| Hypertension or high blood pressure is so common | | | | The main herbs used by Ayurveda practitioners to |
| today that at least one in ten people aged 40 or | | | | reduce blood pressure include sarpagandha (Rouwolfia |
| above has high BP related problems. This is the | | | | serpentine), Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna), Punarnava |
| pressure that blood exerts on blood vessel walls. High | | | | (Boerhavia diffusa), Rose extracts etc. Dhara or |
| blood pressure occurs when heart works harder to | | | | medicated oil massage for head is beneficial in |
| pump blood. Thickening of blood vessels | | | | pacifying mind and reducing blood pressure. |
| (arteriosclerosis) causes it. This can cause stroke or | | | | Certain methods of panchakarma are also beneficial in |
| heart attack. It is therefore very important to keep | | | | controlling blood pressure. |
| blood pressure to normal levels. | | | | Prevent Hypertension |
| The normal blood pressure is 120/80 mmHg. There are | | | | Include in your diet food items of high fiber content - |
| however variations to his readings throughout the day. | | | | fruits, vegetables, pulses, cereal, rice, wheat, etc in |
| If the pressure becomes 130/80 mmHg, it is risky | | | | unprocessed form are good for your heart and body. |
| condition. It 140/90 mm Hg is hypertension. | | | | If you doubt hypertension, avoid alcohol and tobacco. |
| According to Ayurveda, hypertension is caused mainly | | | | There are however instances when very lower levels |
| due to accumulation of toxins in blood and tissues, poor | | | | of alcohol is actually beneficial in bringing down high |
| digestion or nutrition, imbalance of nervous system, | | | | blood pressure. But it is not advisable as you can easily |
| physical or mental stress due to disruption of natural | | | | take 'another' drink. |
| biological rhythm. Ayurveda follows a natural method | | | | Give your body some exercise. Walking for 30 |
| of treatment to cure hypertension. It is a gradual | | | | minutes in the morning is enough as a starting up. You |
| process of removing impurities accumulated in body | | | | can slowly introduce aerobics. You can also start |
| tissues. | | | | practicing yoga today under a skilled master. |