High Blood Pressure: TCM Natural Approaches to Hypertension

Hypertension in TCM

High blood pressure is not a disease name in classical TCM, but its symptoms (headache, dizziness, ringing in ears, chest tightness) fall under 'Liver Yang Rising' and 'Liver Fire Blazing.' The root cause is usually Kidney Yin deficiency (the cooling, grounding aspect is weak) allowing Liver Yang to rise unchecked. Stress, poor diet, and emotional repression fuel the pattern.

Common Patterns

1. Liver Yang Rising: Headache, dizziness, irritability, red face, tinnitus, insomnia. Most common hypertension pattern. 2. Liver Fire Blazing: Severe headache, bloodshot eyes, bitter taste, constipation, nosebleeds. More intense. 3. Phlegm-Damp Obstruction: Heaviness in head, dizziness, numbness, obesity, chest oppression. 4. Kidney Yin Deficiency: Dizziness, tinnitus, low back pain, dry mouth, night sweats. Underlying root of many cases.

Foods That Lower Blood Pressure

Cooling foods: Celery (#1 TCM food for hypertension, contains natural ACE inhibitors), cucumber, watermelon, mung beans, lotus root, tomato. Mineral-rich: Spinach, Swiss chard, pumpkin seeds, dark chocolate (magnesium relaxes blood vessels). Potassium-rich: Bananas, avocados, sweet potatoes. Omega-3: Wild salmon, sardines, walnuts. Herbs: Chrysanthemum tea (Ju Hua) clears Liver Heat. Cassia seed tea (Jue Ming Zi) lowers BP. Avoid: Salt (use herbs instead), alcohol, fried foods, red meat (in excess).

Acupressure Points

GB20 (Fengchi): Base of skull — the #1 point for hypertension headache. LI11 (Quchi): Outer elbow crease — clears Heat, lowers BP. LV3 (Taichong): Between toes — moves Liver Qi, subdues Yang. KD1 (Yongquan): Sole of foot — draws excess Yang energy downward. ST36 (Zusanli): Strengthens overall body. Taiyang (EX-HN5): Temple — relieves headache. PC6 (Neiguan): Relieves chest tightness and palpitations.

Herbs for Hypertension

Tian Ma (Gastrodia): The #1 TCM herb for hypertension. Calms Liver Wind, relieves headache and dizziness. Gou Teng (Uncaria): Calms Liver, lowers blood pressure. Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum): Clears Liver Heat, brightens eyes. Xia Ku Cao (Prunella): Clears Liver Fire, reduces nodules. Du Zhong (Eucommia): Tonifies Kidney and Liver, lowers BP. Classic formula: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin (Gastrodia and Uncaria Decoction).

Lifestyle Protocol

1. Reduce sodium: Target <1500mg daily. Use herbs, lemon, vinegar for flavor. 2. DASH diet: Rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains. 3. Daily exercise: 30 min walking lowers BP by 5-8 mmHg. 4. Stress management: Meditation, Tai Chi, Qigong. 5. Weight management: Every kg lost reduces BP by 1 mmHg. 6. Limit alcohol. 7. Stop smoking. 8. Deep breathing: 4-7-8 breathing technique activates parasympathetic system. 9. Sleep: 7-8 hours. 10. Draw energy down: Hot foot baths before bed.