Hypertension Natural Therapies For High Blood Pressure
Harmonious Healing: Hypertension Natural Therapies For High Blood Pressure
It is perhaps the one health measurement that is tested the most often - our blood pressure. Those two numbers may seem like an enigma to some, but they seem to be able to tell a lot about how our body is functioning. When the numbers climb, worry lines increase and measures are taken to help reduce those magic numbers. Having high blood pressure is not something that one desires, and when the numbers prove to be above the normal limits, fears of heart disease, stroke or cardiac arrest flood our consciousness.
A recent study warns us that Blacks are more than three times as likely to die of complications from hypertension in Blacks ISHIB). One in three African Americans has high blood pressure, and not even one quarter have their pressure under control.
Blood pressure is defined by Mosby's Medical, Nursing and Allied Health Dictionary as "the pressure exerted by the circulating volume of blood on the walls of the arteries, the veins, and the chambers of the heart." There are two numbers in a blood pressure measurement: the systole is the upper number and measures the pressure during a heart contraction, while the diastole is the lower number, representing the pressure while the 20 heart is at rest. According to Mosleys, normal blood pressure consists of a systolic measurement below 140 and a diastolic measurement under 85 (140/85), with "normal" pressure being 120/80. The diastolic number, when between 85-89, can be considered "high normal blood pressure". Hypertension, then, begins when the systolic measurement is between 140-159 and the diastolic measurement is between 90-104. One is considered to have severe hypertension when one's blood pressure is equal or greater than 160/115.
Because one's blood pressure is so closely related to the well-being of the heart, their reading is something that is taken very seriously. The medical system has specific measurements that are taken in order to secure a lower reading. These include diet and exercise, stress reduction and medication, including blood thinners and diuretics. Some signs of hypertension include: headaches in the morning, tiredness, ear buzzing, redness or hot face, dizziness and nosebleeds. Blood pressure is treated effectively by more natural means using other systems of thought and medical practice.
TRADITIONAL AFRICAN MEDICINE
Traditional African Healing takes an entirely different approach to the problem of high blood pressure. According to Traditional Healer and Spiritual Master Naba Lamoussa Morodenibig of Ankhkasta Natural Healing, "High blood pressure comes as a result of things going wrong in the body system. The way a healer looks for it is first to check the color of the urine. When their urine goes from being clear to yellow, the person's veins and arteries need attention. In many cases, when the system is quickly cleaned, it doesn't get to the point that it becomes an issue."
The most common way to cleanse the body and prevent the onset of more serious issues such as high blood pressure is by using Ninika. Ninika is a mixture of roots and barks that helps rid the blood of toxins, expel abnormal cells from the blood, and aids in reducing cholesterol, among other benefits. An herb commonly used for hepatitis can also be used at this stage. Lemongrass mixed with lemon rind and lemon leaves, when taken as a tea, will also help cleanse the system and prevent the onset of hypertension.
Once hypertension sets in, other symptoms appear. These include tiredness, dizziness, tension in the eyes, swollen veins, disparities in the level of veins and other less noticeable symptoms. Once it reaches this level, a professional treatment is needed. Occasionally, high blood pressure can be caused by a weak heart. "Hypertension caused by a weakening heart is very rare and is mostly found in elderly populations. Some symptoms include fatigue, dizziness, and body trembling. Normally, this situation has something to do with the arteries around the heart," Naba explains. A heart tonic is generally given in these cases.
Traditional African Healing blames diet as the leading factor in high blood pressure. The consumption of salt and animal products is a lifestyle choice that puts people at high risk of developing the condition. Other risk factors include geography and gravity. According to Naba, people born near the equator need less oxygen to warm the body, and the body learns to function with less demands placed upon it. These people are more likely to be prone to hypertension because their bodies are not used to situations of high demand. People's bodies from more polar areas, however, are conditioned for a higher demand, and thus are less prone to high blood pressure.
Diet and exercise alone can either help or accelerate hypertension. Exercise can cause harm by pushing a plug in the blood system into the heart. If this happens, the person could have a stroke or a heart attack. If the blood is not cleansed, any plug can be dislodged and taken to another, more vital, organ in the body, causing serious problems. Exercise is helpful when a vein is not clogged completely, and the risk for a heart attack or stroke is diminished," says Naba. Losing weight may also be beneficial, but being overweight in itself is not necessarily a problem. depends on the original body type of the person," Naba explains. "Sudden weight gains or losses can pose a problem, especially if the person was thin to begin with. If one is thin, the body is not accustomed to increased pressure, and when this person gains weight, the extra weight poses a problem for the body. But if a person's body type is bigger, the body is used to the work load and adapts."
Traditional African herbs are available from Ankhkasta Natural Healing. Naba is available for consultations and healing at 773-722-1528.
AYURVEDA
From the Ayurvedic perspective, hyper- tension is commonly a Pitta condition, but it can occur in the other doshas also. Ayurvedic treatment of high blood pressure includes herbs, such as gotu kola and jatamamsi. Vata hypertension is recognized by sudden rise and falls of pressure with nervous tension; irregular pulse; increase in pressure with worry or anxiety and is often associated with nervous system disorders. A general tonification therapy process includes eating an entire crushed clove of garlic with honey once or twice a week.
Kapha hypertension is recognized by a constant high pressure with obesity, tiredness, swelling and high cholesterol. Ayuredic treatment advises restraining from dairy, butter, eggs and highly fatty foods. It also calls for one to include spicy foods in the diet, such as cayenne, garlic, onions, and motherwort. One should avoid licorice.
Pitta hypertension symptoms include red eyes, violent headaches, nosebleeds, anger, tight pulse, flushed face and sensitivity to light. Aloe gel, barberry and katuka are recommended. Gotu kola is highly recommended for Pitta hypertension.
CHINESE MEDICINE
Chinese medicine uses the following herbs to lower and regulate blood pressure: garlic, melatonin, khella, gotu kola, lemon balm, mistletoe, and rosemary with shepherds purse and valerian root. Other traditional herbs are used in combination (as always, please check with a practitioner before beginning any herbal healing program): Kudzu, maitake, notoginseng root, reishi, xanthium lily, gentiana, eucommia bark, motherwort, ramulus loranthic and semen cassiae.
NUTRITION
Eating a healthy diet while limiting salt intake has proven to be as effective as medication in some cases of hypertension. Nutritional supplements have also been found to be helpful.
Antioxidants - they may help protect against high blood pressure. Eat fruits and veggies to ensure your daily intake of antioxidants such as vitamin C, vitamin E and beta- carotene.
Calcium - can be consumed through low-fat dairy products or in supplement form. Eat dark leafy greens or low- fat yogurt.
Magnesium - associated with lowered blood pressure. Eat legumes, nuts, whole grains and green leafy veggies.
Omega-3 Fatty Acids - these are found in fatty cold- water fish. Eat salmon, mackerel, sardines and herring. Recent studies have found that omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acid can significantly lower blood pressure.
Potassium - low potassium is linked with hypertension. To make sure you are getting enough, eat potatoes, avocados, bananas, prunes and oranges.
Garlic - garlic is one of the most useful herbs/foods and it is wonderful for the heart. It lowers blood pressure and is effective for infections and many other problems. 5-10 minced raw garlic cloves per day may be recommended (or 300 mg of garlic extract three times a day). Eating parsley will help with garlic breath.
OTHER VENUES
Acupuncture can help reduce pressure. Make sure you get it done by a trained professional and follow the treatment plan closely.
Massage is wonderful for those who have high blood pressure due to stress or anxiety. Recent studies tell us that people experienced significant reductions of hypertension when they received a massage.
Aromatherapy can help to lower blood pressure. The most important oils are Lavender, Marjoram and Ylang Ylang. Other oils help regulate the body, thus helping to regulate the blood pressure. These include cleansing oils such as fennel, juniper and lemon.
PREVENTION
An individual can help control his or her blood pressure by incorporating changes into their lifestyle. This is, perhaps, one of the most natural ways to help regulate the body.
Maintain a normal weight - Being overweight is a risk factor for hypertension.
Reducing salt intake - Low- salt diets are recommended
Physical exercise - Physically inactive people are at a high risk for hypertension.
Don't drink - Three or more drinks a day increase your risk.
Eat fruits and vegetables - Vegetarians tend to have lower pressures
Reduce meat and dairy - High consumption of meat and dairy increases risk.
High blood pressure is a serious condition, as it can lead to stroke, heart disease and heart attacks. If untreated, it can have effects on the rest of the body and can cause kidney disorders, disorders of the retina (which can lead to blindness), impotency and memory impairment. While one mode of treatment may not be for you, rest assured that there are many schools of thought that have proven to reduce blood pressure. More natural methods are generally easier on the body and come with fewer side effects than the long term use of chemical drugs, which have major side effects and are toxic to the body.