The theme for World Hypertension Day 2023 is: Measure Your Blood Pressure Accurately, Control It, Live Longer.
How to measure blood pressure accurately?
The heart supplies the organs and tissues of the body with blood. Blood pressure readings are made up of two values:
- Systolic blood pressure: The pressure when the heart beats—while the heart muscle is contracting and pumping oxygen-rich blood into the vessels.
- Diastolic blood pressure: The pressure on the blood vessels when the heart muscle relaxes.
It's important to measure blood pressure more than once because it fluctuates throughout the day. To get reliable readings, measurements should be taken on several different days while at rest. Sit down, relax, and wait about three minutes before taking a measurement.
Measurement Tools:
- Digital Blood Pressure Machine: Automated and easy to use, often on the wrist or upper arm. However, they can sometimes be inaccurate in people with certain heart rhythm problems.
- Sphygmomanometer: A manual instrument consisting of a cuff, pressure meter, and stethoscope. This is often considered more reliable for clinical accuracy.
How to control Blood pressure?
High blood pressure can be caused by lack of physical activity, overconsumption of meat, caffeine, alcohol, or conditions like diabetes and obesity. Risk increases after the age of 40.
“Change your Lifestyle, Control Blood pressure, Healthy heart.”
Ayurveda offers several natural ways to manage hypertension:
- Garlic cloves: Beneficial for slowing the pulse rate and smoothing the heart's rhythm. Chew 2-3 fresh, raw cloves a day.
- Watermelon: Rich in L-citrulline, which lowers blood pressure. Watermelon seeds can also be used to make tea.
- Amla (Indian Gooseberry): Helps lower cholesterol and stabilize blood circulation. Mix 2 teaspoons of amla juice with 1 teaspoon of honey every morning.
- Yoga: Asanas like Siddhasana, Supta Padangusthasana, and simple Anulom Vilom (breathing exercises) help stabilize the nervous system and regulate blood pressure.
- Sudarshan Kriya: A unique breathing process (SKY) that heals and purifies from within, improving vagal activity and decreasing mean blood pressure.
How to live longer?
“Ayus-kamayamana dharma-artha-sukha-sadhanam; Ayurvedopadeshesu vidheyaah paramadarah”
To achieve the goals of life (Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha) and true contentment, one should aim for longevity through Ayurvedic wisdom. Life is sustained by the tripod of body (Sharir), senses (Indriyas), mind (Satwa), and spirit (Atma).
Health depends on the normalcy of the Tridoshas (Vata, Pitta, Kapha), Dhatus (tissues), and Malas (waste products). Signs of a healthy individual include:
- Proper nourishment and strength.
- Good appetite and proper digestion.
- Sleep at proper time and feeling fresh after waking.
- Proper evacuation of waste at proper time.
- Proper functioning of mental faculties and senses.
- Absence of pain.
Article by: Dr. Arman Pariksha, ssuaych.org
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