MANAGEMENT OF HYPERTENSION THROUGH AYURVEDA WITH DIET & LIFESTYLE MODIFICATIONS

Dr. Sakshi Sharma*, Dr. Swapnil Saini, Dr. Akhilesh Srivastava, Dr. Rajesh Manglesh, Prof. Dalip Sharma

ABSTRACT

The prevalence of hypertension is high and increasing worldwide. Drug therapy is effective, but for both "prehypertensive" and treated hypertensive patients, lifestyle changes are also important. Dietary modification is a key part of these changes. There is now a large body of evidence supporting a role for dietary salt, potassium, alcohol, and body mass in determining blood pressure. Studieshave shown that salt restriction, alcohol moderation, weight loss, exercise, and a DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) dietcan achieve decreases in systolic blood pressure (SBP) when applied together. Hypertension is not mentioned in Ayurvedictext as it is, but on the basis of principle we can understand the Samprapti(ethiopathogenesis) of Hypertension & according to that we can treat the disease. Thinking about the disease the main causative factor is vitiated Vata or it may be only or in combination with Pitta or Kaphaor obstructive Vatavitiation. According to etiology we can treat the disease in two ways either by Shamana (only medicine) or by Shodhana (purificatory procedures).

Keywords: Hypertension, diet, lifestyle, Ayurveda, Shodhana, Shamana, Yoga.