Hypertension in simple words means increased blood pressure. Blood pressure is the force exerted by the blood against the wall of the blood vessel. When this force increases, the blood pressure increases, leading to hypertension. It can be broadly categorized into 2 types: Essential hypertension - where there is no definite cause; and Secondary hypertension -- where the cause is an underlying pathology. It manifests in symptoms like headache, irritability and palpitations, or may produce fatal complications.

Hypertension Causes

The causes of hypertension are as follows: 

Essential Hypertension

It is also known as Primary or Idiopathic hypertension. A patient suffering from this type of hypertension has no definable cause for it. 92-94% of hypertensive patients have primary hypertension. Age, race, sex, smoking, alcohol intake, serum cholesterol, glucose intolerance and weight may all alter the prognosis of this disease. The younger the patient when hypertension is first noted; the greater is the reduction in life expectancy, if the condition is left untreated. 

A number of lifestyle and environmental factors have been implicated in the development of hypertension. These include obesity, occupation, alcohol intake, family size and crowding. Increased salt intake can also lead to or aggravate essential hypertension.

Renin, an enzyme secreted by the kidneys is observed to behave differently in hypertensive subjects than in normatensive (normal blood pressure) individuals.

Insulin resistance and/or hyperinsulinemia have also been suggested as being responsible for increased blood pressure in some patients with hypertension.

Genetics is considered to be an important contributory factor in the development of hypertension.

Secondary Hypertension

Patients suffering from this type of hypertension have a definable cause for it.

a) Renal Hypertension: Hypertension produced by kidney diseases like narrowing of the blood vessels supplying blood to kidney and kidney stones.

b) Endocrine Hypertension: caused due to adrenal gland abnormalities, hyperparathyroidism or oral contraceptives.

c) Hypertension due to Coarctation of the Aorta i.e. narrowing or constriction of the lumen of the aorta (main artery, arising from the heart).

Hypertension Symptoms

Hypertension usually causes no symptoms. It often goes undetected till it results in some complication, or it is discovered by a doctor who measures blood pressure as part of a routine check-up. A patient suffering from hypertension may have the following symptoms: 

1) Headache in the occipital region, dizziness, palpitation, etc, due to elevated blood pressure.

2) Epistaxis (bleeding nose), haematuria (blood in Urine), blurring of vision, dizziness due to transient cerebral ischaemia (decreased blood supply to brain), angina pectoris (chest pain) due to hypertensive vascular disease.

3) Symptoms of underlying disease in case of secondary hypertension such as:

• History of weight gain, round face with truncal obesity in Cushing's Syndrome (disease of adrenal gland)
• History of recent weight loss with flushing, increased perspiration, diarrhea in pheochromocytoma (disease of adrenal gland)
• Muscular development in the upper extremities out of proportion to that of muscular development of lower extremities in coarctation of the aorta, etc.

Diagnosis of Hypertension

It is diagnosed by the physician after a clinical examination of the patient, i.e. Blood Pressure check up. 

If the patient's BP is above the normal level it is termed as hypertension. 

The normal Blood Pressure of an adult is 120/80 mmHg.

120mmHg is called Systolic blood pressure. Normal systolic pressure for an adult is 120 to 140mmHg.

Systolic pressure exceeding 140mmHg is taken as systolic hypertension.

Normal diastolic pressure for an adult is 70 to 90 mmHg. Diastolic pressure more than 90 mmHg is called as diastolic hypertension.

Thus in general, blood pressure above 140/90mmHg is considered as hypertensive blood pressure.

A systolic pressure between 140 to 159 mmHg is called mild systolic hypertension. 

A systolic pressure between 160 to 179 mmHg is called moderate systolic hypertension.

A systolic pressure between 180 to 210 mmHg is called severe systolic hypertension. 

A diastolic pressure between 96 mmHg and 109 mmHg is mild diastolic hypertension. 

A diastolic pressure between 110mmHg and 119mmHg is called moderate diastolic hypertension.

A diastolic pressure of more than 119mmHg is called severe diastolic hypertension.

After discovering high blood pressure, the physician advises investigations such as ECG, X-Ray of the chest, urine routine and microscopic examination, Serum potassium, Serum creatinine, Serum cholesterol and blood sugar levels. 

On clinical examination, if the physician suspects some disorder to be responsible for hypertension i.e. secondary hypertension, he advises further investigations such as abdominal sonography, ESR, urine VMA estimation (24hrs), nuclear renal scan, and vascular doppler studies of various vessels.

Complications of Untreated Hypertension

• Heart failure
• Myocardial Infarction
• Angina pectoris
• Cerebral Infarction (Stroke)
• Cerebral hemorrhage
• Encephalopathy
• Blindness
• Seizures 
• Kidney failure

The peer-reviewed published research quoted on this page represents some of the studies done on natural remedies for Hypertension. More such studies can be found on pubmed or google scholar. Our doctors participate in or evaluate research from all traditions before formulating our precedent-setting kits. However, the laws on natural medicine vary, from country to country, and we, therefore, make no claims beyond those made by the FDA in your country who is the only authority that can legally make a claim to cure, treat, or mitigate a disease. You are welcome to discuss this research with your doctors. If they truly care about your health they too will take the time to study it with an open mind. You may then take our all natural products for Circulation support. Biogetica supports you in your right to know and chose and we vow to be with you every step of the way. No one will be turned away from receiving our natural supplements even if they cannot pay.

Conventional Treatment Options

Anti Hypertensive drugs including Diuretics, Angiotensin converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors, Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs), Beta blockers, and Calcium channel blockers (CCBs) are the most popular US FDA approved treatments of Hypertension or High Blood Pressure and you should consult a licensed Doctor for the diagnosis, treatment and "cure" of Hypertension if you reside in the USA.

A list of allopathic medicines and their effects:

• Beta adrenergic antagonists include drugs such as atenolol, metroprolol, propranolol, and pinodalol. These drugs have a lot of side-effects such as Raynaud's phenomenon, impotence, loss of sleep, depression and nasal congestion. Abrupt withdrawal can result in angina pectoris.
• Alpha adrenergic antagonists include drugs such as Prazosin, Doxazosin and Phentolamine. Reported Side-effects of these medicines are syncope, drowsiness, and headache.
• Alpha & Beta adrenergic blockers such as abetalol cause paraesthesia, postural hypotension and positive antinuclear antibody.
• Centrally acting adrenergic agents include Clonidine. The side-effects include drowsiness, dry mouth, galactorrhea and sexual dysfunction.
• Calcium channel antagonists include Verapamil, Diltizem, Nifedipine, Amlodipine, and Nicardipine. Side-effects like nausea, headache, rash, edema, flushing, and constipation show up after long periods of use.
• Angiotensin converting enzyme Inhibitors include Captopril, Enalapril, Ramipril, etc. The side-effects include dry cough, hypotension, angioneurotic oedema, glomerulopathy, and leucopoenia.
• Diuretics usually prescribed areHydrochlorothiazide, Furesenide, Spironalactone, etc. The side-effects include weakness, muscle cramps, impotence, pancreatitis ototoxicity and gynecomastia. 
• Directly acting vasodilators include drugs such as hydralazine, and minoxidil. The side-effects are headache, nausea, systemic lupus like syndrome and weight gain. 
• In cases of severe hypertension that is uncontrollable, intravenous drugs such as Sodium Nitroprusside, Nitroglycerine, Labetalol, and Esmalol are used. But these also have their side-effects.

Why Do High Blood Pressure Drugs not Cure Hypertension?

All the different FDA approved drugs are known to only treat the symptoms superficially and not address the root cause of the problem. Most of the drugs aim to lower blood pressure by either inhibiting impulses, receptors or hormones that contract blood vessels so that they remain relaxed thus lowering BP; or flush water and salt from your body thereby reducing the volume of the blood; or make the heart beat slow down so that it pumps with lesser force. They do nothing to address the blockages in the organs which are causing the heart to pump harder.

There could be several factors that contribute to your high BP and your Doctor needs to make a right diagnosis to choose the right type of medication and this often leads to considerable trial and error.

Typically conventional medicines are known to cause a host of side effects. For e.g. Diuretics could cause Kidney damage, erectile dysfunction, digestive disorders, vision problems and loss of other vital minerals among others.

Potential side effects of (ACE) inhibitors include a persistent dry cough, loss of taste and skin rashes.

Calcium channel blockers may cause dizziness, constipation, palpitations etc.

Thus, hypertensive drugs need to be monitored regularly.

Complementary Natural Care

Hypertension or high blood pressure cannot be treated with over the counter homeopathy, Ayurveda or Supplements in most countries. No Natural products are approved by the FDA for Hypertension treatment. Natural products at best can be used for general cardiac and circulatory health.

Our ground breaking therapeutic kits are a combination of Advanced Nutraceuticals, Standardized herbal extracts and bio-energetic resonance homeopathies that are traditionally believed to balance the circulatory system. **

General Precautionary measures

Due to increasing stress levels and sedentary lifestyles, hypertension or high blood pressure has become a major lifestyle concern today. The body increases its blood pressure to compensate for poor supply of blood supply to the organs, more so when the blood vessels are clogged with fat, thrombotic or calciferous accumulations. The following general precautionary measures against Hypertension are highly recommended.

• Weight reduction, especially in patients who weigh more than 10% of their ideal body weight
• Reduction in Alcohol consumption.
• Dietary management: Salt restriction; Restriction in the intake of saturated fats; Caloric restriction should be urged in overweight Patients. Potassium supplements are advised in cases of decreased potassium levels.
• Regular exercise such as walking, running, swimming etc.
• Relieving stress with relaxation methods such as listening to music, gardening, playing games, yoga and meditation.

Biogetica’s mission is to provide you with integrated natural solutions that target root issues across the physical, energetic and informational spectrum of your life. Our Doctors research all possible ingredients and combine them synergistically into kits to potentially lead you back to health and freedom.

Biogetica's approach to healing is based on the following aspects:
1. Heal the Entire Being
2. Look for Natural Solutions
3. Appeal to the Balancing Forces Inherent in all Nature
4. From Medication to Meditation

1. Heal the Entire Being:
Biogetica has a unique and comprehensive Holographic model of healing which synthesizes all the traditional natural health systems to simultaneously ease physical, mental, emotional layers of your being.

You, as a living, thinking, feeling, vibrating being, are much more than a collection of inter-related chemical processes. You are life itself. Life can never be reduced to a series of chemical reactions as chemical reactions cannot create life. Every thought, emotion, vibration or action leads to a series of chemical changes in the body. Biogetica recognizes this and balances the ENTIRE BEING, bringing mind, body, and soul into harmony. Treating an ailment on a molecular level alone, seldom has a lasting effect as the untreated social, emotional, mental, spiritual and energetic patterns cause the ailment to manifest once again on a physical plane. Holistic healing is necessary for lasting relief. Biogetica, therefore, uses Resonance Homeopathic to harmonize the entire being; flower essences to attune the mind; Ayurvedic, Tibetan, and Chinese herbs to balance the energetic and the physiological manifestation of the five elements; and nutraceuticals to coordinate cellular nutrition.

2. Look for Natural Solutions:
Our bodies are made of and supported by nature and therefore can only be healed by nature in the long term. Chemicals are often necessary for immediate change in an acute situation but tend to do the body more harm than good in the long run. Hence, Biogetica's Doctors are dedicated to providing natural solutions that are supported by evidence and prior use. To us, the argument is fairly obvious: One would use wood to fix a desk made of wood or metal to fix a car made of metal, so why use chemicals to fix a body made of nature?

Nature has blessed the Earth with natural remedies and healing mechanisms. It would be wise not to ignore them. The intelligence of nature is much greater than that of man. Unfortunately, man still focuses on chemical medicines, as they can be patented and sold for huge profits. Allopathic attempts to treat chronic ailments by interfering directly with the chemical processes using man-made substances have essentially been a failure. We claim to be cracking the gene code, but we still can't cure a cold with man-made substances!!! Homeopathic and Naturopathic methods are never studied and verified by governing bodies, as there is no one who will spend millions obtaining an approval on herbs, knowing that they cannot be patented and sold exclusively by them.

3. Appeal to the Balancing Forces Inherent in all Nature:
Life cannot be recreated with chemical interactions and there is much more to life than molecular interactions. Our bodies are the most advanced pharmacies on the planet and millions of functions happen each minute with astounding precision. Biogetica therapies are designed to appeal to the balancing forces apparent in all nature by reminding and stimulating the body towards a certain function. The nutraceuticals in our kits provide specific nutrition for a function, the herbs in our kits balance the terrain of the body so that it is able to perform that function and the resonance homeopathies are designed to remind the body to be in resonance with that very function.

4. From Medication to Meditation:
Good health and freedom involve every aspect of our being including diet, lifestyle, exercise, emotional states, thoughts and energetic patterns. Biogetica Drs have therefore designed diet, nutrition, exercise, and meditation protocols specific to various life situations. We encourage you to actively partake in these for best results.

Prana' stands for life force, and as the name suggests, it is instrumental in keeping us alive. 'Pranayama' is the process that helps us control 'Prana', and thus in a way, control our life. On careful observation, it is clear that there exists an intimate connection between the breath and energy-currents. Proper coordination of the breathing process leads to the control of vital inner-currents and energies. It ultimately results in the control of the body, mind and soul continuum. Over the millenia yogis have understood how each pranayama affects the energy meridians of the body and therefore these yogis recommend particular pranayamas for particular conditions and constitutions.

1.Tandem Breathing ('Sahita Kumbhaka') 

It has 2 types, based on whether or not there is any concomitant chanting of Mantras with the Pranayama exercise. 

Steps:

1. Comfortable aasana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana.
2. Slow inhalation; with concomitant chants of the mantra 'OM AARAH', if possible.
3. Hold the breath for a short period of time. 
4. Slow Exhalation.

Significance:

It's a daily and constant process, which we seldom appreciate.

Benefits:

It encourages concentration with closed eyes while we inhale and exhale.

2. Awakening breath ('Surya Bheda')

Steps:

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Concentrate with eyes closed.

2. Rest the right thumb on the right nostril (Avoid applying any pressure or blocking the nostril). At the same time, rest the right index finger on the space between 2 eyebrows and close the left nostril with the right ring and little finger.

3. Slow inhalation through the right nostril is pursued, till comfortable.

4. With the thumb applied to the right nostril, retain the breath firmly pressing the chin against the chest. There is no specific limit to this and it can be pursued till there is discomfort.

5. Slow and silent exhalation through the left nostril. It is followed by a short gap wherein inhalation is avoided. This same procedure is to be repeated again. 

Time limit: 

Hold your breath till you perspire. This point cannot be reached at the very outset. The period of retention of breath needs to be gradually increased. 

Advantages:

• It cures the diseases caused by excess of Vata & Kapha
• Improves digestion
• Awakens 'Kundalini Shakti'

Indications:

• Intestinal worms
• Arthritis
• Sinusitis

3. Hissing breath ('Ujjayi')

Steps: 

1. Sit comfortably in Padma-asana / Swastika asana / Siddhasana. Close the mouth. 
2. Fold the tip of the tongue and rest it on the palate. The tongue will appear to be 'twisted'. 
3. Inhale air slowly through both the nostrils in a uniform manner till the breath fills the chest. This results in a peculiar sound uniform in pitch and continuous in nature.
4. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
5. Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
6. Exhale slowly through the left nostril.

Time limit:

3 min to hr

Advantages:

• Strengthens the nervous system
• Improves the tone of voice
• Relieves stress
• Increases lung capacity

Indications:

• Indigestion
• Koch's
• Bronchitis
• Pharyngitis
• Spleen disorders
• Tonsillitis
• Cough
• Ascites

• Purifies the blood
• Quenches thirst and appeases hunger

• Spleen disorders
• Chronic dyspepsia
• Indigestion
• Bilious disorders

5. Cooling Breath (Shitkari) 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Fold the tongue so that its tip is brought to rest over the upper palate. Inhale air through the mouth accompanied by a hissing sound 'Si'/ 'C'. 
3. Retain the breath as long as you can, till there is any discomfort.
4. Slowly exhale through both the nostrils.

Time limit: 

Gradually increase by 1 minute every week, till 5 minutes.

Advantages:

• Helps to keep the body cool in summer
• Improves vigor & beauty
• Helps quench thirst when thirsty

Indications:

• Dental carries
• Bleeding and inflammation of gums
• Ulcers
• Colitis
• Throat infection
• Hypertension patients can practice this type of Pranayama to decrease blood pressure.

6. Bellow Breath (Bhastrika)

It draws similarity with the bellows of a blacksmith. It involves rapid expulsion of breath and is a powerful exercise. It can be termed as a combination of Kapalabhati and Ujjayi. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position (with a straight neck) in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Body, head and neck in erect posture. Close the mouth. 
3. Inhale air (chest expands and abdominal muscles are pulled in) and quickly exhale 10 times (1 set). While doing so a hissing sound is produced. 
4. When 1 set is on the verge of completion the final expulsion should be followed by a deepest possible inhalation. 
5. Retain breath as long as you can till there is some any discomfort. 
6. Follow it with a complete slow exhalation. This marks the end of one round. 
7. After a short rest (with normal breathing pattern) begin the next round. 

Time limit: 

Practice three rounds daily in the morning and evening. 

Advantages:

• Decreases anxiety and depression
• Stimulates appetite
• Improves resistance power
• Gives warmth to the body
• Purifies 'Nadi' and awakens the 'Kundalini' quickly

Indications:

• Abdominal disorders
• Throat and chest infection

Note:

• In case you encounter any giddiness, stop the practice and take a few normal breaths. Continue after the giddiness has subsided.
• In summer, practice it in the morning only during cool hours.
• Those wishing to practice it in the long-term and in an intense manner, should live on 'Khichdi', and take an Enema ('Bhasti') in the morning before starting the practice.
• People suffering from heart or lung disorders should do it slowly.

7. Humming Breath (Bhramari)

 Its name is derived from the fact that a sound like that of 'humming of bees' is produced when it is practiced.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana or Swastika-asana. Keep the neck and back erect.
2. Place your thumbs on the ears, index fingers just above the eyebrows (near the sinuses) and the remaining three fingers on the eyes. The finger-tips should slightly press the ridge of the nose on each side.
3. Inhale and exhale air rapidly through both the nostrils, making a humming sound resembling that of a Bee ('Bhramara'). Concomitantly chant 'Om'.
4. The process can be continued till you perspire profusely. 
5. Next inhale through both the nostrils and retain the breath as long as you can, till there is some discomfort. 
6. Exhale slowly through both the nostrils. 

Time limit: 

Beginners may practice it 3 times, and advanced practitioners 11-21 times.

Advantages:

• Improves speech and voice-quality
• Helps in the achievement of ultimate peace ('Samadhi')

Indications:

• Sinusitis
• Hypertension
• Depression
• Stress

Contraindications

• Epilepsy
• Head injury
• Brain tumor
• Migraine
• Severe or persistent headaches

8. Supreme Breath ('Murcha Pranayama') 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. 
2. Close the eyes and concentrate on the space between the 2 eyebrows ('Trikuti'). 
3. Inhale slowly through the mouth and retain the breath till you feel faint. 
4. Sever off your connection with the surroundings and focus on the center-point between the 2 eyebrows.
5. Apply the chin on the chest and then exhale slowly. 

Advantages:

• Practice without distraction endows divine happiness
• Makes you feel pleasant and relaxed

Indications:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mental disorders

9. Unconditioned Breath ('Kevala Kumbhaka') 

Perfection in Tandem breathing (mentioned earlier) paves the way for Kevala Kumbhaka. Thus, an existence devoid of inhalation and exhalation and unconditioned by space, time and number is unconditioned breath.

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana.
2. It involves the sudden stopping of the breath without resorting to inhalation or exhalation.

Advantages:

• Attainment of Raja Yoga and perfection in Hath Yoga
• Arousal of Kundalini Shakti
• Cures diseases and promotes longevity

10. Alternate Breath

A simple, yet scientific exercise that can be practiced virtually anywhere. It is based on the fact that we alternate between the two nostrils when we breathe. 

Steps: 

1. Upright position in a comfortable asana like Padma-asana. Tilt your head slightly forward.

2. First half round:

• Fold the index and middle fingers of the right hand into its palm. The other fingers should be extended.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Inhale through the left nostril for a definite period of time – say 5 seconds.
• Close the left nostril with the right ring-finger and little-finger.
• Concurrently remove your thumb from the right nostril, and exhale.
• This is to be done for twice the inhalation period, i.e. for 10 seconds.
• This completes the first half of one round. 3. Second half round
• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with the right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

3. Second half round:

• Inhale through the right nostril for a definite period – say 5 seconds.
• Close the right nostril with your right thumb.
• Exhale through the left nostril for a period that is twice that of inhalation i.e. 10 seconds.
• This completes the other half of one round.

Time limit: 

If there is no discomfort of any kind after practicing as instructed above, increase the inhalation period gradually second-by-second. Correspondingly change the exhalation period.

Number of Rounds: 

Begin with 3 rounds. If there is no discomfort, 1 round can be added every week, until you are doing 7 rounds.

This exercise can be practiced as often as you wish, but do remember to do it at least once a day.

Advantages:

• Cleanses/detoxifies the Pranic channels
• Regulates Prana
• Imparts relaxation
• Improves mental functioning and alertness
• Imparts optimum creativity and optimum logical, verbal activity of the brain
• Improves sleep

Indications:

• Stress and related disorders
• Physical and mental fatigue
• Tension headaches

Contraindications

Cold/ Nasal block (Stuffed nose). Forced breathing is not advocated and can lead to complications.

The mind is a tool developed for our survival. You are not the mind, nor the body but rather one that can perceive the mind and the body. However, one is now constantly wagged around by the mind and its fears and desires. Often we find ourselves trampled in a parade of thoughts and washed around in a flood of emotions. Meditation is simply the process of returning Home to our true nature as the witnessing consciousness in which arise all thoughts and emotions. It is merely the fragrance of Being Human.

Meditation cannot be done, it will happen once we stop doing everything and anything. Now is all that exists, all else is merely grasping at the wind hoping to change things that are generally way beyond our control.

Talking about meditation and whether you believe you can do it or not, is pointless. When we rise above our mind, emotions and body, meditation will happen. Simply listening and following is enough. Meditation is in our very nature, and it happens for us all. Behind all those thoughts is a Witness. You are that Witness.

So please, let it happen.

 

• Guided Healing Meditation with Patrick from Samarpan foundation-Goa,India

• Guided Qi Gong energy healing meditation with our founder Apoorv

Advaita self discovering meditation with Apoorv"I AM THAT I AM"meditation with Dr Stephen Wollinsky

• Meditation 1

• Meditation 2

• Meditation 3

• Meditation 4

• Meditation 5