How do we manage High Blood Pressure with TCM?
Note: All words in Italics refer to TCM terminology and not the definitions referenced in western medicine and mainstream understanding.
What is high blood pressure and how does it affect me?
High blood pressure (HBP) also known as hypertension is a common medical condition that can lead to serious health problems if left uncontrolled. It occurs when the force of the blood against the walls of your arteries are consistently too high. This can lead to damage in the blood vessels and can increase the risk of serious health problems, including heart disease, stroke, and kidney damage. Hypertension is one of the trio of metabolic conditions that often affect people in their older years, with the other two being high blood sugar(Type 2 Diabetes) and high triglycerides (hyperlipidemia).
Causes of high blood pressure
Family history: Genes and habits similar to someone with high blood pressure can predispose a person to high blood pressure
Age: Risk of hypertension increases with age. This is largely due to atherosclerosis which worsens with advanced age.
Obesity: Being overweight increases the risk of developing hypertension.
Poor diet: A diet high in sodium and low in potassium has been linked to increased blood pressure
Lack of physical exercise: Less active and less fit people have a greater risk of developing hypertension.
Excessive alcohol consumption: Drinking too much alcohol can increase blood pressure beyond normal. A drink is 355 ml of beer, 148 ml of wine or 44 ml of distilled spirits. Women should keep to a drink a day, while men can have an additional drink while keeping within moderate drinking guidelines[1].
Smoking: Nicotine in cigarette smoke causes release of chemicals in our body that causes constriction of the blood vessels resulting in elevated blood pressure.
Stress: Stress can cause a steep rise in blood pressure, the blood pressure returns to normal when the source of stress is removed. This is often seen during doctor’s visits and is termed “white coat hypertension”.
Chronic kidney disease: Our kidneys are important organs in the maintenance of solutes in the blood. Chronic kidney disease can impair that function thus resulting in increased blood pressure.
Diabetes: Diabetes can cause damage to the small blood vessels in the kidneys, thus contributing to high blood pressure.
How is high blood pressure diagnosed?
Hypertension is normally diagnosed using a blood pressure meter. A systolic blood pressure of 140mmHg or more, or a diastolic blood pressure of 90mmHg or more indicates high blood pressure. A diagnosis of high blood pressure is usually based on the average of two or more readings taken on separate occasions.
Self Help Tips
Hypertension is a sign that lifestyle changes are necessary to manage and even reduce the blood pressure to normal ranges. Remember that early detection and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of hypertension-related complications. Some helpful lifestyle changes include:
Diet: Reduce sodium intake and increase potassium-rich foods.
Exercise and weight management: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise per week. This can be broken down into 30 minutes, five days a week. You can mix and match aerobic exercise for cardiovascular health and anaerobic exercise like strength training to build muscle and improve metabolism.
Lifestyle: Limit alcohol consumption and quit smoking.
Relax: Manage stress with exercise, meditation, breathing exercises, or other relaxation techniques.
Evidence-Based TCM Approaches for Managing Hypertension
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) typically classifies hypertension as belonging to the “Liver Fire or Liver Wind” category of TCM Diseases. Consequently, formulas or herbs that address this imbalance can be useful in the management of hypertension.
Herbal Medicine
Modern research has demonstrated that certain herbs can lower blood pressure through inhibition of the renin-angiotensin system (RAS) in the kidney[2]. One such herb is 野菊花 (Dendranthema indicum). A formula known for its reputed blood pressure-lowering effects is 天麻钩藤饮 (Tian Ma Gou Teng Decoction)[3]. According to medical studies, it can exhibit blood pressure lowering effects through association with the RAS system and mediating metabolism of fatty molecules and energy in the body[4]. Taking into account the specific constitution of your body, a qualified TCM practitioner can create a personalised formula tailored to you.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture has been shown through clinical trials to aid in blood pressure maintenance. In a systematic review and meta-analysis of acupuncture for grade 1 hypertension - blood pressure from 140/90 mmHg up to 159/99 mmHg, it was discovered that acupuncture is more effective in treating grade 1 hypertension than a placebo, no treatment at all, or interventions that improve lifestyle alone[5]. Studies indicate that it achieves this through reducing the activity of renin and lowering the levels of enzymes and receptors involved in increasing blood pressure[6]. Some commonly used acu points for blood pressure management include 百会 Bai Hui (GV20), 风池 Feng Chi (GB20) and 太冲 Tai Chong (LV3).
How Many Sessions Do I Need?
At Common TCM, your physician will review your medical history and determine the optimal frequency of visits based on your current metabolic health, lifestyle and any presenting symptoms. Although there is no single timeline for reversing hypertension, a personalised treatment plan will review blood pressure daily for 3 months to identify the efficacy of treatment and lifestyle changes on your blood pressure. Should the treatment be effective, not only will you experience improved blood pressure levels, but your overall health condition will also improve.
Who is this suitable for?
Pregnant individuals or those planning for pregnancy should consult with their physician and inform the physician of a possible pregnancy, as certain acupuncture points and herbs are contraindicated during pregnancy. Pregnant individuals with high blood pressure should also first visit their gynaecologist to rule out preeclampsia before seeking TCM treatment for the safety of both mum and child.
Most importantly, do your research and seek advice from reputable professionals for an elevated healing experience. For more information, visit our website to learn more about our treatments and physicians or to book an appointment. Your well-being is our priority, and we are here to support you on your journey towards better health.
References:
[2] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25505921/
[3]https://www.researchgate.net/publication/290054308_Effects_of_tianma_gouteng_decoction_on_the_plasma_endothelin_of_patients_with_primary_hypertension_of_hyperactivity_of_the_liver_yang
[4] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0378874119333999
[5] https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1744388122001177