In Pulmonary Arterial Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension (PAH), the blood vessels in the lungs are narrowed, blocked and destroyed, which slows down the blood flow through lungs, and pressure in the arteries rises. This makes the heart work harder to pump the blood through the lungs, which causes the heart muscle to become weak and then fail. This condition can also become life-threatening in some cases. The symptoms of this condition are- cyanosis, chest pain, dizziness, palpitations, fatigue, shortness of breath, swelling in ankles, legs and abdomen. The causes of PAH are- genetics, usage of certain drugs, congenital heart disease, conditions like HIV, liver disease, connective tissue disorder, etc.
According to Ayurveda, PAH is caused due to over accumulation of Kapha dosha in its seat i.e. lungs. The reason for which there is an increase in Kapha dosha is the low Agni at the level of Rasa dhatu. This lowering in Agni gives rise to lung diseases, makes blood heavy, accumulates and obstructs the circulation. The increase in Kapha dosha also causes an increase of Vata dosha, which results in Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension.
Thus, the treatment of PAH in ayurveda focuses on balancing vitiated doshas and eliminating the blockages in the passage of blood flow. This is done by various panchakarma procedures that help eliminate toxins from the body and also clearing the blockages from the channels. It also includes intake of certain herbs like Arjuna, shunthi, pippali, maricha, punarnava, dalchini, bharanfi, etc. These herbs help in strengthening the muscles of the heart and also help relieve from the symptoms. The entire treatment is accompanied by a balanced diet and exercise regimen that will help pacify the effects of the vitiated doshas and stop further accumulation of doshas. This line of treatment helps in complete reversal of the condition in a natural way.
Types of Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension
- Congestive heart failure
- Blood clots in lungs
- HIV
- Intake of drugs like cocaine or methamphetamine
- Cirrhosis of liver
- Autoimmune diseases like lupus, scleroderma, rheumatoid arthritis, etc.
- Heart defect while birth
- Sleep apnea
- Lung diseases like chronic bronchitis, pulmonary fibrosis, etc.
Ayurveda for PAH
According to ayurveda, PAH is caused due to over accumulation of Kapha dosha in its seat i.e. lungs. The reason for which there is an increase in Kapha dosha is the low Agni at the level of Rasa dhatu. This lowering in Agni gives rise to lung diseases, makes blood heavy, accumulates and obstructs the circulation. The increase in Kapha dosha also causes an increase of Vata dosha, which results in hypertension.
Thus, the treatment of PAH in ayurveda focuses on balancing vitiated doshas and eliminating the blockages in the passage of blood flow. This is done by various panchakarma procedures that help eliminate toxins from the body and also clearing the blockages from the channels. It also includes intake of certain herbs like Arjuna, shunthi, pippali, maricha, punarnava, dalchini, bharanfi, etc. These herbs help in strengthening the muscles of the heart and also help relieve from the symptoms. The entire treatment is accompanied by a balanced diet and exercise regimen that will help pacify the effects of the vitiated doshas and stop further accumulation of doshas. This line of treatment helps in complete reversal of the condition in a natural way.
