Treating High Blood Pressure Through Chinese Medicine

High blood pressure, or hypertension, is something I see more and more often in the clinic. Some patients come in already on medication. Others are trying to avoid getting on it in the first place. Either way, most are surprised to learn that Chinese Medicine has a long history of treating what we now call hypertension.

My Clinical Experience

Hypertension and vascular diseases is one of the things I feel the most confident treating because herbal medicine works so incredibly well for it. I understand the value and power of hypertension medications, they absolutely bring down the numbers on the cuff, the problem, however, is twofold. If you were to stop taking the medication the pressure goes right back up, which shows while effective at treating the symptom the medications do nothing to treat the root causes of hypertension. This leads to the next problem, a lifetime of consuming these meds which come with side effects.

I spent many months with TCM doctor who focused on heart and vascular diseases as his specialty. I learned invaluable techniques on pulse diagnosis and how to treat complicated mechanisms that led to heart disease. Several of his patients had their heart surgeries and catheterizations cancelled because he improved their numbers and tests so well. From mastering these techniques I have seen what Chinese herbal medicine can really do in these cases and know that my expertise in this area is absolutely second to none in the Midwest.

The TCM View of High Blood Pressure

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypertension is a symptom of one of many patterns that are affecting the blood vessels or organs themselves. In textbooks and google searches Liver Yang rising is a typical pattern blamed for hypertension and various Gou Teng or cat’s claw formulas are sold over the counter for this. I will tell you I’ve seen this pattern maybe once or twice in my years in the clinic and are more likely to see these below:

Qi & Blood Vessels stagnating or being tied

These patients can be any age, sex, shape or size. Defined by feelings of tightness or squeezing around the body, but especially in the abdomen, ribs, or chest proper that is exacerbated by stress. They do not always have heart palpitations, so may not even know their blood pressure is elevated. These are the typical high stress patients whose blood vessels are constantly constricted from high levels of adrenaline and stress hormone that never allow the muscles surrounding our blood vessels to relax.

Phlegm and Damp Accumulation

Poor digestion, stress eating, or a sedentary lifestyle can cause excess fluids to stagnate. These block the free flow of circulation and Qi, making the heart and vessels work harder. This shows up as heaviness, foggy thinking, fatigue, and sluggish circulation. This pattern will evolve into edema in the legs and congestive heart issues in advanced age.

Blood Stasis

When blood flow is obstructed—due to trauma, long-standing stress, or unresolved inflammation—pressure builds in the system. Blood vessels and tissues around the body coagulate with dead blood and stagnant matter. This can be similar to atherosclerosis in western medicine, and forces the heart to work harder to push blood through obstructed vessels or organ tissue.

How TCM Helps

Chinese Herbal Medicine

Herbs are selected based on your specific pattern:

Qi & Blood Stagnation: herbs in the move and regulate the Qi portion of the pharmacopeia are used, such as Cyperus and Bitter Orange.
Phlegm/Damp: Herbs that resolve rubbery blockages, improve the digestion of fats, and have a diuretic effect are used: Trichosanthes, Hawthorn Berry, and Poria
Blood stasis: The crown jewels of treating hypertension are blood stasis removing and blood invigorating herbs such as Cnidium, Chinese angelica, and Safflower.

Herbal formulas are always tailored as multiple pattern may be present.

Acupuncture

I see acupuncture as more of an adjunctive treatment for hypertension. After a session more than likely blood pressure values will drop, but it does not sustain and will require very frequent treatment that would get expensive without herbal treatment.

Lifestyle Advice from the Classics

Reduce emotional stress (easier said than done, but essential): Meditation, breathwork, gentle movement like Qi Gong all help.
Avoid overly spicy, greasy, or salty foods that increase internal heat. Heavy or difficult to digest foods also slow the digestion and cause more obstruction and pressure for the heart to push pass.
Move daily to promote circulation—this doesn’t have to be intense, just regular. Walking is my number one recommendation for everyone. My teacher was adamant against marathon running as it causes scaring on the cardiac muscles from overwork and had several marathon runners he was treating for damaging their hearts from OVER exercising!

You’re Not Just a Number

High blood pressure doesn’t have to define your life, and you don’t have to settle for medication alone. Chinese Medicine offers a safe, effective, and personalized approach to help bring your body back into balance—and the side effects often include better sleep, less stress, less pains and more energy.

If you or someone you know is dealing with high blood pressure, let’s talk. We’ll find the pattern, treat the root, and get your system back in flow. Book a consultation at Garuda Health today to explore personalized treatments for hypertension management.