Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help Lower High Blood Pressure?

Are there Chinese herbal medicines that can be taken for high blood pressure?

I've been feeling a sensation of heat in my face lately, along with some dizziness and slight stiffness in my shoulders.
I measured my blood pressure, which is between 140-145 over 85-95, while my usual is around 120 over 85.
Do I need to take antihypertensive medication? Are there any traditional Chinese medicine options that could help? I prefer not to take Western medicine.
Thank you.

Pipi, 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2010/10/18

Dr. Lin Qingzhong reply Traditional Chinese Medicine

Dear Pi Pi / 43 / Online User;
Hello!
1.
You often feel warmth in your face, experience dizziness, and have slightly stiff shoulders.
Your blood pressure readings are between 140-145 over 85-95, while your usual is around 120 over 85.
It is necessary to take antihypertensive medication to keep your blood pressure within a safe range of 140/90.
This is safer and can help prevent strokes.
In my clinical experience, many patients with stubborn hypertension do not monitor their blood pressure and do not comply with prescribed medications, leading to unfortunate outcomes such as strokes, intracranial hemorrhages requiring surgery, paralysis, or even death.
2.
If you have been on antihypertensive medication for a long time, you may have developed a dependence on these medications, and it is important to continue taking them.
3.
There are traditional Chinese medicines that can help improve hypertension, but it is essential to monitor blood pressure and adjust diet and exercise accordingly.
However, the selection of herbal formulas in traditional Chinese medicine must be tailored to the patient's pathological state, and the complex mechanisms of action among the herbs in the formula have not been fully elucidated.
Therefore, it is recommended to undergo treatment through a physician's differential diagnosis.
In my clinical practice, I often prescribe herbal remedies based on the patient's constitution and clinical symptoms, and the formulas may vary slightly depending on the patient's condition.
Finally, I wish you well.
Dr.
Lin Qingzhong
Director, Department of Traditional Chinese Medicine
Fengyuan Hospital
Assistant Professor
[email protected]

Reply Date: 2010/10/18

More Info

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) offers various approaches to managing high blood pressure, and many individuals seek alternatives to Western medications due to personal preferences or concerns about side effects. Your symptoms, including facial flushing, dizziness, and shoulder stiffness, alongside your elevated blood pressure readings (140-145/85-95), suggest that you may be experiencing a form of hypertension that could benefit from intervention.

Firstly, it is essential to understand that while TCM can provide supportive therapies for hypertension, it is crucial to monitor your blood pressure regularly and consult with a healthcare professional. Blood pressure readings consistently above 140/90 mmHg indicate hypertension, which can increase the risk of serious health issues such as stroke or heart disease. Therefore, while you may prefer not to take Western medications, it is vital to consider the potential risks of untreated hypertension.

In TCM, hypertension is often viewed through the lens of imbalances in the body's energy (Qi), blood, and organ systems. Common TCM diagnoses related to high blood pressure include "Liver Yang Rising," "Kidney Yin Deficiency," or "Phlegm-Damp Accumulation." Each diagnosis would lead to different herbal prescriptions and treatment strategies. For instance, if your symptoms are attributed to "Liver Yang Rising," a TCM practitioner might recommend herbs that help to calm the liver and clear heat, such as Chai Hu (Bupleurum) and Bai Shao (White Peony Root).

Herbal remedies in TCM can include formulas like Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin, which is often used to help lower blood pressure and alleviate symptoms like headaches and dizziness. This formula contains ingredients that are believed to nourish the liver and calm the mind, potentially addressing both your physical symptoms and your elevated blood pressure.

In addition to herbal treatments, TCM emphasizes lifestyle modifications, including dietary changes, acupuncture, and stress management techniques. Incorporating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins while reducing salt intake can significantly impact blood pressure levels. Regular physical activity, such as walking or tai chi, can also help improve cardiovascular health and lower blood pressure.

Acupuncture is another TCM modality that may help manage hypertension. Studies have shown that acupuncture can have a positive effect on blood pressure regulation by promoting relaxation and reducing stress, which are critical factors in managing hypertension.

While TCM can be a valuable part of a holistic approach to managing high blood pressure, it is essential to work with a qualified practitioner who can tailor treatments to your specific condition. They can help you navigate the complexities of herbal medicine and ensure that any herbs you take do not interact negatively with other treatments you may be considering.

In conclusion, while TCM offers promising methods for managing high blood pressure, it is crucial to maintain regular monitoring and consult with healthcare professionals. If your blood pressure remains elevated or your symptoms worsen, it may be necessary to reconsider your stance on Western medications, as they can provide effective control of hypertension and reduce the risk of serious complications. Balancing both TCM and conventional medicine may provide the best outcomes for your health.

Similar Q&A

Long-Term Use of Traditional Chinese Medicine for High Blood Pressure: Is It Safe?

I apologize for the inquiry. Due to high blood pressure during childbirth, I have been taking traditional Chinese medicine for body recovery and have not taken Western medicine. It has been 5 years now, and the doctor has prescribed Bu Yang Huan Wu Decoction (5 grams), Ba Wei Di ...

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear Anonymous User: Traditional Chinese medicine has fewer side effects compared to Western medicine, but it is not without side effects. Without knowing your pulse condition and the balance of cold and heat in your body, it is impossible to definitively state how this medicine ...

Traditional Chinese Medicine Approaches for Managing Diabetes, Hypertension, and Cholesterol

Hello, doctor. Recently, during an adult health check-up, I discovered that I have issues with the three highs (hypertension, hyperlipidemia, and hyperglycemia). I would like to ask how traditional Chinese medicine treats these conditions and what the treatment outcomes are. Than...

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear LKK, Thank you for your letter. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) treats the "three highs" (hypertension, diabetes, and hyperlipidemia) by tailoring different prescriptions based on individual constitution. For hypertension, the focus is on clearing the blood pa...

Herbal Remedies for Managing Elevated Eye Pressure: Tips and Benefits

Hello, doctor. I have elevated intraocular pressure, around 20 mmHg, and I am actively following up with an ophthalmologist. The doctor advised me to stop using eye drops for a year before returning for a check-up. I am currently considering using traditional Chinese medicine for...

Dr. Yan Sumei reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Dear online friend Ah Zheng, Thank you for your letter. Your intraocular pressure is elevated, and you are considering using Astragalus and Cassia Seed for eye care. While this is a feasible approach, to determine the best way to consume them and whether additional herbs are nee...

Can Traditional Chinese Medicine Help with Erectile Dysfunction?

Hello Dr. Lin, I have been experiencing a decline in sexual function over the past year or two. I find it difficult to achieve an erection, and sometimes it becomes soft shortly after achieving one. Even with medication (Viagra), the results are similar. I later consulted a docto...

Dr. Lin Huanquan reply Traditional Chinese Medicine
Hello: This phenomenon is referred to in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) as kidney yang deficiency or kidney yin deficiency, depending on the symptoms. TCM has shown significant and lasting effects in treating sexual dysfunction, but the key is to tailor the treatment to the s...