Traditional Chinese medicine can reduce high blood pressure, without the side effects of antihypertensive drugs. Ann Johnston reports.
Most people with high blood pressure do not have symptoms and are unaware that they have the condition at all. Given that your blood pressure naturally varies over a 24-hour period, your doctor should take several readings or give you a 24-hour monitor to determine whether you do indeed have high blood pressure. “High blood pressure and hypertension can be two different things,” explains traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) practitioner, Yun Niu Ph.D. "Hypertension is chronic high blood pressure, whereas blood pressure may increase under certain circumstances. Think about recent events: have you been under a lot of stress? If you can identify and resolve a possible culprit, your blood pressure may normalise. Herbs and acupuncture can be effective, but may take time.”
The TCM perspective
In TCM, high blood pressure results primarily from three conditions.
1. Excess liver yang energy or deficiency of yin liver energy: Excess liver yang energy can be caused by emotional stress; stress from anger, worry, frustration or a busy life; poor diet; and deficiency of yin liver energy. Sudden emotional stress can raise blood pressure, because when you're stressed, liver energy goes upwards, whereas it naturally likes to go downwards. When stress is chronic, it affects your emotions, and therefore liver energy.
Symptoms: Bad temper; red face; red, sore, dry eyes; dry mouth; bitter taste; thirst; dry stools; irritability; tinnitus; impatience; dizziness; thick head; headache. Symptoms associated with a deficiency of yin liver energy are similar, but are more inclined to happen late in the day.
Treatment: A combination of reducing yang energy, while reinforcing yin energy to restore balance. Acupuncture can redirect liver energy downwards, making it easier to cope with stress. However, it does not eliminate stress, so stress-management strategies are essential.
2. Deficiency of kidney yang energy, or kidney yin energy, or both: Lack of kidney yang energy manifests in a pounding heart and palpitations. In TCM, the kidney and heart are connected, so if kidney yang energy is weak and not supporting heart energy, the heart shows symptoms. Sometimes it may be associated with a sore back; frequent night urination; loose teeth; hair loss; tiredness; poor memory; weight gain; poor sleep; shortness of breath; low libido; and tendency to feel cold.
Symptoms: Red face; clammy or hot palms; more inclined to feel hot; hot flushes; dry mouth, particularly at bedtime; palpitations; impatience; restless sleep or not sleeping.
Treatment: A combination of improving kidney yang energy and kidney yin energy.
3. Mucus: In TCM, this results from spleen energy deficiency, which governs transformation and use of fluids. Deficient spleen energy compromises spleen function. You may experience fluid retention, especially around the gut and digestive system, and for a longer period of time. Excess fluid behaves like mucus: in TCM, this is called internal mucus. While you may not see it, it can circulate with your energy and lodge anywhere in your body, blocking energy and blood circulation.
Symptoms: Nausea; feeling full or bloated easily; loose or sticky stools; belching; not feeling refreshed after sleeping; fatigue, feeling sluggish and heavy; weight gain; thick head; reduced appetite; and frequent urination in small amounts. There's also the blockage that occurs when mucus stays in the body for too long. This creates heat, called ‘mucous fire’, which gives rise to irritability; palpitations; red face; tinnitus; a feeling of fullness. Symptoms of excess of yang energy may also be present.
Treatment: Avoid eating anything that will further compromise spleen function: sweet foods, dairy, and anything that is hard to digest. Sip water often rather than drinking large amounts at a time. Citrus, especially dried lemon or mandarin peel, can clear mucus, while ginger is effective for sluggishness and yang energy-deficiency.
"Some people with high blood pressure may suffer from all three conditions," Yun adds, "in which case, the TCM practitioner will identify the dominant problem and prescribe herbal medicines, foods and/or a formula for acupuncture to deal with it."
Know your numbers
A normal blood pressure reading is one that is less than 120/80 (20 over 80) – this is shorthand for a systolic pressure of 120 and a diastolic pressure of 80. Generally blood pressure is thought to be high when it is consistently above 140/90. Permanently raised blood pressure may result in heart attack, stroke or kidney failure.
Summertime heart treat
Watermelon hits the spot on a hot, sunny day, and we know it’s a great source of fluid, fibre and vitamin C. Now a study in the American Journal of Hypertension shows it also contains amino acids that actually reverse pre-hypertension by improving arterial function and proper blood flow, and lowering blood pressure.
Try it!
* Acupuncture: In the early stages of hypertension, a combination of acupuncture and herbal remedies can help. For long-term high blood pressure, acupuncture can complement Western medicine. Acupuncture may also be helpful in reducing headache, dizziness, improving the quality of sleep, and reducing stress.
* Acupressure: Use your fingertip to apply medium pressure to the Tai Yang point, situated in the depression at the temple, one finger behind the lateral end of the eyebrow and eyelid. The Susanli point is found on the lower leg 2.5cm to the outside of and 7.5cm below the kneecap. Use your fingertip to press this point for one minute.
* Diet: Celery is recommended, and cooked celery with vinegar helps to reduce blood pressure. Other foods recommended in TCM are peaches, dates, grapefruit, sunflower seeds, Daikon radishes, tomatoes, hawthorn, and corn.
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