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Psychological Understanding of Hypertension- Ayurvedic Perspective

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Journal name: Ayushdhara
Original article title: Psychological Understanding of Hypertension- Ayurvedic Perspective
AYUSHDHARA is an international peer-reviewed journal. It focuses on research in Ayurveda, Yoga, Unani, Siddha, Homeopathy, Allopathy, and Pharmaceutical Sciences.
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Author(s):

M. Jithesh
Professor and Head, Kayachikitsa and PG Department of Manasroga, V.P.S.V.Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, India.
PU Sreeram
MD Scholar, PG Department of Manasroga, V.P.S.V Ayurveda College, Kottakkal, India.
P. Gowrisankar
Professor and Head, Kayachikitsa, Vaidyarathnam Ayurveda College, Ollur, Kerala, India.
K. Asha Karunakaran
Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurveda College, Tripunittura, Kerala, India.
S. Aswathy
Associate Professor, Department of Kayachikitsa, Government Ayurveda College, Thiruvanantapuram, India.


Ayushdhara:

(A peer-reviewed, bi-monthly open-access journal)

Full text available for: Psychological Understanding of Hypertension- Ayurvedic Perspective

Year: 2021 | Doi: 10.47070/ayushdhara.v8i5.798

Copyright (license): CC BY-NC-SA 4.0


Download the PDF file of the original publication


Summary of article contents:

Introduction

Hypertension, a chronic condition characterized by elevated blood pressure, arises from a combination of genetic, environmental, and lifestyle factors. While stress significantly contributes to this condition, it is often under-addressed in treatment, which typically focuses on antihypertensive medications. This article explores hypertension from an Ayurvedic perspective, discussing the role of various doshas, mental health influences, and lifestyle choices on the pathogenesis and management of hypertension. The significant correlation between psychological factors and hypertension underscores the need for a holistic approach that integrates Ayurveda and yoga as complementary treatments.

The Role of Hridaya in Hypertension

In Ayurveda, the heart (Hridaya) is viewed as the root of hypertension, where improper functioning and relationships among the body's fundamental elements (doshas) can lead to elevated blood pressure. The heart serves multiple functions, including the vital circulation of blood and the hosting of the mind and consciousness. When the doshas�Vata, Pitta, and Kapha—are imbalanced, they can contribute to hypertension through various pathophysiological processes. Vata, in particular, influences movement and circulation, while Pitta affects metabolic rates and energy balance. Kapha is responsible for the structural integrity of the heart and arteries. Understanding these interactions is crucial for effectively managing hypertension through tripartite dosha equilibrium and appropriate treatments.

Psychological Influence on Hypertension

Stress is deemed a primary factor in the onset of hypertension, mainly due to its activation of the sympathetic nervous system, which raises heart activity and blood pressure. Chronic stress can cause sustained hypertension through mechanisms like rumination and inability to return to a resting state after stress. Moreover, negative emotions such as fear, anxiety, and anger, coupled with poor dietary choices and a sedentary lifestyle, contribute to this condition. In Ayurvedic terms, these emotional disturbances vitiate the mind's doshas, namely Rajas and Tamas, leading to broader systemic issues. Effective management thus necessitates addressing the psychological components alongside physiological treatments.

Conclusion

Hypertension is a multifactorial lifestyle disorder that requires a holistic treatment approach, especially given the significant role of stress and psychological factors. The integration of Ayurvedic principles with lifestyle modifications and yoga presents a promising avenue for managing hypertension effectively. By considering both the physiological and psychological aspects of hypertension, treatment can be more comprehensive, leading to improved patient outcomes. There remains a vital need for further research to clarify these relationships and enhance treatment strategies, thereby addressing not only the symptoms but also the root causes of hypertension.

FAQ section (important questions/answers):

What is hypertension and its primary contributing factors?

Hypertension is a chronic condition where blood pressure is elevated due to multiple factors, including genetic, environmental, and lifestyle influences. Stress often plays a significant role but is frequently overlooked in conventional management.

How does Ayurveda approach the management of hypertension?

Ayurveda emphasizes a holistic approach to managing hypertension by addressing both physical and psychological factors. This includes correcting doshic imbalances, improving dietary and lifestyle practices, and integrating yoga for stress management.

What role does stress play in hypertension according to the study?

Stress is considered a key factor in hypertension development. It can lead to elevated blood pressure through sympathetic nervous system activation and negative emotions, which may perpetuate a cycle of stress and poor health.

Glossary definitions and references:

Scientific and Ayurvedic Glossary list for “Psychological Understanding of Hypertension- Ayurvedic Perspective�. This list explains important keywords that occur in this article and links it to the glossary for a better understanding of that concept in the context of Ayurveda and other topics.

1) Blood:
In Ayurveda, the heart or Hṛdaya circulates Rasa and Rakta (blood) throughout the body via Sirā and ٳ󲹳ī, crucial for maintaining health. Elevated blood pressure, a feature of hypertension, is viewed within the interplay of Doshas and Dhātus.[see source text or glossary: Blood]

2) Ayurveda (Ayus-veda):
Ayurveda provides a holistic approach to health, considering the balance of Doshas (ٲ, Pitta, Kapha) crucial. In hypertension, it addresses not only physiological but also psychological and lifestyle factors, offering remedies through herbs, dietary changes, and practices like Yoga.

3) Yoga:
Yoga is complementary to Ayurveda in managing hypertension by promoting mind relaxation, reducing anxiety, and thereby stabilizing blood pressure. Practices in Yoga help balance stress-related issues which contribute to elevated blood pressure.

4) Kapha:
Kapha, one of the three Doshas, in its normal state supports heart functions. Avalaṃbaka Kapha nourishes the heart, while its vitiation can lead to conditions influencing blood pressure such as ٳ󲹳ī praticaya.[see source text or glossary: Kapha]

5) Dosha (Dosa):
Doshas, especially ٲ, Pitta, and Kapha, regulate physiological functions. Hypertension arises from Dosha imbalances, necessitating Ayurvedic interventions to restore harmony.

6) Pitta:
Pitta, particularly 峦첹 Pitta and 󲹰첹 Pitta, influences metabolic and physiological processes like heart rate and blood pressure. Imbalances in Pitta can contribute to hypertension, necessitating Ayurvedic interventions for balance.

7) Vayu:
, especially ղԲ , plays a vital role in circulatory functions related to hypertension. Its imbalance, alongside Prāṇa , can disturb blood pressure regulation.[see source text or glossary: ]

8) Hridaya (Hrdaya):
[see source text or glossary: Hrdaya]

9) India:
India is the origin of Ayurveda, with institutions like V.P.S.V. Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, Kerala. These institutions research and apply Ayurvedic principles to manage conditions like hypertension.[see source text or glossary: India]

10) Medicine:
In managing hypertension, Ayurveda utilizes herbal medicines alongside Yoga and lifestyle changes. This contrasts with conventional anti-hypertensives, aiming to address root causes and prevent stress-induced symptoms.

11) Disease:
Hypertension is a lifestyle disorder influenced by factors like diet, stress, and Dosha imbalances. Ayurveda addresses these multifactorial causes through holistic treatments to restore health.

12) Rasa (Rasha):
Rasa, considered one of the vital elements (Dhātu), circulates nutrients and supports heart function. Its proper flow and balance are essential in preventing and managing hypertension.

13) Dhamani:
ٳ󲹳ī (arteries) facilitate the movement of Rasa and Rakta. Conditions like ٳ󲹳ī praticaya (arterial plaque) in Ayurveda reflect the need to maintain their patency, influencing blood pressure.

14) Kerala:
Kerala, a state in India, is noted for its rich tradition in Ayurveda. Institutions here, like V.P.S.V. Ayurveda College in Kottakkal, play a pivotal role in researching and teaching Ayurvedic management of diseases like hypertension.

15) Rakta:
[see source text or glossary: Raktha]

17) Pharmacological:
Pharmacological interventions in Ayurveda include herbal formulations like Manomithrachoorna, which reduce stress and support physiological balance in hypertension, differing from conventional anti-hypertensives.

18) Vyanavayu (Vyana-vayu):
ղԲ , a subtype of ٲ, governs circulatory functions. Its imbalance can lead to hypertension, highlighting the importance of its regulation in Ayurvedic treatments.

19) Discussion:
Discussion on hypertension from an Ayurvedic perspective involves understanding Dosha involvement, Dhātu health, and the role of lifestyle factors, leading to a holistic approach rather than symptomatic control.

20) Vyana:
ղԲ is central in heart regulation, circulating Prana throughout the body. Its disturbance, along with Prāṇa , can result in hypertension, necessitating Ayurvedic balance.[see source text or glossary: ղԲ]

21) Bala:
Bala (strength) in Ayurveda is derived from balanced Dhātus and Doshas. Medicines like Manomithrachoorna containing Bala (Sida cordifolia) play a role in reducing stress and bolstering resilience against hypertension.

22) Food:
Ahara (food) is key in Ayurveda, influencing Dosha balance. Proper diet reduces risks of lifestyle disorders like hypertension, emphasizing the importance of healthy dietary practices.

23) Mental health:
Mental health impacts physical health, particularly in hypertension where stress and emotions play roles. Ayurveda employs holistic methods including herbs and Yoga to maintain mental well-being and control blood pressure.

24) Avalambakakapha (Avalambaka-kapha):
Avalaṃbaka Kapha supports the heart through nutrients (Rasa Dhātu) and maintaining structural integrity. Imbalances here can destabilize heart function and influence blood pressure.

25) Sadhakapitta (Sadhaka-pitta):
󲹰첹 Pitta, located in the heart, influences emotions and physiological processes. Its imbalance, due to factors like stress, affects heart function and can contribute to hypertension.

26) Pacakapitta (Pacaka-pitta):
峦첹 Pitta governs digestion and metabolic processes. Its effect on basal metabolic rate influences blood pressure, making it relevant in Ayurvedic considerations for hypertension.

27) Yashtimadhu (Yastimadhu, Yashti-madhu):
Yashtimadhu (Glycyrrhiza glabra) is an important Ayurvedic herb for managing stress and enhancing cognitive functions. It is used in formulations aimed at treating hypertension and improving mental health.

28) Avalambaka:
Avalambaka Kapha supports the heart by providing structural stability and nourishment. Its proper functioning is vital for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall cardiac health.

29) Sadvritta (Sadvrtta, Sat-vritta):
Sadvritta (ethical regimen) in Ayurveda prescribes daily conduct guidelines to promote health and prevent diseases like hypertension, underlining the importance of a balanced lifestyle.[see source text or glossary: Sadvritta]

30) Pancaka (Pamcaka):
Nidana Pancaka includes a comprehensive evaluation for diagnosing diseases in Ayurveda. In hypertension, it examines factors like dietary habits and emotional stress affecting doshic balance.[see source text or glossary: Pancaka]

31) Sadhaka:
󲹰첹 Pitta affects the heart and mind, playing a role in emotional stress. Ayurvedic treatments aim to balance 󲹰첹 Pitta to manage hypertension by ensuring emotional stability.[see source text or glossary: 󲹰첹]

32) Vihara:
Vihara (lifestyle) is crucial in Ayurvedic management. Healthy lifestyle practices are recommended to prevent and manage hypertension, focusing on maintaining Dosha balance.[see source text or glossary: Vihara]

33) Pacaka:
峦첹 Pitta influences digestion and has systemic effects on processes like basal metabolic rate, which impacts blood pressure. Its balance is key in preventing and managing hypertension.[see source text or glossary: 峦첹]

34) Nidana:
[see source text or glossary: Nidana]

35) Ahara:
Ahara, or diet, is integral in Ayurveda. Balanced dietary practices help maintain Dosha equilibrium, preventing lifestyle disorders like hypertension, often caused by unhealthy eating habits.

36) Dushya (Dusya):
ūṣy refers to body tissues affected in disease conditions. In hypertension, the involvement of Rasa, Rakta, and Medo Dhātus as ūṣys indicates systemic impacts requiring holistic treatments.[see source text or glossary: ūṣy]

37) Pulse:
Pulse rate, influenced by Dosha processes, is an indicator of heart function. Ayurvedic analysis of pulse reflects the state of health, aiding in diagnosing hypertension and guiding treatment.

38) Death:
In India, hypertension is directly responsible for 57% of all stroke deaths and a significant portion of heart disease fatalities. Ayurveda aims to reduce these risks through holistic treatment approaches.[see source text or glossary: Death]

39) Anger (Angry):
Anger, a negative emotion, is considered significant in Ayurvedic pathology for diseases like hypertension. Addressing emotional health is crucial in the holistic management of hypertension.[see source text or glossary: Anger]

40) Sida (Shida):
Sida cordifolia, an ingredient in Manomithrachoorna, is known for its adaptogenic and anti-stress properties. It helps manage hypertension by reducing plasma cortisol and supporting systemic balance.

41) Gati:
Gati (movement) quality of ٲ is essential for bodily functions, including blood circulation. Disturbances in Gati can lead to conditions like hypertension, highlighting the importance of ٲ balance.[see source text or glossary: Gati]

42) Agni:
Agni (digestive fire) is crucial in metabolic processes. Proper Agni ensures balanced Dhātus, including Rasa and Rakta, contributing to hypertensive management by avoiding metabolic dysfunctions.[see source text or glossary: Agni]

43) Vata:
ٲ, especially its subtype ղԲ , governs circulatory functions. Imbalance in ٲ leads to irregularities in heart function and blood pressure, central to Ayurvedic hypertension management.

44) Asha (Asa):
K. Asha Karunakaran is one of the authors of the study on psychological understanding and Ayurvedic management of hypertension, contributing to multidisciplinary research.[see source text or glossary: Asha]

45) Guna:
ҳṇa (qualities) like ūṣa and Śīta of ٲ play roles in pathogenesis. Understanding and balancing these ҳṇa are essential in preventing and managing hypertension in Ayurveda.[see source text or glossary: Guṇa]

46) Fear:
Fear, a negative emotion, contributes to the imbalance of Manō dōṣas (Rajas and Tamas). Addressing such emotions is critical in Ayurveda for managing stress-related conditions like hypertension.

47) Drug:
Ayurvedic drugs like Manomithrachoorna, made from herbs like Bala and Yaṣṭimadhu, are used to manage hypertension by reducing stress and balancing Doshas, offering an alternative to conventional medicines.

48) Glycyrrhiza glabra:
Glycyrrhiza glabra (Yaṣṭimadhu) is known for its anti-stress properties. Used in Ayurvedic formulations, it aids in managing hypertension by calming the mind and supporting physiological balance.

49) Withania somnifera:
Withania somnifera (Aśwagandha) is a 鲹ⲹԲ herb in Ayurveda with adaptogenic properties. It helps in reducing stress and alleviating symptoms of hypertension, enhancing overall health.

50) Human life:
In the modern world, human life is increasingly affected by stress and unhealthy lifestyle choices, leading to conditions like hypertension, which Ayurveda addresses through holistic treatments and lifestyle modifications.

51) Brahmacarya (Brahman-carya):
Brahmacarya, one of the Trayōpastaṃbha, is essential for maintaining health in Ayurveda. It involves lifestyle practices that support physical and mental balance, crucial in preventing hypertension.

52) Manasadosha (Manasadosa, Manasa-dosha):
Manasadoshas (Rajas and Tamas) are mental afflictions contributing to stress and diseases like hypertension. Ayurvedic treatment focuses on balancing these to maintain mental and physical health.

53) Agnimandya (Agni-mandya, Agnimamdya):
ԾԻⲹ refers to the impairment of digestive fire (Agni), leading to improper digestion and metabolic disorders. It is a contributing factor in hypertension, addressed by Ayurvedic practices to restore balance.

54) Dhatvagni (Dhatu-agni):
ٳٳ-Ծ refers to metabolic processes at the tissue level. Proper function ensures Dhātu health, crucial in managing hypertension by maintaining balanced Rasa and Rakta.

55) Rasadhatu (Rasa-dhatu):
Rasa Dhātu is the primary nutrient fluid circulating in the body. Its health is essential for overall well-being and is a focus in managing hypertension through Ayurvedic treatments.

56) Pittadosha (Pittadosa, Pitta-dosha):
Pitta Dōṣa, especially its forms 峦첹 and 󲹰첹 Pitta, regulates metabolic and physiological functions. Its imbalance can lead to hypertension, highlighting the need for Pitta management in Ayurveda.

57) Prosperity:
The pursuit of prosperity often leads to stress and unhealthy lifestyles, contributing to diseases like hypertension. Ayurveda emphasizes balance in life to prevent such lifestyle disorders.

58) Prasarana:
ʰṇa (extension) is a function of ղԲ , reflecting its role in movement and circulation. Proper ʰṇa is essential for maintaining healthy blood pressure and overall cardiovascular function.

59) Cakrapani (Cakra-pani):
䲹ṇi is an authoritative commentator on classical Ayurvedic texts. His interpretations, like explaining 貹ŧ貹 in ٳ󲹳ī praticaya, contribute to understanding Ayurvedic concepts of hypertension.[see source text or glossary: 䲹ṇi]

60) Dinacarya (Dina-carya):
Dinacarya (daily regimen) emphasizes consistent lifestyle practices in Ayurveda. Following Dinacarya reduces the risk of lifestyle disorders like hypertension by maintaining Dosha balance and overall health.

61) Samvahana:
Rasa-Rakta ṃv󲹲Բ is the circulatory function of the heart (Hṛdaya), facilitated by Sirā and ٳ󲹳ī. Proper ṃv󲹲Բ is crucial for avoiding hypertension and maintaining cardiovascular health.

62) Ritucarya (Rtucarya, Ritu-carya):
Ritucarya (seasonal regimen) involves adjusting lifestyle and dietary practices according to season changes to maintain Dosha balance and prevent conditions like hypertension.

63) Vitiation (Vitiated):
Vitiation refers to disturbance in Doshas under stress or improper lifestyle. Addressing vitiation of ٲ, Pitta, or Kapha is essential in managing hypertension in Ayurveda.[see source text or glossary: Vitiation]

64) Tridosha (Tridosa, Tri-dosha):
[see source text or glossary: հōṣa]

65) Rasayana (Rasa-ayana):
鲹ⲹԲ therapy in Ayurveda includes herbs like Aśwagandha, aimed at rejuvenating bodily tissues and enhancing Ojas. It supports overall health and helps in managing hypertension.

66) Upalepa:
貹ŧ貹 refers to the accumulation or coating inside arteries (ٳ󲹳ī), a concept used to describe conditions like arterial plaque build-up in hypertension, needing Kapha management.[see source text or glossary: 貹ŧ貹]

67) Prakriti (Prakrti):
ʰṛt refers to one's inherent constitution (combination of Doshas). Understanding ʰṛt is critical in Ayurveda for personalizing treatment plans for conditions like hypertension.

68) Dipana:
ī貹Բ drugs in Ayurveda stimulate Agni to enhance digestion and metabolism. They are used to manage metabolic imbalances contributing to hypertension.[see source text or glossary: ī貹Բ]

69) Shrama (Srama):
Shrama (exhaustion) is a symptom of Ojas depletion and can be observed in hypertensive conditions. Ayurvedic treatments aim to restore energy and balance in such cases.

70) Vyadhin (Vyadhi):
ղ means disease. Ayurveda classifies hypertension under various concepts like vitiated Doshas, Dhātus, and stresses, offering comprehensive strategies beyond symptomatic treatment.

71) Murcha:
Murcha (fainting) can occur in severe conditions of blood pressure imbalance. Ayurveda focuses on stabilizing Doshas to prevent such critical symptoms in hypertensive patients.

72) Tikshna (Tiksna):
īṣṇ (sharpness) is a quality of Pitta, significant in its physiological processes. Imbalance in īṣṇ can cause rapid metabolic reactions and is considered in hypertension management.

73) Rajas:
Rajas is a Manasadosha or mental affliction that causes agitation and stress. Ayurvedic treatments for hypertension often include measures to reduce Rajasic tendencies and enhance mental calm.

74) Tamas:
Tamas, another Manasadosha, leads to dullness and lethargy. In managing hypertension, Ayurveda seeks to balance Tamas to prevent its negative impact on mental and physical health.

75) Ruksha (Ruksa):
ūṣa (dryness) is a quality of ٲ that can lead to circulatory and neural imbalances. Managing ūṣa in ٲ is essential for preventing and treating hypertension.

[Note: The above list is limited to 75. Total glossary definitions available: 88]

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