OA01.09. Management of systolic hypertension with shirodhara

PURPOSE: Increase in the lateral pressure exerted by the flowing blood during the contraction of the heart is termed as SYSTOLIC HYPERTENSION, which causes adverse effects on many organs including vital organs and leads to multi-organ failure. Many medications acting at different levels are available in the conventional medicine, which are far from satisfactory and hence there is a need to find out cost effective and satisfactory alternatives. METHOD: 30 newly diagnosed middle aged (30 to 50 years) patients of either sex with a range of 140 to 160 systolic blood pressure (Diastolic B.P < 90 mm.of Hg) were recruited for Tila Taila (Oil of Saeasum Indicum Linn) Shirodhara 30 minutes daily for 14 days. Blood pressure was monitored in the morning, before and after Shirodhara, in evening and the record was analysed. RESULT: It was observed that on 1st day Systolic B.P reduced by 4 to 8 mm.of Hg at the end of Shirodhara, but remained the same as initial blood pressure by the evening. At the end of the 7th day B.P reduced by 8 to 12 mm of Hg after Shirodhara and B.P was low by 6 to 10 mm of Hg in the morning and evening. Similar results were observed on 14th day. A striking observation was made that those patients having heaviness in the chest did not complain of the symptom after first week of Shirodhara. Feeling of well being and sound sleep was also reported after starting the treatment. CONCLUSION: Hence, it can be concluded that non-invasive modality like Shirodhara which is devoid of any unwanted effects can be used for control of systolic hypertension.