Protocol to undo imbalances created by long term use of Beta blockers and other BP meds/wrong foods

High BP due to  high Vata Pitta (Vata is excess hollowness and Pitta is excess heat piercing through hollowness), is a result of chronic stress (mental and/or physical) due to overworking of nervous system at mental and/or physical level created by excessive exercises of body and/or mind and/or consumption of foods/drinks that are high on pungency and bad on nutrition, that create hyperactivity and thus chronic stress like tea, coffee, chilies etc., that do not let our body and mind rest properly and sufficiently. High BP (VP type) is a lifestyle disease triggered by overdesirous mind driven by peer pressure of today’s world (at conscious or sub conscious level). Excess stimulation of nervous system burns us down and creates excess space in our body which should be calmed down by herbs like Brahmi (for mental stress), Arjuna (which is highly astringent and cold and thus neutralizes excess heat and thus acids produced in the body that thicken the blood and create high BP) and Bala that calms down an overinflated system by taking the blood inwards through its vasodilation aided by Pitta reduction of Brahmi and pseudokapha reduction of Arjuna.

*** As a thumb rule, one may consume half teaspoon of each of these herbs (not heaped) every night before sleep. Also to note that since tea, coffee and spices in warm/hot weather conditions create more sweat and urine and rob us of magnesium, we would need to consume magnesium too (around 100 mg per day). Of course, during this process, one would need to abstain from tea, coffee, hot and stimulating spices, very sour and pungent foods, intense exercises etc. Instead, one should go for light Yoga in line with weather conditions. As such intense exercises are an outcome of a hyperactive brain which will gradually rob you of your health- both physical and mental.

However, this approach alone will not work in those people where indiscreet use of BP medicines or certain foods have already created an imbalance. For example, excess of onion and/or garlic close our body inwards due to their dilation effect (they dilate/widen our blood vessels thereby creating reducing our BP however their excess pushes all the blood towards the core creating depression, anxiety etc. Please remember that onion and garlic have therapeutic effect due to their dilation property e.g. onion is excellent for summers as it keeps the blood from boiling during summers when rasa is hot in our body). Even sartan group of allopathic medicines work by dilation only and create imbalance in the long run. On the other hand, beta blockers control BP by simply reducing the pumping of the heart as they block the electrical signals that the heart gets to pump. Thus, none of these medicines really work on the root cause (we discussed the root cause of BP in the initial para itself). Thus, those who have taken such foods/BP meds, will need to remove their effects too apart from moving to the right ways of controlling BP as discussed above.

Let us pick up a few examples that apart from right herbs as mentioned above, we would need to adopt other strategies too else their use may not give you desired results and instead apparently give a feeling that they are harming you which is not the fact.

To begin with let us pick up Beta blockers, the complications created by them and how to undo them

Beta blockers create imbalance (more hollowness i.e. Vata in Ayurvedic terms towards peripherals and less towards heart) due to reduced pumping of the heart thereby keeping more blood towards heart and less towards peripherals including stomach, brain, arms, legs and digestive system. This manifests as discomforts like insomnia, depression, bodyaches, constipation, bloating, acidity, burning in the peripherals, erectile dysfunction, confusion, poor decisions, headaches, skin disease/irritation, mental irritation and even heart failure (as heart becomes dense on tissues due to more blood and body on less tissues causing heart to become sluggish). Unfortunately, we are not able to attribute these discomforts to beta blockers due to recency effect (In book one, we discussed the case of frog who when put in hot water writhes in pain and struggles to come out of it but when it is put in cold water which is gradually being warmed, then the frog fails to register the wrong effects due to gradual heating of water).

Thus, when such people increase Pitta to give a kick to excess tissues of Kapha ridden heart then it creates flare up in the hollow parts (Vata ridden part of the body i.e. peripherals) thereby creating burning on skin including hyperactivity of brain/nervousness etc as brain is away from the heart. On the other hand, when they reduce heat/Pitta to reduce burning then it weakens the pumping of the heart (as excess tissues/Kapha of heart starts blocking low electricity/heat/Pitta) thereby causing depression, constipation due to less pitta in peripherals and heart failure due hearts shrinking which in medical terms meaning low ejection fraction.

Since this creates Vata imbalance (more Vata/hollowness towards peripherals and less towards heart), it initially pushes one to consume more hot energy rich and sour foods (like tomatoes, cheese, sugar, non-vegetarian foods, alcohol etc), to push more blood towards the brain as sourness expands our cells thereby creating more volume. However, this in the long run creates excess of pseudokapha (sourness and heaviness in body) in the blood and body. This manifests as more LDL (low density) lipids than normal because sourness expands and makes cells in the body low on density. Low blood reaching the stomach also increases acidity as hollowness in stomach is met with hot foods and acid is as such sour which compounds the problem. It also creates other imbalances like fatty and weak liver. Even alcohol creates excess heat in the body thereby further weakening the liver. All this manifests in several ways as discussed in the previous para.

But when astringent, cold and bitter tastes (as present in Brahmi, Arjuna and Bala) are applied to neutralize sour, hot and pungent tastes present in the body to cure hypertension from the root, then those having beta blockers experience too much of shrinking of heart which has already shrunk due to beta blockers thereby causing more brain fog apart from heart failure as heart further shrinks inwards etc along with issues like bloating and extreme intolerance to cold. Less blood reaching peripherals will also lead to insomnia, confusion, CKD, loss of appetite and so on. This may push the person to use Gaba or other sleep aids along with aids to improve digestion.

So how to undo this imbalance? This section will explain the entire process…

In such a case, we just need to carry out acupressure of the heart point (as shown in the figure) to undo the effect of beta blockers thereby providing electrical impulses to the heart and expand it. Please remember that this process of undoing side effects of Beta blockers will not give sudden results as you are literally reshaping your body which was damaged after years of abuse by Beta blockers. Remember if the heart is shrunk then the entire body too begins to shrink and it will begin to store excess pseudokapha (heaviness and sourness) to provide more energy dense blood to brain and peripherals. However, this is thickness in blood is bound to slow it down and create toxins in the long run thereby creating excess pitta pushing through narrowed blood vessels in the peripherals and thus a bad experience.

Thus, one would need to have patience, continuous inward approach to see what is going on wrong in the body, deep knowledge of nutrition (all six tastes especially the sweet taste), consistent implementation of process to gradually undo Vata imbalance and above all faith in the higher self and higher world. Here we must understand that acupressure of heart will increase pumping of heart and while undoing Vata imbalance, it will create equally distributed Vata aggravation in the entire body which must be filled with good amounts of proteins, fats, carbs, all the minerals and vitamins. One would also need to rest while expanding heart with acupressure. One would definitely need supplements to manage the extra need in the body and that’s why one must know that all sub tastes of sweet are present in which all foods including salt. Here we must understand that salt (sodium chloride in this case) is essential for health however it must be accompanied by loads of magnesium and potassium rich foods too apart from other minerals like calcium etc.

Hence while acupressure of the heart point will open the heart and push in more blood towards peripherals, consumption of Brahmi, Arjuna and Bala will help in keeping Pitta of the entire HPA axis i.e. brain, heart and stomach in control apart from also reducing sourness and acidity (pseudokapha) which is essential to calm down body and mind and also reestablish communication between different body parts. In simple words it will help you in controlling BP the right way. Please remember here that one would need healthy sourness like that of lemon and Amla to keep excess astringency in control if consumed. On routine basis one may consume mildly astringent foods which are high on vitamin c like capsicum, potato etc. Shrinking of the heart also undoes homogenization of the body as heart is unable to pump and suck effectively. Hence one would need to perform light asanas too like a round or two of Surya namaskar. In fact, the 12 poses of shivananda yoga are even more effective in homogenization however one must remember that Yoga’s primary task is homogenization of the rasa/fluids in the body and they should be done slowly.

*** Dependence on Gaba or other sleep aids due to closed heart will further weaken the circulation and create pains and other issues including constipation as Gaba will further weaken the pumping of the heart. However, the good thing is that acupressure of the heart will restore sleep without the need for Gaba or other sleep aids. Once acupressure starts restoring the circulation, one should gradually avoid Gaba unless one has consumed some very stimulating food. If Gaba has been used that taking Brahmi is also not advised. Also one would need natural blood thinners to undo pseudokapha creating atherosclerosis and arteriosclerosis like asafetida (when weather gets cold during winters or rains) which is warm and astringent. Tapping of the heart chakra will also help.

*** Long term use of beta blockers is bound to create excess VPK in the liver and thus in the body as one subconsciously over consumes spicy and sour foods to push rasa and blood to the narrowed blood vessels in the peripherals which may manifest as insomnia and/or skin inflammation in different forms and/or anger and/or irritation and/or kidney issues and/or constipation etc. as we discussed in the chapter of hypertension in volume one. Thus, to undo this, along with the opening of heart with acupressure, the native would need to use; Kutki to reduce force of Pitta; Arjuna to reduce pseudokapha/LDL cholesterol; loads of well digested protein to increase good kapha; iron to increase blood volume; all vitamins especially vitamin D3 as beta blockers weaken the ability of body to create vitamin D3 in absence of enough sunlight reaching the skin; vitamin B12 due to weaker absorption of B12 by the body; Vitamin C to keep Pitta in control and to create more collagen and thus strength; magnesium as one usually gets high BP due to paucity of magnesium. One may also use Amla powder as it gives loads of vitamin c and fiber and is not very high on sourness. It goes without saying that as the heart opens up with acupressure, it will create more channels in the body and push more blood towards the skin and peripherals and therefore one would need all the sub tastes of food in abundance. Hence many of these nutrients especially micronutrients will be needed in supplement form preferably herbal but not necessary.

*** A closed heart is highly likely to create lactose intolerance too due to less blood reaching the intestines. Hence the native should switch over to lactose free milk. Curd obviously is zero on lactose. Even cheese should be carefully consumed as it does have around 50 percent of lactose vis a vis milk.

Since protocol to undo Beta blocker is a slightly long and complicated process, here is a quick list of tools that one must remember (please remember that this list will not explain the logic but is only for ready reference to avoid forgetting things and one must remember the  logic too as mentioned above :-

• Regular acupressure of the heart point to increase heart beat and undo the effect of beta blockers- This is my observation that men should be pressing their heart point on left palm and women on right hand (however it may differ from person to person and can be checked from observation). As a thumb rule, one should keep it pressed for the entire night to gradually undo Vata imbalance created by closed heart. To ensure consistent pressure for a considerable amount of time, one can use a flat bean (like kidney bean) secured by a tape on the pressure point as shown in figure.

• Arjun – Its cold, dry, astringent and slightly bitter and therefore must be used to undo pseudokapha but must be followed by acupressure of heart point). Also to note that being dry, it can cause constipation, hence one may need a bit of oil/ghee and milk with it. The temperature of milk will depend upon the weather and need of the person,
• Gaba or Brahmi (to be avoided unless extremely essential to induce sleep) as it will further close the crown chakra and cause poor circulation which is already weak due to closed heart. As such once you start opening heart, more blood will flow towards brain than earlier not only undoing your need to use sleep aids but one may need to recite AUM and/or Brahmri to open crown chakra which was overly closed due to excess use of Brahmi or Gaba,
• Vit D3 -60000 IU once a week and 2000 IU on rest of the six days (beta blockers are bound to reduce D3 production as blood stops reaching the skin (D3 has a “cause and effect” relationship with high BP, hence corporate employees who sit in AC all the day are also prone to high BP),
• Vit B12- if necessary,
• Tapping of heart chakra,
• Surya Namaskar- this is because closed heart due to beta blockers is unable to distribute blood in the entire body which is essential for homogenization. Surya namaskar does hearts job. To be done slowly and in line with weather. Excess will increase Vata and Pitta which is already high in the patient,
• Spices should be as per weather. Since vata aggravation is high in such people, it should be removed with cold spices along with food in summers and warm spices during winters and cold weather,
• Milk and its product must be consumed to keep high VP in control but again with appropriate spices or additions like rose depending on weather and constitution,
• If one has consumed things like alcohol, sartan group of medicines that increase blood towards lower body and reduce from upper, then one may experience brain fog, nervousness, mouth burning, ear burning etc and would need a bit of 12 poses of Shivananda Yoga, however one must remember that Shivananda pushes blood towards upper body and it cannot open heart. (Yes, it can open heart chakra but not the heart alone). Hence, acupressure must go on to open heart so that blood starts moving in peripherals.
• One may also need other asanas as per need basis,
• Lot of rest to pacify Vata aggravation (excessive hollowness) which got accumulated due to Vata imbalance (more Vata in peripherals and less in heart) created by Beta blockers,
• Wholesome nourishment i.e. Proteins, fats, carbs, vitamins, minerals to pacify Vata. This includes vitamin C and iron supplements to increase blood and tissues, Magnesium to calm down nervous system which got overstimulated due to high VP in brain and liver (Mg deficiency is also a cause for high BP),
• Since Beta blockers increase Vata in liver and may push a person to consume more Pitta to push blood through narrow vessels of the peripherals, it may create excess VP in liver. Such a person may need bitter cold astringent and pungent herbs like kutki in small quantities to pacify the fire of liver manifesting as chronic acidity and burning in the lower body.
• Consume lactose free milk and the products,
• Since closed heart increases Vata Pitta (narrowing of blood vessels in peripherals) leading to intolerance to pungency/chillies, one should switch over to non pungent sources of heat/pitta like black pepper instead of chillies. This will also ensure that body doesnot accumulate excess Kapha. Ginger especially during summers to be taken only with cold foods like curd,
• Since one is literally recreating the body layer by layer, one may have urges to consume different foods as the heart and heart chakra will open,
• Understand how foods and spices work so that one can eat in line with weather including staying in ac atmosphere,
• Last but not the least, you are literally recreating the body hence patience, faith, knowledge and strict implementation are essential tools to undo imbalances.

Example 2 (Sartan group of medicines/Onion/Garlic/Bala herb)- These medicines/foods are strong vasodilators. They shrink the upper body by dilating the blood vessels especially of your lower body. By doing so they push the blood towards lower body, core and away from the brain and entire upper body. Thus, their indiscreet use creates depression, anxiety, indigestion due to excess blood in the lower body pushing one to consume more pungent foods and thus creating more hyperactivity in the brain and upper body where less blood is reaching. So, what should such people do. Apart from leaving such medicines and foods, such people must do Yogananda Yogasanas especially head stand. To control their BP, they should use more of magnesium which controls Pitta of the entire body and not just one part. Remember that onion is very healthy for summers as mentioned in earlier paras. However, garlic not only pushes blood in lower body but also traps heat as it is very hot. Hence one should use discretion while using it.

Example 3- Diuretics– These medicines control BP by releasing more water from the body through urine. Their aim is primarily to remove sodium from the body which retains water, however most of these medicines also remove magnesium and potassium thereby creating excess stimulation of the nervous system and cells thereby not allowing tissues in the body to destimulate and remove toxins. While barring certain circumstances where there is excess of water retention in the body, these medicines should be avoided and the BP should be controlled by simply taking enough potassium rich foods to balance sodium in the body.

However, to undo their ill effects (if already consumed) such as excess dryness, nervousness and anxiety in the body due to less of magnesium and potassium, one must replenish the body with enough of magnesium and potassium.

***It goes without saying that if one has consumed a combination of these drugs then one would need corresponding strategies to undo their side effects e.g. in my case, I took primarily beta blockers and also diuretics for long and used their opposites to undo their ill effects. Also to note that a thorough understanding of nutrition through Ayurvedic lens will greatly help to undo the ill effects of these medicines and also ensure that the health issues do not recur or do not occur at all.