Diseases are broadly of two types, infectious diseases and preventable diseases. Infectious disease happen because of germs, and there is usually an external pathogen. Preventable diseases do not happen because of external causes, but because of our own dietary and lifestyle mistakes. That is why these are also known as lifestyle ailments.
The International Society of Hypertension describes hypertension as a ‘silent killer’ and ‘a modern epidemic’. Thankfully, Ayurveda can help you prevent hypertension and manage it if you are already hypertensive. Here are five very simple natural ways that will help you keep your blood pressure in check.
Maintain a proper daily routine (Dinacharya): Eliminate all distractions that prevent you from following a healthy daily routine. Prepare a routine on when to wake up, to eat, go to bed, work out and meditate. Instead of watching videos on YouTube at bedtime, sleep early. Make a habit of waking up early and do some mild physical exercise or yoga. When you follow a regular routine, the natural biorhythm stays balanced, which ensures balanced blood pressure levels.
Get eight hours of sleep: Sleep is necessary to rejuvenate tissues in the brain as well as other parts of the body. Proper sleep balances doshas and helps in the process of Ojas formation. If you do not get enough rest at night, you will end up feeling fatigued and weak the next morning. If you have trouble sleeping, apply a little sesame oil on your head and soles of the feet. This will help you relax. Also, drink a cup of lukewarm milk with a pinch of turmeric in it.
Self-massage and gentle exercise: Hypertension is caused because of unbalanced Vata dosha. Gentle exercises in the morning and self-massage (Abhayanga) with sesame oil balances the doshas in the body and promotes good circulation in the nervous system and lymphatic vessels. Self-massage can be done at home or you can also get professional expertise at a good Panchakarma centre.
Calm your mind: Stress and anxiety are often associated with hypertension. In order to keep you mind calm, you should meditate every morning for 15-20 minutes every morning. Practise controlled breathing techniques like Anulom-vilom and Bhramari. Chanting ‘Aum’ while you meditate fills you with positivity and gives you peace of body, mind and soul.
Manage your weight: Balanced body weight plays a significant role in keeping blood pressure healthy. Avoid eating junk foods, packaged foods or processed foods because they do not have the prana energy of freshly picked fruits and vegetables. Reduce kapha aggravating diet and lifestyle.
– By Dr. Partap Chauhan, Director, Jiva Ayurveda