AYURVEDIC INTERPRETATION OF HYPERTENSION: AN EIGHTFOLD SAMPRAPTI FRAME WORK

Introduction Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is one of the most prevalent lifestyle disorders of the modern era. It is often referred to as a “silent killer”9 because it usually remains asymptomatic until serious complications arise. The increasing incidence of hypertension in recent decades highlights its global significance and its strong association with cardiovascular, renal, and cerebrovascular diseases. From an Ayurvedic perspective, hypertension can be understood through the concepts of Dosha, Dushya, Srotas, and Samprapti. This article aims to explore the Ayurvedic understanding of hypertension by correlating modern clinical features with Ayurvedic principles. Furthermore, eight possible Samprapti (pathogenetic mechanisms) have been postulated based on collected data and observations, providing an integrative view that bridges classical Ayurvedic knowledge and contemporary medical understanding. Methods of study This study is primarily conceptual in nature and is based on a comprehensive review and correlation approach. Relevant Ayurvedic and modern literature was critically analysed to understand the pathogenesis (Samprapti) of hypertension from both perspectives. The Ayurvedic texts including Charaka Samhita, Sushruta Samhita, Ashtanga Hridaya, Ashtanga Samgraha and their commentaries were reviewed to collect references related to Vata, Pitta, Kapha, Rakta, Srotodushti, Avarana and Manasika Nidanas. Modern medical textbooks and scientific articles were referred to identify clinical features, etiological factors, and pathological mechanisms of hypertension. By correlating these findings, eight possible Samprapti pathways were postulated, integrating modern clinical observations with Ayurvedic pathophysiological concepts. Each proposed Samprapti was analysed with respect to Dosha, Dushya, Srotas, Agni, Srotodushti Lakshana, Udbhavasthana and Adhistana to provide a comprehensive understanding.