The report of the World Health Organization (WHO) confirms the prevalence of hypertension (high blood pressure) at 220 million in India. One out of every four adults in India are with hypertension condition, and only 12% of them have their condition under control.
Hypertension is the leading cause of cardiovascular diseases, with stroke being the most common outcome. If proper treatment of hypertension (high blood pressure) is not received, the condition may worsen, potentially leading to heart disease, kidney damage, and even life-threatening strokes.
The best time to act is when your systolic is 130-139 mmHg and diastolic is around 80-89 mmHg. This is the stage where one can seek medical treatment to control hypertension. We recommend a natural and comprehensive approach, ayurveda for hypertension treatment.
Blood Pressure Readings and Stages:
How will you know whether you have normal or hypertension (high blood pressure)?
The most common way to find out is by having your blood pressure checked.
- Normal Blood Pressure Reading
- Systolic (top number): < 120 mmHg
- Diastolic (bottom number): < 80 mmH
This is a healthy blood pressure reading and indicates no signs of hypertension.
- Elevated Blood Pressure (Pre-Hypertension)
- Systolic: >120 mmHg
- Diastolic: < 80 mmHg
This reading does not indicate high blood pressure but yes, it is a warning sign that you could develop hypertension.
- Hypertension Stage 1 (Mild Hypertension)
- Systolic: 130-139 mmHg
- Diastolic: 80-89 mmHg
This blood pressure reading of 130/80 reading may indicate early hypertension.
- Hypertension Stage 2 (Moderate Hypertension)
- Systolic: ≥ 140 mmHg
- Diastolic: ≥ 90 mmHg
This blood pressure reading of 140/90 is considered more serious.
- Hypertensive Crisis (Severe Hypertension)
- Systolic: > 180 mmHg
- Diastolic: > 120 mmHg
This is a case of high blood pressure reading and an emergency medical condition. It is advised to consult the best doctor for effective treatment of hypertension.
Symptoms of Hypertension
If a person has high blood pressure, he or she may experience some symptoms, or may not have any noticeable symptoms at all. In the former case, some of the most common symptoms that one may experience may be severe headaches, chest pain, difficulty breathing, nausea, and other related signs.
Here are more symptoms of Hypertension:
Hypertension Symptoms:
- Dizziness
- Shortness of Breath
- Nosebleeds
- Fatigue
- Blurry or impaired vision.
- Irregular or rapid heartbeats.
- Numbness or weakness
- Seizures
Causes of Hypertension
There are several causes that can lead to hypertension condition. The most common factors causing hypertension (high blood pressure) are excessive alcohol consumption and high intake of salt, while others include diabetes, obesity, and smoking. If a person is non-alcoholic and a non-smoker but has a family history of high hypertension, then he or she is prone to developing high blood pressure.
- Genetics – Family history of hypertension increases risk.
- Sedentary Lifestyle – Less physical activity can increase the chance of higher blood pressure.
- Excessive Alcohol – Heavy drinking can raise blood pressure levels.
- High Salt Intake – High consumption of salt can cause fluid retention and increased pressure.
- Stress – Chronic stress condition can raise the blood pressure levels over time.
- Obesity – Being overweight strains the heart and increases blood pressure.
- Diabetes – Poor blood sugar control can lead to higher blood pressure.
- Smoking – Tobacco consumption damages blood vessels and raises blood pressure.
- Age – As age increases, the risk of hypertension also increases.
Panchakarma – Ayurveda Hypertension Treatment
In Ayurveda, hypertension treatment includes natural therapies to detoxify and rejuvenate the body. It plays a vital part in managing hypertension. This natural treatment of hypertension involves cleansing therapies that help balance the doshas (body energies) and improve circulation to reduce stress and blood pressure.
Panchakarma therapies, such as Abhyanga (oil massage), Shirodhara (oil pouring on the forehead), and Basti (medicated enema), are the most effective hypertension treatments in Ayurveda. These treatments help eliminate toxins, promote relaxation, and support cardiovascular health, contributing to better blood pressure management.
Panchakarma Therapies for Hypertension
- Abhyanga (Oil Massage) – A therapeutic full-body massage with warm medicated oils that helps improve circulation, reduce stress, and balance the doshas.
- Shirodhara (Oil Pouring on the Forehead) – A soothing therapy where warm oil is poured gently onto the forehead to calm the mind, reduce anxiety, and lower blood pressure.
- Basti (Medicated Enema) – A cleansing treatment that involves administering medicated oils or herbal mixtures through the rectum to remove toxins and support digestive and cardiovascular health.
- Nasya (Nasal Therapy) – The administration of medicated oils or powders through the nose to clear blockages, improve circulation, and enhance overall wellness.
- Virechana (Purgation Therapy) – A process to cleanse the body by inducing controlled purging, which helps remove excess toxins and supports heart health.
- Raktamokshana (Bloodletting Therapy) – This therapy is used to remove impurities from the blood, which helps manage high blood pressure and balance body systems.
