High blood pressure, referred to as “Rakta Gata Vata” in Ayurveda, translates to “Vata disorder of blood circulation.” According to Ayurveda, an imbalance in the Vata dosha, which governs movement and circulation in the body, leads to high blood pressure. This imbalance can cause the accumulation of ama (toxins) in the blood vessels, narrowing and stiffening them, and thereby increasing blood pressure.

High blood pressure can also manifest from aggravated Pitta dosha, particularly when anger, stress, or excess heat contribute to hypertension. Pitta aggravation may cause inflammation and constriction of blood vessels, leading to elevated blood pressure levels.

Additionally, high blood pressure can result from imbalances in the Kapha dosha, where excess Kapha leads to fatty deposits in the blood vessels. These deposits hinder proper blood flow, increasing pressure on the arterial walls. Ayurvedic treatment for high blood pressure focuses on pacifying the aggravated doshas through dietary and lifestyle modifications, herbal remedies, stress management techniques, and therapeutic practices like yoga and meditation. The goal is to restore balance to the body and promote overall health and well-being.

Causes of High Blood Pressure:

• High intake of salt (sodium) in the diet
• Inadequate consumption of fruits and vegetables
• Carrying excess weight and experiencing feelings of overwhelm
• Leading a sedentary lifestyle and facing significant stress
• Smoking habitually
• Aging, which exacerbates the effects of unhealthy lifestyle choices
• Genetic predisposition among individuals with African-Caribbean or South Asian backgrounds
• Family history

How is Hypertension caused as per Ayurveda?

High blood pressure or hypertension results from abnormal functioning of Vyana and Udana Vayu, Ranjaka Pitta, and Avalambaka Kapha, including the loss of their functional integrity and coordination. Hypertension can be compared to a condition called Raktagata Vata. In this condition, the vitiated Vata lodges in the circulating Rakta Dhatu (blood) and causes disturbances in its circulation. Since Rakta and Pitta are related inseparably, the disturbance of Rakta also leads to the disturbance of Pitta. Thus, Raktagata Vata is essentially a disorder of blood caused by morbid Vata and Pitta.

When Avalambaka Kapha increases pathologically, it causes blocks in the arteries and arterioles, leading to atherosclerosis and peripheral resistance. This further causes hypertension and cardiac disorders. The aggravated Rakta may block the normal movements and functions of Vata, leading to Raktavrita Vata, which can cause many complications of hypertension. Other doshas can also be involved later. Disturbances in Pachaka Pitta (Kayagni) and Samana Vayu can lead to metabolic errors, while Prana Vayu disturbances due to stress can worsen the disease. Apana Vayu dysfunction can cause Udavarta, leading to increased pressure in the abdominal and chest organs.

Ayurvedic Treatment Principles

The treatment approach in Ayurveda involves identifying the extent of dosha morbidity, immunological components, tissue strength, disease strength, and metabolic errors. The Prakruthi (basic constitution of the patient) and Vikriti (pathological state of the disease and diseased) must be studied in detail. Treatment principles include prescribing a Vata-pacifying diet, medicines, treatments, and lifestyle advice, considering the pathological states of Rakta, Pitta, and Kapha.

Ayurvedic Management of Hypertension

Natural Measures (Preventive) and Treatment Options:

Internal Treatments (Antah-Parimarjana):

• Panchakarma (Detoxification): Detoxification treatments remove unnecessary morbid doshas and malas from the system, re-establish heart health, and cure hypertension and cardiac disorders.
  • Virechana (Therapeutic Purgation): Controls and eliminates morbid Pitta (Kapha) and associated Vayu, corrects metabolism, and provides lightness to the body.
  • Basti (Medicated Enemas): Controls Vayu, the chief causative factor in hypertension, restoring health.
  • Raktamokshana (Bloodletting): Removes contaminated blood, relieving blocks in circulation and re-establishing heart and circulatory functions.

External Treatments (Bahir Parimarjana):

• Takra Shiro Dhara: Medicated buttermilk streams poured on a shaved scalp relieve hypertension.
• Ksheera Dhara: Medicated milk streams poured on the head and body relax and improve circulation.
• Taila Dhara: Medicated oil streams poured on the body and head.
• Shiro Lepa: Application of medicated pastes of herbs on the scalp.
• Avagaha: Tub bath in medicated oil (Sitz bath).

Single Herbs for Hypertension:

• Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina): A powerful hypotensive plant.
• Lashuna / Rasona (Allium sativum): Lowers blood pressure.
• Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna): Treats heart ailments and circulation disturbances.
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera): Relieves stress and strengthens heart muscles.
• Amalaki (Emblica officinalis): Acts as an anti-oxidant and anti-stress agent.
• Bala (Sida cordifolia): Strengthens the nervous system.

Ayurvedic Medicines for Hypertension:

• Sarpagandha churna, Sarpagandha vati: Effective in controlling high BP.
• Brahmi Vati: Used for depression and blood pressure.
• Giloy Satwa: Treats burning sensation and bleeding diseases.
• Ayaskriti: Used in anemia and weight loss therapy.
• Kumaryasavam: Treats gastritis and urinary tract disorders.
• Draksharishtam: Balances Pitta Dosha.
• Partadhyarishtam: A good cardiac tonic.
• Punarnavasavam: Useful in gastritis and liver diseases.
• Lodhrasavam: Used in leucoderma and anemia.
• Balarishtam: Treats neurological conditions.
• Sarivadyasavam: Used for skin diseases.
• Saraswatharishtam: An effective anti-aging medicine.
• Ashwagandharishtam: Treats sexual disorders and depression.
• Nayopayam kashayam: Treats respiratory diseases.
• Kalyanaka ghritam: Used for cough and anemia.
• Mahakalyanaka ghritam: Treats epilepsy and psychosis.
• Ksheerabala tailam 101: A good nervine tonic.

Managing Hypertension the Ayurvedic Way

Ayurvedic approach addresses the root cause of hypertension for long-term solutions rather than just alleviating symptoms. Unhealthy dietary habits and a sedentary lifestyle generate toxins (ama) that obstruct blood vessels, requiring more effort from the heart to circulate blood. All three doshas (Kapha, Pitta, Vata) typically contribute to high blood pressure.

• Kapha-type: Characterized by thick, congested blood and atherosclerosis.
• Pitta-type: May manifest during anger or frustration, requiring cooling herbs.
• Vata-type: Arises during stress and anxiety, leading to constricted blood vessels and muscle tension.

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