The herbs below will be taken in various forms - liquid, tablets, pills or powder as suggested.
- Arjuna
- Guduchi and Amla
- Purnarnava
- Bhringaraj
- Gotu Kola, Brahmi, Jatamamsi
- Sarpagandha
- Gokshura
- Haritaki
- Guggulu
Charaka has mentioned herbs and heart tonics (Hridaya Gana) in the Charaka Samhita SU 4:10.
Ayurvedic treatments recommended are:
- Shirodhara
- Takradhara
- Thalapothichil
- Abhyanga oil massage
- Yoga Therapy
Ayurvedic diet
- Bottle gourd, bitter gourd
- Avoid excess salt
- Avoid deep fried food
- All food home cooked!
- Avoid packaged foods
- Limit/avoid coffee and caffeinated beverages
- Limit sugar intake
- Pomegranate and figs
- Decrease intake of nightshades
- Spices such as garlic, fennel, oregano, black pepper and basil are beneficial.
Traditional Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis was used to assess the blood pressure as a sphygmomanometer (blood pressure monitor) was not available. Our practitioners use the traditional Ayurvedic pulse diagnosis and blood pressure monitor.
If you are interested in an Ayurvedic lifestyle, diet and herbs to improve your heart health and cardiovascular system we would love to welcome you at the clinic.
Consultations are available Monday - Saturday.
#bloodpressure #ayurveda #ayurvedictreatment #lakshmiayurveda #consultation #ayurvedicconsultation #ayurvedicpractitioner #highbloodpressure #meditation #exercise #bottlegourd #bittergourd