Hypertension in Children: An Ayurvedic Perspective and Holistic management
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Hypertension (high blood pressure) is no longer limited to adults. Increasingly, children and adolescents are being diagnosed with elevated blood pressure due to changing lifestyles, dietary habits, stress, obesity, and genetic predisposition.
Understanding Hypertension in Children (Modern View)
In children, hypertension is defined as blood pressure consistently at or above the 95th percentile for their age, sex, and height, confirmed on multiple readings. Most children are asymptomatic, but untreated hypertension can silently affect the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes.
Ayurvedic Understanding of Hypertension in Children
As per Ayurvedic principles, in case of unknown disease, the physician should try to understand the nature of the disease through Dosha, the site of manifestation, etiological factors and then should initiate the treatment.
Description of Hridaya and processes of Rasa Vikshepana, circulation by Vyana Vayu is helpful to understand the disease.
We can assume that vitiated VataDosha is the main cause of the disease, as the Dhatu Gati (Rasa Gati) or Vikshepa is achieved by Vayu itself. Pitta and Kapha complement the effect of vitiated Vata and support the progress of the disease with Rasa, Rakta being the main mediator of vitiation. This suggests the involvement of Tridosha in hypertension.
Key Ayurvedic Factors Involved
Vata Dosha
* Regulates circulation and movement
* Aggravation leads to irregular blood flow, vessel stiffness, and pressure fluctuations
Pitta Dosha
* Governs metabolism and blood quality
* Increased Pitta causes heat, inflammation, and increased pressure in Rakta dhatu
Rakta Dushti
* Impure or vitiated blood contributes to increased vascular resistance
Manasika Nidana (Psychological Factors)
Stress, anxiety, fear, academic pressure
Disturbance of Raja and Tama gunas affecting heart and circulation
Ahara & Vihara (Diet and Lifestyle)
* Excess salty, spicy, fried, and processed foods
* Sedentary lifestyle, excessive screen time, lack of physical activity
Signs and Symptoms (Ayurvedic Correlation)
Many children may not show symptoms. When present, they may include:
Shirahshoola (headache)
Bhrama (dizziness)
Hridayaspandana (palpitations)
Nasa srava (nosebleeds)
Klama (fatigue)
Chittodvega (restlessness, anxiety)
Ayurvedic Management of Hypertension in Children
Ayurvedic management focuses on balancing doshas, purifying blood, calming the mind, and correcting lifestyle habits, while being gentle and age-appropriate.
1. Ahara (Dietary Management)
Fresh, light, and easily digestible foods
Plenty of fruits and vegetables (especially cooling and Pitta-pacifying foods)
Whole grains, green leafy vegetables
Reduce:
* Excess salt
•Spicy, fried, and junk foods
•Packaged and processed snacks
•Encourage adequate hydration
2. Vihara (Lifestyle Modifications)
•Regular physical activity suitable for the child’s age (walking, cycling, sports, yoga)
•Fixed sleep routine with adequate rest
Limiting screen time
•Encouraging outdoor play
3. Yoga and Pranayama (Under Guidance)
Simple practices such as:
-Anulom Vilom
-Bhramari
-Shavasana
These help reduce stress, regulate the nervous system, and support cardiovascular health
4. Manasika Chikitsa (Mental Well-being)
*Address emotional stress, academic pressure, and anxiety
*Supportive parenting and a calm home environment
*Meditation and mindfulness practices for older children
5. Aushadha (Ayurvedic Medicines)
Herbal formulations are selected based on the child’s prakriti, age, and severity, and should always be prescribed by a qualified Ayurvedic physician. Herbs commonly used for support include those that:
* Sarpagandha (Rauwolfia serpentina)
* Arjuna (Terminalia arjuna)
* Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera)
* Jatamansi (Nardostachys jatamansi)
* Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa)
* Brahmi (Bacopa monnieri)
* Lashuna/Garlic (Allium sativum)
* Bhumiamalaki(Phyllanthus niruri)
Bipasil by Bipha Healthcare is a thoughtfully crafted Ayurvedic formulation with much of the above mentioned herbs that supports healthy blood pressure by strengthening the heart, calming the nervous system, relaxing blood vessels, and restoring natural balance addressing the root causes rather than just the numbers.
Ayurveda emphasizes prevention (Nidana Parivarjana) and balance.
Conclusion
Hypertension in children is a growing concern, but with timely intervention, it is manageable.