Ayurveda for Hypertension
Hypertension or high blood pressure is so common today that at least one in ten people aged 40 or above has high BP related problems. This is the pressure that blood exerts on blood vessel walls.
High blood pressure occurs when heart works harder to pump blood.
Thickening of blood vessels (arteriosclerosis) causes it. This can cause stroke or heart attack. It is therefore very important to keep blood pressure to normal levels.
The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. There are however variations to his readings throughout the day. If the pressure becomes 130/80 mmHg, it is risky condition. It 140/90 mm Hg is hypertension.
According to Ayurveda, hypertension is caused mainly due to accumulation of toxins in blood and tissues, poor digestion or nutrition, imbalance of nervous system, physical or mental stress due to disruption of natural biological rhythm. Ayurveda follows a natural method of treatment to cure hypertension.
It is a gradual process of removing impurities accumulated in body tissues.
The main herbs used by Ayurveda practitioners to reduce blood pressure include sarpagandha (Rouwolfia serpentine), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa), Rose extracts etc.
Dhara or medicated oil massage for head is beneficial in pacifying mind and reducing blood pressure.
Certain methods of panchakarma are also beneficial in controlling blood pressure.
Prevent Hypertension
Include in your diet food items of high fiber content - fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereal, rice, wheat, etc in unprocessed form are good for your heart and body.
If you doubt hypertension, avoid alcohol and tobacco. There are however instances when very lower levels of alcohol is actually beneficial in bringing down high blood pressure. But it is not advisable as you can easily take 'another' drink.
Give your body some exercise. Walking for 30 minutes in the morning is enough as a starting up. You can slowly introduce aerobics. You can also start practicing yoga today under a skilled master.