HYPERTENSION: Information in Indian System of Medicine

 

                                                          AYURVEDA
DefinitionAyurvedic Name: Vyanabala Vaishamya

A systolic blood pressure equal to or greater than 140 mm of Hg and /or a diastolic pressure (phase V) equal to or greater than 90 mm of Hg

Causes

• Family history

• Faulty dietary habits (fatty diet)
• Stress, anxiety, tension
• Obesity

Preventive Measures
Don’ts (Apathya)

• Don’t suppress the natural urges to pass urine, flatus stools

• Avoid stress

Dietary
• Junk food, salty snacks
• Canned vegetables
• Excessive condiments, fried food etc.

Lifestyle
• Stress
• Addiction of Alcohol, Tobacco, Tea, Coffee
• Night awakening
• Day sleeping

Health Promoting Tips
Do’s (Pathya)
Dietary changes
• Low salty diet
• Low fatty diet
• Fruits & vegetables
• Coconut
• Butter milk

Lifestyle changes
• Meditation, Pranayama
• Moderate exercise
• Positive attitude
• If obese-weight reduction

 

Curative Herbs• Shankhapushi (Convolvulus pluricaulis)
• Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamamasi)
• Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
• Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentine)


                                                    HOMOEOPATHY

Definition

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic cardiac medical condition in which the systemic arterial blood pressure is elevated. Blood pressure is a measurement of force against the walls of arteries as the heart pumps blood through the body. Condition is characterized by systemic arterial pressure consistently above 140 mm Hg systolic and 90 mm Hg diastolic.

Causes

 

Primary (essential) hypertension

• Idiopathic.

• Predisposing causes

- Family history of high blood pressure

- Life style (Smoking, extra salt intake, lack of exercise and high calorie diet)
- Mental stress.
- Type A personality ( ambitious, impatient, competitive, time-conscious etc.)
- Hyperlipidaemia.
- Obesity.

Secondary hypertension

• Renal diseases – Acute and chronic, Polycystic, Hydronephrosis Renal artery
stenosis
• Endocrine
- Thyrotoxicosis.
- Acromegaly.
- Cushing’s syndrome.
- Hyperaldosteronism.
- Phaeochromocytoma.
• Neurological
- Brain tumour.
- Psychogenic.
• Disease of blood vessels like athersclerosis
• Polycythaemia.
• Iatrogenic.
• Pregnancy induced.

Preventive Measures

- Avoid excess alcohol, smoking, high calorie diet, extra salt and oily fried food.

- Adopt relaxation techniques to avoid too much mental or physical stress.
- Diet including fruits, fibers and containing more vitamins and minerals.
- Reduce chances of ebing Obese by regular exercise.

Health Promoting Tips

• Lose weight. Reduction of weight also modifies other cardio-vascular risk factors like diabetes and dyslipidemia.

• Restrict intake of salt, fried food and other foods rich in saturated fats (like ghee, butter, cream, coconut oil).
• Avoid stressful situations as far as possible.
• Take plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• Abstain from tobacco & alcoholic beverages.
• Take regular morning walk or adopt a particular exercise regimen.
• Practice yogic exercises, pranayam, meditation, etc.

 

                                           UNANI

Definition

Zaqtuddam Qawi (Hypertension) is a condition in which the veins of body become hard due to the pressure and amplitude of the blood flows in it. It is also called as Salabat-e-Urooq (hard pulse disease).

Causes

• Mauroosi (hereditary) factors.

• Obesity (Siman-e-Mufrit)
• Alcoholism (Kasrat-e-Sharab)
• Smoking (Kasrat-e-Tambakunoshi)
• Certain diseases (Khilti Amraz) e.g. diabetes mellitus, gout or kidney disease.

Preventive Measures

• Follow guidelines of Asbab-e-Sittta Zarooriya (six essential prerequisites).

• Avoid tobacco in any form.
• Avoid alcohol consumption.
• Avoid oily, fatty and salt rich diets.
• Avoid stress.
• Maintain body weight.

Health Promoting Tips

• Do Riyazat-e-Motadil (moderate exercise) as per instructions.

• Stop oily, fatty and salt rich diets
• Adopt healthy lifestyles.

Curative Herbs

• Khaskhas Opium poppy (Papaver somniferum Linn.)

• Tukhme kahoo Lettuce (Lactuca sativa Linn.)
• Kishneez Coriander (Coriandrum sativum Linn.)
• Asrol Serpentine wood (Rauvolfia serpentina Benth.)
• Seer Garlic (Allium sativum Linn.)
• Sankaholi Morning-glory (Evolvulus alsinoides Linn.)

Regimens

• Fasad (Venesection)

• Irsaal-e-Alaq (Leeching)
• Idrar-e-Arq (Diaphoresis)

                                       SIDDHA

Definition

Blood pressure is the pressure exerted by the blood against the wall of the main

arteries. The normal blood pressure level is 120/80 mmHg. Hypertension is the blood pressure, which is above the normal level, consistently for more than six months. According to Siddha philosophy the vitiation of Azhal humour is the main cause for Athi Rattha Azhutham. Hypertension is one of the major causes of death and disabilities worldwide and hence it is rightly called as ‘Silent Killer’.

Causes

• Hereditary

• Cardiovascular diseases
• Obesity
• High blood cholesterol
• Diabetes mellitus
• Hectic and stressful life
• Mental agony
• Insufficient sleep and rest
• High salt intake

Preventive Measures

• Avoid excess intake of Salt

• Reduce the intake of Oil, Meat and Egg
• Avoid Smoking & Alcohol

Health Promoting Tips

• Take plenty of water & fruit Juice

• Drink decoction of cumin and coriander seeds
• Walking
• Breathing exercise
• Meditation
• Yoga

Curative Herbs

• Cirakam - Cuminum cyminum

• Maruthampattai - Terminalia arjuna
• Musumusukkai - Mukia maderaspatana
• Ven Thamarai - Nelumbo nucifera
• Sarpagandha - Rauwolfia serpentina
• Vellai pundu - Allium sativum
• Elam - Elettaria cardamomum
• Kothumalli - Coriandrum sativum
• Sataamaangil - Nardostachys grandiflora
• Elumicam Pazham - Citrus aurantifolia
• Venkayam - Allium cepa
• Seenthil - Tinospora cordifolia

Diabetes: Information in Indian System of Medicine

AYURVEDA

Definition

Ayurvedic Name: Madhumeha
Diabetes (Madhumeha) is a metabolic syndrome that interferes with the body’s ability to process carbohydrates and sugar into fuel. It is characterized by high blood glucose levels.

Causes
Hereditary proneness (Beeja Dosha)
• Excessive intake of freshly harvested food articles
• Sleeping for long time specially during day time
• Environmental toxins, autoimmune disorders
• Intake of freshly prepared alcoholic drinks
• Excessive intake of sweet/starch
• Indulging in extra luxuries, laziness
• Sedentary occupation
• Lack of exercise
• All Kapha aggravating factors
• Manas Hetu : Strain, stress, worries, grief, anger, anxiety, fear, depression

Preventive Measures

Don’ts (Apathyas) – Excess use of following should be avoided:
• Alcohol, milk, oil, ghee, flour, syrups, curd
• Amla, madhura, lavana rasa pradhana dravyas
• Naveena Anna (Freshly harvested grains)
• Ikshu rasa (Sugarcane juice)
• Guda (Jaggery)
• Meat of animal which are living in water
• Sedentary life style
• Divaswapan (Day sleep)
• Supression of urine
• Overeating
• Riding & walking for long time (Exertion)

Health Promoting Tips

Do’s (Pathyas)
Diet to be promoted:
• Take low fat diet
• Barley wheat
• Fruit and leaf of patola, shigru, karavellaka

Lifestyle to be adopted:
• Morning walk
• light exercise
• Yoga - Shavasan, Pranayam
• Meditation

Curative Herbs
• Methi (Trigonella foenum-graecum L.)
• Bimbi (Coccinia indica Wight. & Arn.)
• Gudamar (Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Schult.)
• Jambu (Syzygium cumini L.)
• Karavellaka (Momordica charantia L.)
• Udumbara (Ficus glomerata Roxb.)
• Guduchi (Tinospora cordifolia (Willd.) Hook.f. & Thoms. )
• Triphala (Myrobalans)

 

HOMOEOPATHY

Definition

Diabetes is a chronic disease, which occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin, or when the body cannot effectively use the insulin it produces. This leads to an increased concentration of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia).
Type 1 diabetes (previously known as insulin – dependent or childhood onset diabetes) is characterized by a lack of insulin production.
Type 2 diabetes (previously known as non - insulin dependent or adult onset diabetes) is caused by the body’s ineffective use of insulin.
Gestational diabetes is hyperglycemia that is first recognized during pregnancy.

Causes

• Primary Diabetes Mellitus (Type 1 or Insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM))
- Juvenile onset.
- Associated with autoimmune disorders
- Resulting in destruction of pancreatic islet cells by anti – islet cell antibodies.
- Association with HLA-DR3 and HLA- DR4 (Human Leucocytic antigen)
• Type 2 or Non-insulin dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM):
- Exact cause is not known.
- Predisposing causes like obesity, sedentary life style
- Familial predisposition
- Ageing i.e. Maturity onset diabetes of young (MODY)
- High calorie diet
- Pregnancy
- Physical and mental stress
• Associated with endocrine disorders, Acromegaly, Cushing’s syndrome, Thyrotoxicosis, Phaeochromocytoma, Chronic pancreatitis etc.
• Haemochormatosis
• Pancreatic destruction due to excessive iron accumulation.
• Iatrogenic - Steroids, Contraceptive pills, Thiazide diuretics etc.

Preventive Measures

• Sugar levels to be checked every six months, or as advised by the consulting physician.
• Avoid fried, sweets and fast foods.
• Avoid mental stress. It is a known aggravating factor for diabetes.
• Rather than taking 3 large meals, try eating small meals frequently.
• Exercise daily for at least 30 minutes. (If you are a heart patient, you must ask your doctor for the exercises you should or you should not).

Health Promoting Tips

• Relaxation techniques to avoid undue stress.
• Regular exercise regimen and balanced diet which is low in carbohydrates and contain vitamins and minerals
• Routine medical check ups to avoid complications

UNANI

Definition
Ziabetus (diabetes) is a condition characterized by “Abnormal increase appetite and collapse of sexual function in association with Atash-e-Mufrit (polydypsia), Kasrat-e- Baul (polyuria) and weakness in body.

Causes

• Soo-e-Mizaj (deranged temperament) of certain organs. This may be Soo-e-Mizaj Saadah or Maaddi due to this Soo-e-Mizaj (deranged temperament), functions of certain organs like Kabid (Liver), Me’da (stomach), Masaareeqa (Mesenteries), Baanqaraas (Pancreas) and Kuliyah (Kidney) are affected.
• Soo-e-Mizaj-e-Kuliya.
• Soo-e-Mizaj-e-Kabid.
• Excessive use of alcohol.
• Infaalat-e Nafsania (psychological functions) e.g. stress, worries & emotion.
• Negative emotions and fear.

Preventive Measures

• Follow measures of Asbab-e-Sitta Zarooriya (six essentials factors) of healthy  lifestyle should be practiced accordingly.
• Maintain regular aerobic exercise for required period.
• Should follow diabetic diet chart for specific calories.
• Quit smoking as it increases the risk.
• Avoid consumption of alcohol.
• Avoid stress and strain.
• Avoid sedentary lifestyle.

Health Promoting Tips

• Take meals at short intervals instead of three large meals a day.
• Perform vigorous exercise once a week.
• Avoid stress and fear.
• Sleep 7-8 hours at night.
• Special attention should be given to the hygiene of feet.
• Maintain your weight according to age, sex and height.
• Lifestyle modifications and health education can minimize the risk of diabetes.

Curative Herbs

• Kernel of Jamun Jambolan plum (Syzygium cuminii Linn.)
• Kernel of Binola Levant cotton (Gossypium herbaceum Linn.)
• Falsa Phalsa (Grewia asiatica Linn.)
• Bark of Karela Bitter gourd (Momordica charantia Linn.)
• Tender shoot of Neem Margo (Azadirachta indica A. Juss.)
• Leaves of Belgiri Bengal quince (Aegle marmelos Correa ex Roxb.
• Hulba Fenugreek (Trigonella foenum-graceum)
• Kalonji Black cumin (Nigella sativa Linn.)

SIDDHA

Definition
Neerizhivu (Diabetes mellitus) is defined as disease of metabolism (metabolic disorder), in which sugar is present in large amount in the blood and is excreted often in the urine. Due to derangement of Pitham Bio combustion is challenged leading to Neerizhuvu. Types of diabetes are as follows:
1) Insulin dependent (IDDM)
2) Non dependant (NIDDM)
3) Gestational
Causes
• Obesity
• Sedentary life style
• Genetic factor
• Over eating
• Intake of heavy sweets and carbohydrates
• Lack of exercise
• Day time sleep
• Mental stress
• Lack of seriousness
• Repeated infections

Preventive Measures

Do’s
• Siddha advocates specific dietary and life style changes for Neerizhvu (Diabetes
mellitus).
• Diet must be moderate with regular intervals.
• Fiber rich food is advised and hence lot of vegetables such as brinjal, cu-cumber,
lady’s finger, green tomatoes, plantain flower, drumsticks, cabbage, spinach and
green leafy vegetables can be taken.
• Milk products can also be taken in moderation to maintain the normal health of the
affected.
• When there is diarrhea, athippinju (tender fruit of Ficus racemosa), mam-paruppu
(seed of Mangifera indica) and sundaikkai (Solanum torvum) to be given.

Don’t’s & Avoid

• Over eating
• Sweet, cold, unctuous food, milk products etc.
• Fried food.
• Preserved and canned food.
• Alcohol should be avoided.
• Yoga should be practiced (Yoga mudra,Vakrasanam,Patchi mothan asanam)

Curative Herbs

• Avarai (Cassia curiculata)
• Konraiver (Root of Cassia fistula)
• Naval (Syzygium cuminni)
• Kadal azhhlinjal (Salacia oblonga)
• Sirukurinjan (Gymnema sylvestre)
• Maruthampattai (Bark of Terminalia arjuna)
• Kadukkai (Terminalia chebula)
• Vilaver (Root of Aegle marmalos)
• Seenthil (Tinospora cordifolia)
• Santhanum (Santalum album)
• Thamarai mottu (Bud of Nelumbo nu-cifera)
• Korai kizhangu (Cyperes rotundus)