Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the arterial walls as the heart pumps it through the body. When blood pressure remains consistently high, it can cause serious health complications over time. In India, approximately one in three adults is affected by high blood pressure (HBP). Often, this condition shows no obvious symptoms, which means individuals may have elevated blood pressure for years without being aware. This silent nature of HBP makes it particularly dangerous, as it can cause gradual damage to essential organs such as the heart, blood vessels, and kidneys. This damage can eventually lead to severe health issues, including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, and kidney failure.

Blood pressure naturally fluctuates throughout the day—decreasing during sleep and increasing with physical activity, excitement, or stress. However, if high blood pressure is persistent, it poses a significant risk for developing more serious health conditions. The risk grows as blood pressure levels remain elevated. Regular monitoring and management of blood pressure are crucial to prevent long-term damage and associated health problems. By addressing high blood pressure early, individuals can reduce their risk of severe complications and improve their overall well-being.

Hypertension in Ayurveda

In Ayurveda, hypertension is referred to as Rakta Capa Vriddhi, which indicates the vitiation of vata and pitta doshas as the primary cause. Individuals with a predominance of Pitta and Vata constitution, or those experiencing an imbalance in these doshas, are more susceptible to hypertension. Emotional factors such as unprocessed anger, frustration, irritability, anxiety, and fear can disrupt the endocrine system, leading to conditions like hypertension.

Categories for Blood Pressure Levels in Adults

Blood pressure is measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg) and categorized as follows:

• Normal: Systolic less than 120, Diastolic less than 80
• Prehypertension: Systolic 120–139, Diastolic 80–89
• High Blood Pressure - Stage 1: Systolic 140–159, Diastolic 90–99
• High Blood Pressure - Stage 2: Systolic 160 or higher, Diastolic 100 or higher

Ayurveda Treatment for High Blood Pressure

Panchkarma Therapies are physical treatments designed to assist the body's natural cleansing processes. They include:

• Vamana Karma
• Virechana Karma
• Vasthi Karma
• Raktamokshana

Top Therapies for High Blood Pressure

• Abhyanga
• Shirodhara
• Udvartna
• Shiro Vasti
• Padasubhakari
• Shashtika Shali Pinda Sweda
• Sarvanga Kheera Dhara

Naturopathy Therapy for High Blood Pressure

• Hot and Cold Fomentation
• Mud Therapy
• Enema

Additional Therapies

• Meditation
• Pranayama
• Yoga
• Exercise
• Diet
• Life Style Modification

Acupressure for Blood Pressure Treatment

Acupressure can help manage high blood pressure by stimulating specific meridian points. These points include:

• LI 4
• DU 20 / GV 20
• Extra 1
• H 7
• P 6
• H 3

Stimulating these meridian points daily for 10 to 20 minutes can lead to noticeable improvements in blood pressure over time. Another related treatment is acupuncture, where sterilized needles are used to stimulate these points.