Best Ayurveda Remedies For Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Introduction

Low blood pressure is also known as Hypotension. Hypotension is a condition in which the blood readings are less than 90/60mmHg. Low blood pressure usually affects organs such as the kidney, brain, and heart. Low blood pressure causes a decrease in the level of oxygen supply to organs.

According to Ayurveda, Low blood pressure is primarily caused due to the weakness of the digestive fire causing the imbalance of Tridosha like Vata, Pitta, and Kapha.

People with Vata body type have poor blood circulation which leads to low blood pressure.

People with Pitta body type have poor liver functions and anaemia causes low blood pressure.

People with Kapha body type have congestion that leads to a reduction in blood flow which in turn leads to low blood pressure.

Symptoms Of Low Blood Pressure:

General symptoms of Hypotension are,

• Dourbalya (Weakness)

  People who suffer hypotension always feel weakness, because the brain doesn’t receive enough blood.

• Anga Marda (Body pain)

  Low blood pressure can prevent your body from receiving enough oxygen to carry out its functions leads to chest and body pain.

• Gowravata (Heaviness in the body)

  People who are affected with Hypotension always feel heaviness in their bodies.

• Tandra (Sleepiness)

  Another symptom of low blood pressure is feeling sleepy always.

• Tama (Blackout)

  Under low blood pressure, the heart doesn't pump enough oxygen to the brain which leads to a temporary lack of consciousness.

• Vibhedi (fear)

  Unusual fear or anxiety is another symptom of Low blood pressure.

Dourbalya( weakness), Anga Marda(body pain), Gowravata(heaviness in the body), Tandra(sleepiness), Tama(black out), Vibhedi(fear), etc are the usual symptoms of Hypotension.

Causes Of Low Blood Pressure

The major causes of Hypotension are

• Medications

  Certain medications cause low blood pressure. eg

  Beta-blockers are consuming for high blood pressure is a risk factor.

• Pregnancy

  Usually pregnant women suffer from a fall in blood pressure during the first 24 weeks of pregnancy because of the expanding level of the circulatory system.

• Fall in blood volume

  A reduction in blood volume causes low blood pressure.

• Heart diseases

  People with heart diseases may be affected by low blood pressure. Because their heart may not be able to circulate enough blood which is needed for the body which in turn leads to low blood pressure.

• Lack of nutrients in the diet

  Lack of essential vitamins especially Vitamin B in the diet causes anaemia which in turn leads to low blood pressure.

• Hormonal problems

  Hormonal issues such as thyroid, low blood sugar, diabetes, etc leads to low blood pressure.

• Allergic reactions

  Allergic reactions, especially Anaphylaxis, affects quickly on your immune system, reducing blood pressure and causing breathing problems.

• Liver disease

  Liver failure leads to the diminished level in the production of albumin and clotting factors which in turn leads to vomiting, jaundice, and hypotension.

• Severe infections

  The situation in which an infection in the body enters the bloodstream causes a severe reduction in the blood pressure; such a condition is known as Septic shock.

• Widening of the blood vessels

  The widening of the blood vessels leads to an increase in the blood flow which reduces the blood pressure within the blood vessels.

General causes of low blood pressure are pregnancy, allergic reactions, infections, liver diseases, heart diseases, widening of blood vessels, etc.

Ayurvedic Remedies To Treat Low Blood Pressure

There are various effective Ayurvedic remedies available to treat low blood pressure.

1. Sodhana Karma Treatment

• Sodhana karma

  Sodhana karma removes toxins from the body and maintains the balance of Tridoshas. Sodhana karma is advisable to treat hypotension.

• Nasya karma

  Nasya karma is also known as Navana. The treatment method is the administration of herbal oils through the nasal route. Nasya Karma reduces nasal blocks and reduces headaches. Nasya karma aims to combine head, neck, and shoulder massage with organic aromatherapy products.

• Basti Karma

  Basti Karma aims to remove toxins from Vata, Pitta, and Kapha. Basti is also known as 'Ardha Chikitsa'. The duration of Basti Karma is approximately 8 to 30 days. The oil used for Basti karma is infused with various medicinal herbs and prepared afresh just before the use. Here the medicated oil is administered through the anal route.

Abhyanga

Marma Abhyanga and Shiro Abhyanga are two kinds of Abhyanga which are found very effective in treating low blood pressure.

• Marma Abhyanga

  60 to 90 minutes is the duration of Marma Abhyanga. Marma Abhyanga has done at important marma points of the body. In the Marma Abhyanga method, special herbs are infused with oil which is used for massages which help in relaxing, harmonizing, and strengthening the entire body.

• Shiro Abhyanga

  The duration of Shiro Abhyanga is just half an hour. The process of Shiro Abhyanga is a head massage using herbal oils. In the Shiro Abhyanga method, neck and shoulder massage is also done.

Swedana

Swedana is an effective method for controlling low blood pressure. Swedana can be of different types. Navarakizhi and Elakizhi are popular Swedana types.

• Elakizhi

  Fresh leaves with Vata dosha pacifying properties are used for making Elakizhi. Elakizhi is used to remove toxins from the skin. Here chopped leaves are tied into a poultice and are used along with other herbs. These poultices are placed in a container and then heated.

• Navarakizhi

  The word 'Navara' means medicated rice and Kizhi means Polti. Navarakizhi is also a practice of massage through poultice. Navarakizhi massage improves the stiffness of muscles. The duration of Navarakizhi is almost 30 to 40 minutes. Milk and rice are mainly used in navarakizhi treatment. Navarakizhi massage re-energizes the whole body.

2. Sarvanga Ksheeradhara And Pizhichil

• Sarvanga Ksheeradhara

  In Sarvanga Ksheeradhara therapy, medicated milk is continuously pouring all over the body. The treatment offers cooling effects on the body.

• Pizhichil

  Mostly the duration of Pizhichil is 10 days. Pizhichil means 'to squeeze'. Under the Pizhichil method, medicated lukewarm oil is poured and massaged all over the body. Pizhichil is the most popular rejuvenating treatment in Ayurveda.

Popular Ayurvedic remedies for curing low blood pressure are Shodhana Karma and Sarvanga Ksheeradhara and Pizhichil.

Ayurvedic Herbs For Lowering Blood Pressure

Some of the popular Ayurvedic herbs used for lowering blood pressure are,

• Tulsi

  Tulsi mixed with a spoon of honey is a fine remedy to treat low blood pressure. Tulsi contains antioxidant eugenol which helps in upping the low blood pressure.

• Arjuna

  Arjuna also contains antioxidant properties that help in controlling low blood pressure. Arjuna also finds good for both cardiac as well as overall health.

• Manjistha

  Manjishta is an Ayurvedic herb that contains anti-inflammatory, anti-microbial properties. Manjistha is considered a blood purifying herb and also contains astringent and anti-oxidant properties.

• Rasonam (garlic)

  Garlic contains antifungal and antibiotic properties. Garlic is used for treating various diseases and improves blood circulation.

Tulsi, Rasonam, Manjistha, and Arjuna are the easiest home remedies for treating low blood pressure.

Ayurvedic Food And Medicines In Treating Low Blood Pressure

The following Ayurvedic medicines and food are found effective in controlling low blood pressure.

• Raisins

  Raisins were found very effective in controlling low blood pressure. Raisins are rich with potassium, antioxidant dietary fiber which helps in treating low blood pressure.

• Trikatu

  Trikatu contains anti-inflammatory properties; hence Trikatu is beneficial in treating various diseases.

• Makardhwaj Ras

  Makardhwaj Ras is prepared with the combination of gold, mercury, and sulphur in different ratios. Makardhwaj Ras is used in treating various diseases like controlling low blood pressure, reduces muscle pain, and increases Oja.

Very popular Ayurvedic medicines can be used for curing low blood pressure are Trikatu, Makardhwaj Ras, and Raisins.

Lifestyle Changes For Controlling Low Blood Pressure

The following lifestyle changes and dietary changes together can cure Low blood pressure.

• Avoid drinking alcohol, because alcohol contains dehydrating properties which reduce the level of blood pressure.
• Eat a healthy diet with rich contents of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
• Include honey, dry ginger, ghee, buttermilk, etc in your diet.
• Regular exercise with at least 30 minutes daily keeps you healthy and controls low blood pressure.
• Emotional stress causes low blood pressure, so try to reduce your stress level through meditation and yoga.
• Don't get up suddenly from the bed.
• People with low blood pressure should increase the level of sodium intake which helps in raising blood pressure.
• Drink more water which leads to an increase in the level of blood volume and avoids dehydration.

There are some lifestyle changes and healthy diets are found very effective in controlling low blood pressure.

Conclusion

The above-mentioned information was solicited from various Ayurvedic resources. Always seek the recommendation of an Ayurvedic practitioner before starting self-medication.