6 Simple Tips to Relieve Hypertension Naturally Through Ayurveda

Diseases can be classified as infectious or lifestyle diseases. Previously it is largely caused due to the association of external pathogens, lifestyle diseases are often considered preventable, as they are the result of wrong dietary and lifestyle habits. Hypertension is a disease that belongs to the category of lifestyle diseases and is also referred to as a ‘silent killer’. It is important to get your blood pressure checked very frequently and maintain it for long. High blood pressure is a result of an increase in arterial blood pressure that causes the heart to pump blood into the arteries at a quicker rate and it is harmful to the overall health of a person.

Ayurveda considers high blood pressure as a result of a disproportion of two doshas – Vata and Pitta. The Ayurvedic treatment for high blood pressure helps in balancing these doshas. At times, excessive Kapha can also cause high blood pressure. Ayurveda suggests the following simple lifestyle modifications that may help you in managing your blood pressure in an effective manner.

1. Significance of “Dincharya” (lifestyle)Sustaining a proper daily routine or dincharya is important to bring stability in your blood pressure levels. Consequently, eliminating all unnecessary distractions that come in the way of following a healthy daily routine. Get into a proper sleep-wake schedule, a definite time for work-out and meditate. Have a gadget-free time for one or two hours, and sleep early. Make it a habit to wake up early and do any form of exercise or yoga.

2. A “Good night's sleep” is a keyA good night’s sleep is important to ensure that all our body parts are taking proper rest and ready for the activities of the next day. Proper sleep helps rejuvenate the tissues of the brain and all parts of the body. Ayurveda believes that a good sleep pattern helps in balancing doshas and also helps in the formation of energy for the next day. It is the reason that when you do not get enough rest at night, you may feel tired the next morning. Applying a little sesame oil on your head and soles of the feet before bedtime can help you to have a relaxing sleep overnight. Similarly drinking a cup of lukewarm milk and adding a pinch of turmeric during bedtime is considered to be beneficial for a good sleep.

3. Meditate to relieve stress and anxiety
Stress and anxiety are linked with hypertension. It is advised to meditate every morning for 15 to 20 minutes, besides practicing controlled breathing techniques like ‘Bhramari’ and ‘Anulom-vilom’. Meditation will fill your mind with positivity and brings peace of mind and calms your body and soul.

4. ‘Abhayanga’ can assist

Vitiated Vata dosha can cause hypertension and therefore besides doing gentle exercises in the morning, practice ‘Abhyanga’ (self-massage) with sesame oil can help as it helps in balancing the doshas in the body. Abhyanga is also good in improving the circulation of the nervous system and lymphatic vessels. You can simply do self-massage at home, and once in a few days.

5. Healthy diet to maintain ideal body weight
Balanced body weight plays a major role in keeping diabetes and blood pressure normal. For this, it is suggested to avoid eating junk food, packaged and processed foods as they do not have ‘prana’. Replace them with fresh fruits and vegetables cooked in a healthy manner. With some dietary changes, you can balance the vitiated doshas in the case of a person with high blood pressure, as suggested by Ayurveda are staying away from triggers and intake of food that may help the body to remain maintained. Cut down caffeine from routine is suggested, as it is believed that it can further irritate the system and shoot up the blood pressure. Similarly, you must also reduce the excessive intake of salt in the diet, and increase the consumption of cereals and pulses. Avoid eggs and red meat, especially when trying to balance the doshas as it increases the incidence of high blood pressure attacks.

6. Exercise is a ‘must’

Exercise will help you in keeping your mind and body healthy, and keeps all diseases at bay. Besides contributing to the overall wellness of your body, it also helps reduce high blood pressure. Practice some easy exercises such as brisk walking for 30 minutes will help a lot. Also include yoga and meditation as part of your morning routine to bring relaxation to the mind as well. While breathing techniques and meditation will help in keeping you stress-free, walking has been shown to reduce blood pressure and improve heart health.

Besides recommending these lifestyle alterations to maintain symptoms of hypertension, there are many ayurvedic herbs suggested by ayurvedic practitioners to maintain hypertension. Some of the most recommended ones are ‘Gokshura’, ‘Sarpagandha’, and ‘Gulkand’.