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Tridoshas

You might have heard about Vata, Pitta and Kapha. Many are only aware that they cause diseases. But actually they constitute the body and help to function it. When these doshas maintain a normal state, they support the body and when they are deranged, they destroy the body.

WHERE THE DOSHAS ARE LOCATED?

Even though, these doshas are present all over the body, they are more concentrated on certain parts of the body. Let us first consider that the body is having three parts:-

  1. The part below the uṁbilicus
  2. The part between the umbilicus and heart
  3. The part above the heart

The Vata can be seen in the first part of the body, the Pitta, in second part and the Kapha in the third part.

These doshas also function at different phases of life, day, night and the digestion. The Vata influences the later stages of life, day, night and digestion, whereas the Pitta is active during the mid stages and Kapha functions during the primary stages.

AGNI OR THE DIGESTION

As we mentioned above, the doshas influence the digestion. Let us see about the results of the action of doshas on the digestive fire:-

  • Vishama:- The unstable digestive activity is due to the action of Vata.
  • Tikshna:- Pitta is the cause of high and intense digestion.
  • Manda:- Poor digestion is the result of Kapha’s action.
  • Sama:- When the three doshas maintain an equilibrium, the digestion will be normal.

KOSHTA OR THE ALIMENTARY TRACT

Do you have a constipated and irregular bowel? Then, it is the action of Vata. Similarly, a soft bowel is the result of the action of Pitta. Such people may have to eliminate the fecus more than once a day. Kapha makes the bowel movements in a normal way. When all the doshas are in normal and balanced state, the bowel functions normally.

 

DEHA PRAKRITHI OR THE BODY CONSTITUTION

Even the body constitution is decided by the predominance of the doshas. We can discuss this in another article.

The scope of doshas does not limit to what we have discussed in this article.

Hypertension And Ayurveda

hypertension

Hypertension or High blood pressure has become a common condition. Long term medication is needed to manage the blood pressure. Let us see what results in the increase in blood pressure.

WHAT CAUSES HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

The factors that determine the blood pressure are:-

  • The amount of blood your heart pumps.
  • The amount of resistance in the arteries to blood flow.

Now you may understand what results the high pressure. if your heart pumps more amount of blood or if the arteries become narrow, your blood pressure increases.

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

A person with high blood pressure may not have any symptoms for many years. Even though there may not be any symptoms, the condition may continue causing damages to blood vessels and heart. Eventually the variation in the pressure can be detected.

A few may develop the following symptoms:-

  • Headache
  • Shortness of breath
  • Nose bleed

If uncontrolled this may result in heart attack or stroke and usually most people only get to know about their condition when they fall sick.

CAUSES

Primary hypertension

The cause is unknown. This type gradually develops over years.

Secondary hypertension

There will be an underlying cause that results in hypertension. The conditions that may cause hypertension are:-

  • Kidney problems
  • Thyroid issues
  • Obstructive sleep apnea
  • Adrenal gland tumors
  • Congenital defects of arteries
  • Illegal drugs
  • Some medicines etc.

RISK FACTORS

Many factors increase the risk of hypertension. They are:-

  • Age:- The risk of getting hypertension increases with the age.
  • Family History:- high blood pressure tends to run in families
  • Obesity
  • Less physical activity
  • Tobacco usage
  • Including too much salt in your diet and absence of enough potassium.
  • Alcoholism
  • Stress
  • Certain chronic conditions

During pregnancy, some may suffer from high blood pressure.

COMPLICATIONS

If uncontrolled for long period of time, the condition may cause:-

  • Heart attack 
  • Stroke
  • Aneurysm
  • Heart failure
  • Affects the functioning of kidneys
  • Affects the health of eyes
  • Affects memory etc.

HYPERTENSION AND AYURVEDA

The history of the person is studied to understand the type and cause of hypertension. Internal and external medications can help in the management of the high blood pressure. Rest is an important factor that helps in this condition. Some of the treatments that can help are:-

  • Talam
  • Siro dhara
  • Siro lepa
  • Nasya
  • Raktamoksha
  • Rasayana chikitsa etc.

Yoga and meditation helps in controlling the blood flow and thereby helps in reducing the blood pressure.

The treatment is determined by the qualified physician after determining the root cause