The Tridosha Effect On Hypertension

Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure or BP, is not a rare condition. An estimated 1.13 billion people worldwide suffer from hypertension.   

People who are diagnosed with hypertension frustratingly ask, “why me?” although they don’t consume much salt and work out daily. Little do we forget that the stressful lifestyle gives birth to this serious condition, a leading cardiovascular disorder that causes morbidity and mortality.   

What is Hypertension?

Hypertension is a serious condition in which blood pressure is the force of the blood on the artery walls as the heart pumps blood through the body. This increased pressure on the heart increases pressure on the vessels that supply blood to various body tissues and organs and can even damage the corresponding organs.  

Hypertension is of Two Types- 

Hypertension is called essential or primary when the cause for hypertension is unidentified. 

When the cause of hypertension is known, such as kidney or heart disease and tumor, it is called secondary hypertension.  

About 95% of people with high blood pressure have essential hypertension. Well, now you know the real cause of it in the modern world.  

Another fact about hypertension is, unlike many other illnesses, it rarely causes symptoms. This is why ominously, it is called a “silent killer.”  

In Ayurveda, systemic arterial hypertension can be understood based on the involvement of vitiated Doshas where there is the involvement of Vata and Pitta predominant Tridosha, which hampers the flow of these Doshas in respective Srotas (micro-channels). The Ayurvedic treatment for Hypertension is better understood with the concept of Avarana (occlusion in the functioning of Dosha in a normal state), which should be considered for better treating the disease from an Ayurvedic perspective. Therefore, an attempt is made to understand Hypertension from both modern and Ayurvedic concepts and to discuss the management of the condition from an Ayurvedic point of view.  

Causes of Hypertension  

• Stressful lifestyle
• Excessive intake of intoxicants
• Hardening of arteries
• Obesity
• Excessive intake of common salt
• Metabolic disorders
• Disturbed Sleep
• Vitiation of Vata

Ayurveda Perspective on Hypertension 

Ayurveda is the oldest holistic healing system that stands out by its approach to the body as one entity. As per Ayurveda, hypertension cannot be considered a Vyadhi (disease) but is understood as the involvement of tainted doshas, Vata and Pitta being predominant tridosha that blocks the flow of doshas in their respective srotas (microchannels).   

The concept of Avarana, i.e., obstruction in the function of doshas in the normal state, provides a better understanding of hypertension, which should be looked upon for better outcomes in treating the condition from an Ayurvedic point of view.   

Also, Read – Can Ayurveda Cure Hypertension? 

Vata Doshas Involved in hypertension-    

1. Prana Vayu   

Hridaya Dhruka, i.e., Dharna of the heart, is typically the function of Prana Vayu. It is associated with vagal inhibition of the nervous system. The vasomotor center controls blood pressure through the autonomic nervous system. In the same way, Prana Vayu controls blood pressure regulation by controlling Vyana Vayu. Thus, Prana Vayu's pathology can cause abnormality of the heart and the vessels by developing hypertension.   

 2. Vyana Vayu   

Vyana Vayu is said to perform the function of Gati (movement) in the body. With the help of Vyana Vayu, the heart contracts and drives blood (Rasa Rakta Dhatu) continuously throughout the body. This indicates the involvement of Vyana Vayu in the regulation of blood pressure.  

3. Samana Vayu:  

After the digestive process, Samana Vayu helps transport the Rasa into the heart, which flows throughout the body. Thus, Samana Vayu plays an essential role in blood circulation and blood pressure.  

4. Apana Vayu:   

Vitiation of Apana Vayu hinders the excretion of Purusha and Mutra and affects balance, which may affect blood pressure. Thus, Apana Vayu also plays a role in regulating normal blood pressure.  

5. Avalambaka Kapha:   

Normal rhythm, contractility, and tone of the heart muscles can be correlated with the functions of Avalambaka Kapha. Avalambaka Kapha resides in the cardiovascular system, ensuring the smooth transport of Rasarakta through blood vessels. Thus, it maintains the healthy state of the heart and improves its continuous pumping action.   

Ayurvedic Chikitsa (treatment) for Hypertension  

The treatment of hypertension should depend on the Dosha and Dushya involved in the pathogenesis. Manasa Bhavas, like Chinta, Krodha, Bhaya, etc., play a key role in the disease's development, progression, and prognosis and impact the response to treatment.   

Panchakarma:  

Ayurveda believes the best treatment is to treat the cause rather than its symptoms alone. Panchakarma, also known as Ayurvedic cleansing (detoxification) treatment, is necessary for removing the morbid Dosha and Malas from the body and re-establishing heart health. This Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension is done according to a person's body; consult an ayurvedic consultant to access an imbalance and plan a personalized detoxifying program.   

Abhyanga (Massage) -.  

Sarvanga Abhangya is the classic Ayurvedic oil massage applied on the whole body, from the scalp to the soles of the feet. It is a specially formulated oil that helps increase elasticity and flexibility. It corrects and improves blood flow healthily.  

Vaman and Virechan (Vomiting and Purifying Therapy) -   

This treatment cleanses the Pitta and purifies the blood by clearing out all the toxins from the body. Suppose the patient has Uttam Bala and has a mild or moderate form of hypertension without any other complications. In that case, Sho-dhana procedures like Vaman and Virechan may be recommended depending on the Dosha Pradhan.  

Basti (Medical Enema): - Basti therapy is specifically for Vata disorders, a chief causative factor in hypertension. Basti is the cleansing of the colon. It is also called Ardha Chikitsa by respected Acharyas. Depending on the Dosha Dushti and Rugna Bala (patient strength), Karma, Kala, or Yoga Basti may be applied.  

Healthy Tips and Diet for Hypertension

Dietary modification is very important to prevent the development of hypertension or potentially combat and lower high blood pressure.  

• Lower the intake of table salt in the diet
• Eat a diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and low-fat dairy.
• Drink plenty of water
• Reduce consumption of refined sugar
• Avoid fast and processed food.
• Reduce caffeine intake
• Limit alcohol consumption
• Sleep at least 7-8 hours at the right time

Yoga for Hypertension  

The tranquility of the mind is the essence of good health. Stress reduction through meditation, yoga, and other physical-mental relaxation techniques can lower blood pressure.  

Yoga is performed for many reasons, and restoring health is one of them.   

Shavasana, Sukhasana Dhanu-rasana, Makarasana, Vajrasan, and regular Pranayama practice are very useful in lowering blood pressure in both normal and hypertensive individuals carefully performed and adopted as a lifestyle.  

Conclusion  

Hypertension is not rare; the percentage of hypertensive patients is rising rapidly despite the number of antihypertensive drugs in modern medicine.  

Ayurveda is a lifestyle and an ideal and safe treatment to perfectly manage hypertension and other medical conditions without any side effects.   

The Ayurveda equilibrium of Doshas, Dhatus, Malas, and Agni is considered a healthy state of an individual. Thus, while observing hypertension through Ayurvedic spectacle, one or more of the following three possibilities should be considered.  

Consult our top Ayurvedic experts online at HealthyBazar for customized treatment for yourself and your loved ones. Our Ayurvedacharyas’ have more than 4 years of experience in their respected field of medicine.   

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