Once a wise man said that health is the biggest wealth a man can have. And to preserve this wealth, one needs to opt for a healthy lifestyle and naturally supported living. In the pollution surrounded and stressful life of the 21st century, Ayurveda seems to be the only way out. Ayurveda being the oldest and most holistic healing system is all about traditional medicines that have been in use for almost 3000 years now.
With the detailed study of the herbs and the various practices promoted by Ayurveda, it is one of the most popular and highly trusted alternative medicines in the world. It is believed that Ayurveda has an answer for most health ailments. In this post, we will check out how Ayurveda can help with the treatment of insomnia and hypertension.
Ayurveda for Insomnia
Sleep is an essential phenomenon for healthy living as it helps the body to rest and the mind to restore. A good night’s sleep is very important for a healthy and disease-free body. But, many people face severe problems falling asleep. They either cannot fall asleep at night or cannot resume their sleep once waking up at night. Sleep deprivation can lead to serious health issues and is a matter of concern.
Ayurveda believes that a normally functioning Kapha helps in getting good sleep and rest. And so when the Vata and Pitta dosha takes over and the Kapha is reduced, it triggers insomnia.
According to Ayurveda, there are two types of insomnia. In Vata-type insomnia, the person is unable to fall asleep because of an active mind. Whereas, in Pitta-type insomnia, a person experiences intermittent wakefulness, body pain, and emotional distraction like fear, anger, etc.
The causes of Insomnia according to Ayurveda:
- Hyperexcitement or emotional stress
- Consumption of excessive cold, dry, fried, and spicy food
- Regular consumption of stimulants like tea and coffee
- Improper diet and lifestyle
- Suppressed emotions.
Ayurvedic Treatment for insomnia:
The Ayurvedic approach toward treating Insomnia will be to re-establish the balance of the doshas throughout the body and restore the normal sleep-wake system of the body. Ayurveda recommends the use of these six herbs for Insomnia: Brahmi, Vacha, Sarpagandha, Sankhapushpi, Ashwagandha, and Jatamansi.
In addition to the use of these above-mentioned herbs, Ayurveda instructs to perform Panchakarma and other similar therapies that offer a detox to the body and clean it of all impurities. The available Ayurvedic treatments for insomnia include Vasti or medicated Enema, Shirodhara or oil treatment, Shiroabhyanga or head massage, Padabhyanga or feet massage, and Abhyanga or body massage.
The regular practice of yoga and medication also promotes good sleep at night. Incorporating yoga into everyday life is the secret to healthy living and is being accepted by people worldwide.
Ayurveda for Hypertension
Hypertension is a cardiovascular disorder that causes morbidity and mortality across the globe. It is one of the modern-day lifestyle disorders and many people post the age of 40 show signs of hypertension. However, according to Ayurveda, hypertension is a Vata imbalance and is known as Raktagata Vata.
The causes of Hypertension according to Ayurveda:
- Overweight and sedentary lifestyle
- Competition and stress
- Inadequate rest or sleep
- Excessive consumption of non-veg, fatty, oily, salty, and heavy foods
- Hereditary history of heart conditions and high blood pressure
- Alcohol, tobacco, and smoking addictions
- Consumption of inharmonious food combinations
Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension:
Ayurveda promotes two types of treatment for hypertension, a preventive one and a cure.
The preventive treatment for hypertension, as per Ayurveda, will include:
- Giving up addictions like smoking and drinking
- Managing the daily routines
- Reduction of non-veg diets and inclusion of greens and fruits
- Increased physical activity and regular yoga
The Ayurvedic cure for hypertension will include:
The Panchakarma treatment can help in getting rid of body toxins and restoring heart health. With a prior consultation and a personalised detox program, ayurvedic treatment can be beneficial to treat hypertension effectively.
The detox program can include Virechana or therapeutic purgation, Vasti or medicated enemas, and Shirodhara or oil treatment. In addition to the treatments, certain herbs can be highly beneficial to manage hypertension.
- Sarpagandha
- Lashuna
- Ashwagandha
- Arjuna
- Brahmi
- Amalaki
- Shankapushpi
- Jatamansi
- Giloy and
- Gotu Kola
Herbal therapy and Ayurvedic treatment for hypertension help in regulating hypertension and balancing the doshas. With regulated and checked hypertension, one does not pose the chance of many life-threatening health conditions.
Recognised symptoms of Hypertension:
In the contemporary world, hypertension has come to become a common medical condition in people. Ayurveda states some symptoms of hypertension that could help in creating awareness and on-time treatment to avoid critical situations.
Most people experiencing hypertension complains of anger and irritability, burning sensation, sensitivity to light, flushed face and red eyes, heaviness or occipital headache, and in severe conditions, nose bleeding.
These are the major symptoms that generally indicate a situation of hypertension in a person. Early diagnosis and proper treatment can be helpful to avoid any severity.
Final Word
Many people across the globe had witnessed remarkable positive results by adapting the preventive ways of Ayurveda and leading an Ayurvedic lifestyle. Needless to say, Ayurveda has been instrumental in providing significant cures and preventive measures for many health conditions and illnesses. From popular and chronic conditions like hypertension and insomnia to normal skin care, Ayurveda has a solution for all.
