HYPERTENSION

Hypertension is defined as the persistent high arterial blood pressure. Clinically, when systolic pressure remains elevated above 150 mmHg and diastolic pressure remains elevated above 90 mmHg, it is considered as hypertension.

TYPES OF HYPERTENSION:

Hypertension is divided into 2 types:

Primary or essential hypertension
Secondary hypertension

Primary hypertension / Essential hypertension:

Essential hypertension is defined as the form of hypertension that has no identifiable cause. It affects 90% of hypertensive patients. Lifestyle choices have high degree of relationship to primary hypertension, especially high salt and saturated fats in diet, eating less amount of fruits and vegetables, sedentary lifestyle, low physical activity and chronic stress.

Types

Benign hypertension
Malignant hypertension

Secondary hypertension:

Secondary hypertension is defined as hypertension that is caused by an identifiable underlying secondary cause. It affects 10% of hypertensive patients.

Different forms of secondary hypertension:

Cardiovascular hypertension
Endocrine hypertension
Renal hypertension
Neurogenic hypertension
Hypertension during pregnancy

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Anxiety
Sleeping problems
Shortness of breath
Dizziness
Palpitation of the heart and nose bleeds

RISK FACTORS

Stroke
Coronary artery disease
Heart failure
Atrial fibrillation
Peripheral arterial disease
Vision loss
Chronic kidney disease
Dementia
Hypertension is a major cause of premature death worldwide

NORMAL VALUES OF BLOOD PRESSURE :

Gender	Age	Normal value
Men	18 – 40 years	120/80 mmHg
Women	18 – 40 years	110/70 mmHg
Men	40 – 60 years	126/80 mmHg
Women	40 – 60 years	122/80 mmHg
Men	60 years above	136/76 mmHg
Women	60 years above	140/80 mmHg

Over the age of 80 years old-below 150/90 mmHg is considered as a normal value.

NATUROPATHY AND YOGA TREATMENTS

YOGA THERAPY

ASANAS

Ardha kati chakrasana
Garudasana
Trikonasana
Padahastasana
Paschimottanasana
Vakrasana
Gomukhasana
Ardha matsyendrasana
Balasana
Sukhasana
Setubandhasana
Bhujangasana

Effects

Reduce stress
Relax the mind
Promote heart health
Help to release tension in the upper body

PRANAYAMA

Nadi shodhana pranayama
Sheetali pranayama
Sitkari pranayama
Ujjayi pranayama
Bhramari pranayama

Effects

Stimulate the olfactory nerves situated in the roof of the nasal cavity. Olfactory bundle is connected to the front of the brain which is in turn connected to the hypothalamus.
Hypothalamus is a part of the brain that regulates hormones.
Pranayama helps to reduce the sympathetic response resulting in low blood pressure.

MEDITATION

“A U M” Meditation

Chanting AUM – The vibrations created by the chant help to calm the mind.
Chanting AUM is considered to activate and balance the chakras.
Helps to clear out negative energy, purifying both the individual and their environment and spreading positivity.
Helps to release emotional blockages.

HYDROTHERAPY

Cold spinal bath : temperature – 68℉ (20℃) duration 5 – 10 minutes
Cold immersion bath : temperature – 68℉ (20℃) duration 5 – 10 minutes
Neutral immersion bath : temperature – 90℉ (34℃) duration 20 – 30 minutes
Sauna bath : temperature – 60℉ duration 15 minutes
Ice massage over the head and spine.

MUD THERAPY

Mud therapy is used as local application and full body application for 10 to 30 minutes followed by warm water bath which rejuvenates and revitalizes the body.

DIET THERAPY

Amla:

Rich in vitamin C and minerals specially potassium.
Amla is a powerhouse of anti-oxidants.
Helps to control both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.

Banana:

Good source of amino acid tryptophan which is converted to serotonin in the body.
Promotes relaxation.
Reduces anxiety.

Garlic:

Allicin is the main active compound in garlic.
Allicin may prevent the production of angiotensin II.
It has a anti – inflammatory and antioxidant properties which help to reduce blood pressure

Beetroot:

Rich in nitric oxide and betalains which are potent vasodilators
Reduces systolic and diastolic pressure

Pomegranate:

Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, fiber and minerals.
Helps to reduce blood pressure.
Reduces macrophage oxidative stress, free radicals, and lipid peroxidation.

ACUPUNCTURE

St-9, St-36, St-40, Liv-3, LI-4, LI-11, GB-20, GV-20

Effects

These points balance sympathetic and parasympathetic activities and modulate adaptive neurotransmitters in related brain regions to alleviate autonomic responses.

MANIPULATIVE THERAPY

Swedish massage increases the oxytocin levels which decreases hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis (HPA) activity and enhances relaxation, thereby reducing blood pressure.