Highblood pressure

Question

My name is Anna, I am 42 years old woman and I have been suffering from high blood pressure for a long time. Im not doing sport and try to have a good rest every day.It is very high sometimes and I feel really worried about it. I have tried some medicines but they don’t seem to help much. Are there any specific herbs or treatments you can recommend? I really want to improve my health

Dr. Harsha Joy · Accepted Answer

Dear Anna,

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a condition that can be effectively managed through a combination of lifestyle changes and natural remedies, according to Ayurveda. The condition is usually linked to an imbalance in the Pitta and Vata doshas, along with the accumulation of toxins (Ama) in the body. Here is how you can manage it:

1. Dietary modifications  
   To help balance Pitta and Vata, it’s important to adopt a diet that is cooling, light, and calming.  
   - Include more fruits and vegetables, particularly those with high water content, like cucumber, watermelon, and leafy greens.  
   - Avoid spicy, salty, and fried foods, as these can aggravate Pitta and raise blood pressure. Reducing salt intake in your meals is particularly crucial.  
   - Incorporate herbs and spices like turmeric, coriander, and garlic, which are known for their blood pressure-lowering properties. Garlic, in particular, helps reduce high blood pressure naturally.

2. Stress management  
   Stress plays a significant role in increasing blood pressure, so managing stress is critical.  
   - Practices like meditation, deep breathing exercises (such as pranayama), and yoga can help calm the mind and balance Vata, which is often aggravated by stress.  
   - I recommend practicing these regularly, especially in the morning or before bedtime, to help maintain a calm and stable mind.

3. Herbal remedies  
   Ayurvedic herbs can support blood pressure management naturally:  
   - Arjuna: Known for its heart-strengthening properties, this herb helps regulate blood pressure and improve circulation. You can take it in the form of powder or capsules, as recommended.  
   - Brahmi: This herb is excellent for calming the mind and reducing stress, which helps in lowering blood pressure.  
   - Ashwagandha: It helps balance Vata and reduce anxiety, which in turn can lower your blood pressure. Taken regularly, it can have a calming effect on both the body and mind.

4. Regular physical activity  
   Regular, moderate exercise is essential for keeping blood pressure in check.  
   - Walking, swimming, and yoga are excellent forms of exercise that help improve circulation and reduce stress without straining the heart. Avoid overly strenuous activities, as they may elevate blood pressure.

5. Panchakarma  
   If necessary, Ayurvedic detoxification therapies like Panchakarma can help cleanse the body of toxins and balance the doshas. Treatments such as Virechana (purgation therapy) may be recommended for those with high Pitta, while other therapies may be used to balance Vata.

6. Rest and routine  
   It’s important to maintain a regular routine with adequate rest.  
   - Ensure you get at least 7-8 hours of uninterrupted sleep each night. Going to bed and waking up at the same time daily helps regulate your body’s natural rhythms, which in turn supports balanced blood pressure.

By following these steps, you should start to see improvements in your blood pressure levels. It’s important to monitor your progress, and I recommend following up with me to make any adjustments to your treatment plan as necessary.

Let me know if you have any further questions or concerns.

Wishing you good health,  
Dr. Harsha Joy

Dr Sujal Patil · Answer

Dear Anna, 
When was your hypertension exactly detected? Do you remember any other health issues or such history back then? Were you too stressed or were going through pregnancy or anything else?
Finding the cause is essential to deduce a solution.
Ayurvedic management of hypertension focuses on restoring balance within the body, particularly among the doshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), and promoting overall heart health. 
Aggravation of Vata & Pitta can cause hypertension or blockages due to aggravated Kapha in the blood vessels like in arterial blockages.

Here are key approaches:

1. Dietary Recommendations:
Proper digestion and metabolism is the key towards correcting hypertension.
Sattvic Foods: Emphasize fresh, whole foods like fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to promote health.
Low Sodium: Reduce salt intake and avoid processed foods that are high in sodium.
Healthy Fats: Include sources of healthy fats, like cow ghee, olive oil and nuts, while minimizing saturated fats.
2. Home therapies- Regular self massage with sesame oil can help pacify Vata reducing blood pressure.
Pad abhyanga & Shiro abhyanga- foot massage or head massage ideally before sleeping is very helpful in getting good sleep & reducing stress.

3. Lifestyle Practices:
Regular Exercise: Engage in moderate physical activity, such as walking, yoga, or swimming, to improve circulation and reduce stress.
Stress Management: Incorporate practices like yoga, meditation, or deep breathing exercises to help manage stress levels.
4. Panchakarma:
Detoxification: Therapies like Basti (medicated enemas) or Virechan (laxative therapy) can help in detoxifying the body and reducing stress.
5. Daily Routine (Dinacharya):
Consistency: Establish a daily routine that includes regular meals, sleep, and exercise to stabilize bodily functions.
6. Hydration:
Adequate Water Intake: Ensure proper hydration, which can help maintain blood volume and pressure.
7. Monitoring:
Regular Check-ups: Keep track of blood pressure and consult a healthcare provider for personalized advice.
Always consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner for a tailored treatment plan, especially if you have existing health conditions or are on medication.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Anna, managing high blood pressure can definitely be challenging, but it's great that you're seeking out different ways to tackle it. In Ayurveda, we often look at the whole-body approach—considering diet, lifestyle, and even mental well-being. Let’s explore a few things you can try.

First things first, we gotta look at your diet. Incorporating more fresh fruits and vegetables into meals can be super beneficial, particularly those with high potassium content like bananas and spinach. They're known to help balance sodium levels in your body, which plays a big role in blood pressure regulation. You might wanna reduce salty, spicy, and oily foods too - they can aggravate blood pressure issues.

Herbs like Ashwagandha and Brahmi are traditionally used to help calm the mind, which is crucial as stress management plays a part in controlling blood pressure. You can take them as a supplement, but it’s always a good idea to check with an herbalist or ayurvedic practitioner before starting something new to ensure it works for your body.

And while you’re not doing sports, gentle exercises like walking or yoga could be beneficial. They’re not just good for physical health but help release stress and maintain calmness. Try dedicating at least 30 mins daily for this.

On a slightly different note, consider practicing some basic breathing exercises. Pranayama, especially techniques like Anulom vilom (alternate nostril breathing), can be fantastic for reducing stress levels and calming the nervous system.

Also, weigh yourself whether weight might be a contributing factor. Even small losses can lead to big BP improvements.

It's crucial, though, to continue monitoring and possibly get blood tests to rule out other causes. Of course, always remember to remain engaged with your healthcare provider, especially if you’re currently on medications. They need to know about any changes you make or other symptoms you're feeling. If things feel very severe or you're just very worried, don't hesitate to seek immediate professional help.

Remember, improvements can take time and consistency, so be patient with yourself.

Highblood pressure - #8

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