Hypertension

What are Hypertension & Stress?

Hypertension (high blood pressure) occurs when the force of blood against artery walls is consistently too high (above 140/90 mmHg). In Ayurveda, it relates to Rakta Gata Vata, an imbalance of Vata & Pitta doshas, often triggered by stress, poor diet, and lifestyle.

Stress is the body’s natural response to pressure or challenges. Short-term stress may help performance, but chronic stress weakens Ojas (vital energy), disturbs doshas, and accelerates aging. Ayurveda links stress to Vata imbalance (anxiety, restlessness), Pitta imbalance (anger, irritability), or Kapha imbalance (lethargy, depression).

Both conditions are closely connected — unmanaged stress can cause or worsen hypertension.

Who Needs Support?

Ayurvedic support is especially helpful for people who experience:

• Persistent high BP readings

• Headaches, dizziness, heaviness in head

• Palpitations or irregular heartbeat

• Anxiety, irritability, or mood swings

• Sleep issues (insomnia or oversleeping)

• Shortness of breath, fatigue, or swelling in feet

• Digestive problems (acidity, constipation)

• Frequent infections or weak immunity

Causes & Risk Factors

• Stress, anxiety, and irregular lifestyle

• Poor sleep / excess screen time

• High salt, oily & processed food intake

• Obesity & lack of physical activity

• Smoking, alcohol, excess caffeine

• Family history of high BP or heart disease

• Diabetes, kidney problems, thyroid imbalance

• Financial/relationship stress or chronic illness

Ayurvedic Approach to Hypertension

1. Detox & Panchakarma

• Shirodhara – calming oil therapy for stress & BP control

• Abhyanga – warm oil massage, reduces anxiety & improves circulation

• Virechana / Basti – detox therapies balancing Pitta & Vata doshas

• Nasya – herbal oil drops to calm the nervous system

• Swedana – herbal steam for relaxation & improved circulation

2. Diet (Pathya Ahar)

• Fresh fruits: banana, pomegranate, papaya, watermelon

• Green vegetables, moong dal, oats, barley

• Garlic, ginger, coriander, fennel, cumin

• Warm, sattvic meals that are light & easily digestible

• Milk with turmeric or nutmeg at night (for sleep)

• Nuts & seeds: almonds, walnuts, flaxseeds

• Herbal teas: chamomile, brahmi, tulsi, ashwagandha
  Avoid: fried food, excess salt, pickles, red meat, alcohol, smoking, excess caffeine, processed/junk food

3. Daily Rituals (Dinacharya)

• Wake up early & avoid late nights

• Morning meditation, prayer, or gratitude journaling

• Gentle self-oil massage (sesame or coconut oil)

• Warm water with coriander/cumin seeds

• Evening walk in fresh air / nature

• Digital detox before sleep

• Consistent sleep schedule

4. Herbs for Hypertension & Stress

• Arjuna – supports heart health

• Sarpagandha – traditional herb for lowering BP

• Ashwagandha – adaptogen, reduces stress & BP

• Brahmi – calms mind, improves memory

• Jatamansi – helps with insomnia & stress

• Shankhapushpi – relieves mental fatigue, improves focus

• Tulsi – reduces cortisol & strengthens immunity

• Triphala – aids digestion & detox

5. Yoga & Pranayama

• Asanas: Shavasana, Balasana, Sukhasana, Vajrasana, Setu Bandhasana

• Pranayama: Anulom-Vilom, Bhramari, Nadi Shodhana, Sheetali

• Meditation: 15–20 minutes daily for calmness & stable BP