12 July 2010

Low Blood Pressure and ayurvedic treatment

Ayurvedic point of view of Low Blood Pressure

In Ayurveda, low blood pressure( Hypo-tension) is related to weakness of the digestive fire. It is most common in Vata types, due to poor circulation. In Kapha it occurs because of congestion and stagnation, with phlegm clogging and reducing the blood flow. In Pitta it is mainly associated with anemia or damaged liver function.

Low Blood Pressure

Hypotension is a fall in your blood pressure below the normal range. Normal range varies from person to person. Generally considered to be a systolic blood pressure of 90 mm Hg or less in an adult. Hypotension makes your heart weak. Lethargy, weakness, dizziness, fatigue and fainting are its common symptoms.

Blood pressures vary, depending on such factors as age, race, sex, and environment. On rare occasions, individuals may have medical problems that cause low blood pressure Among such conditions are some types of heart disease, hormonal deficiencies, and malnutrition. In these cases, the hypotension will be corrected by the treatment of the medical problem.

Several studies have suggested that low blood pressure may be associated with nonspecific symptoms such as tiredness and feeling faint. Because these symptoms are often attributed to psychological problems, some authorities believe that psychological dysfunction may be associated with hypotension.

Postural (orthostatic) Hypotension

Postural or orthostatic hypotension is a form of low blood pressure in which dizziness or faintness occurs when a person stands up abruptly from a sitting or reclining position. Normally, when an individual stands up, the blood vessels constrict to maintain normal blood pressure in the new position. However, in persons with postural hypotension, this mechanism probably does not work properly, and on standing, a temporary reduction in the blood flow to the brain may lead to fainting. Rising slowly from a sitting or reclining position will usually prevent the symptoms in this situation.

Patients with any form of orthostatic hypotension usually present with similar symptoms. On assuming an upright posture they may experience lightheadedness, dizziness, syncope (fainting), swaying, focal cerebral ischemia (low blood flow) manifested by receptive or expressive aphasia (difficulty communicating) or seizures (usually clonic jerks), angina pectosis, headache referred to the back of the head or neck, or tunnel vision.

Although postural hypo-tension is a benign condition in most individuals, it should be reported to a physician.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

· Dehydration (due to sweating and/or diarrhea.Medications (for high B.P or other treatments)

.Severe infection · Heart attack · Heart failure · Pregnancy · Fainting

Ayurvedic Treatment

Treatment varies depending on the cause of the low blood pressure If you have no symptoms, your physician may decide no treatment is necessary. If you have symptoms, your physician may reassess the doses of your medications, especially your blood pressure medications.

In orthostatic (postural) hypo tension, possible interventions may include re hydration, changing the timing of meals, elevation of the head of your bed, and pressure-graded stockings

(a) Trough Herbal Home Remedy

Beetroot:

By drinking the juice of beetroot you can control your low blood pressure. For better results, patients are recommend to drink a cup of this juice, twice daily. Considerable improvement is guaranteed.

Indian Spikenard:

Indian spikenard is also a very effective home remedy for the treatment of low blood pressure. It is usually taken in doses of thirty to forty grains. Always take a pinch of a little camphor and cinnamon with this herb. Don't miss out on it. You can also prepare the concoction by steeping 15 to 20 gm of the herb in 250 ml of boiling water. Once it is prepared take it thrice a day.

Epsom Salts Bath:

It is know as the one of the simplest remedy for treating low blood pressure. It is prepared in the ordinary bath of hot water by dissolving almost one and half kg of commercial Epsom Salt. The patients are advised to remain dipped in the bath for ten to twenty minutes. For best results, it is strongly recommended to be taken just before retiring to bed. And remember, there is a possibility of catching cold so, take care of it.

Nutrients:

As low blood pressure is caused by malnutrition, intake of enough protein, vitamins B group and vitamin C goes a long way in treating the low blood pressure. Particularly, pantothenic acid has been found very beneficial in the treatment and prevention of low blood pressure. So, sufficient intake of all these vitamins helps in raising the blood pressure for sure.

Salt:

The use of salt is valuable in low blood pressure. Until the blood pressure reaches normal levels through proper dietary and other remedies, it is essential that the patient should take salty foods and half a teaspoon of salt in water, daily.

Fruit diet for low blood pressure:

Fruit diet should be a part of the treatment regimen for low blood pressure. Because the goal of the treatment is to rejuvenate the whole system. Take fruits as much as you can. They will help you raise your blood pressure.

Other treatments

1) Light walking, cycling, swimming and breathing exercises: Do light walking and other light exercises. Swimming and cycling will go a long way in treating low blood pressure. If possible, spend some time in fresh air.

2) Warm-water enema treatment: Make it a point to use warm-water enema on a regular basis to keep your bowels clean during the first few days of the treatment. You can also use it afterwards, if required.

All these are the hypo tension cures that you can undertake. In addition to all these, there are also some medicines that you can take for the treatment of the low blood pressure.

Trough Ayurvedic medicines

· Turmeric, cinnamon, ginger, cayenne, garlic, black pepper and cardamom are herbs of choice for this condition.

· For Vata types use garlic.

· For Kapha types use cayenne or Trikatu.

· For Pitta types, use saffron or turmeric in a base of aloe gel.

· If your condition is associated with anemia, take blood tonics like amalaki or turmeric ghee.

· Wear ruby or garnet. Pitta types, use red coral or pearl.


Trough Yoga


Basic Breathing (Pranayama)


Yogic breathing or pranayaam revitalises the body steadies the emotion and creats great clarity of the mind. Yoga breathing exercises are performed sitting down with the spine neck and head in a straight line in the lotus pose.

Kalpabhati is a kriyas of purification besides being a pranayama. The forced exhalation rids the lower lungs of the stale air making way for a fresh intake of oxygen rich air in cleansing the entire respiratory system. This is a wonderfully invigorating exercise to begin your pranayam. By increasing the amount of oxygen in the body its effect is to clear the mind and improve concentration


The Corpse Pose (Shava Asana)

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Benefits

Relaxation and relief from hypertension, stress, anxiety, fear psychosis and insomnia.



The Shoulder Stand (Sarvang Asana)


Benefits

Effective for Excessive anger or hate, Migraine headache, Liver disorder, hemorrhoids, Anemia, Hypertension, Indigestion.

The Shoulder stand invigorates and rejuvenates your whole body

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