Hypertensionaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Hypertension
Sub-symptom(s): Primary Hypertension
What is Hypertension?
Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition where the force exerted by the blood against the artery walls is high enough that it may eventually cause health problems, such as heart disease. The condition is typically divided into two types: primary (essential) hypertension, which appears without a clear medical cause and is thought to be influenced by genetic and lifestyle factors; and secondary hypertension, which arises as a symptom of another condition like kidney disease. Managing blood pressure is crucial as uncontrolled hypertension can lead to serious health issues including stroke, heart attack, and renal failure.
How Does TCM View Hypertension?
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets hypertension through the lens of energetic imbalances and disturbances in the body's natural harmony. Unlike Western medicine which primarily focuses on physical factors and symptom management, TCM seeks to identify the underlying patterns of disharmony contributing to high blood pressure.
These patterns are defined by an intricate assessment of bodily symptoms and signs considered through Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang balance, and the state of the internal organs. Correcting these imbalances through herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications is crucial to restoring health and reducing blood pressure according to TCM principles.
Root Causes of Hypertension in TCM
TCM identifies several energetic patterns that may lead to hypertension. One prevalent pattern involves Liver Wind agitating internally, often due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Yang Rising. This condition typically manifests with symptoms like severe dizziness, headaches, and sometimes tremors, reflecting a deep imbalance in Liver function affecting the flow of Blood and Qi.
Another common cause is Qi And Blood Stagnation, where the life force and circulatory systems are hindered, leading to high blood pressure and associated symptoms such as chest pain and a dark complexion. These insights guide TCM practitioners in their holistic approach to treatment.
Explore below more details about what might cause Hypertension according to TCM.
- By Syndrome
- By Organ
- Wind
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Stasis
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Yang Excess
- View More Causes
- Liver
Wind
In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more
Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension
Common Symptoms: Facial Tic Dizziness Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Poor Memory Insomnia Headaches
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Hypertension, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Hypertension, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
Qi Stagnation
Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more
Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | High blood pressure, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan |
Blood Stasis
Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more
Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Qi And Blood Stagnation | High blood pressure, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more | Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan |
Yin Deficiency
Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more
Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang | Hypertension, Menopausal symptoms, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations, Frequent urination... see more | Er Xian Tang |
Yang Deficiency
Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more
Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang | Hypertension, Menopausal symptoms, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations, Frequent urination... see more | Er Xian Tang |
Blood Deficiency
Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more
Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Hypertension, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang |
Yang Excess
Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more
Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Hypertension, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
Liver
In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more
Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension
Common Symptoms: Facial Tic Dizziness Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Poor Memory Insomnia Headaches
| Pattern Name | Relevant Symptoms | Relevant Formulas |
|---|---|---|
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency | Hypertension, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang |
| Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising | Hypertension, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more | Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang |
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypertension
To address the multifaceted nature of hypertension, TCM employs a range of herbal formulas depending on the identified disharmony. Formulas like E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang are used to pacify Internal Wind and nourish Blood, suitable for those with hypertension due to Liver Blood Deficiency.
In cases of Yin Deficiency or Yang Deficiency, Er Xian Tang, which balances both Yin and Yang with herbs like Curculigo Rhizomes, is often prescribed. For Qi Stagnation and Blood Stasis, Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, which invigorates blood circulation and resolves stasis, is recommended, targeting the root causes of elevated blood pressure and promoting overall cardiovascular health.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypertension, organized by cause and by formula type.
- By Cause
- By Formula Type
- Wind
- Qi Stagnation
- Blood Stasis
- Yin Deficiency
- Yang Deficiency
- Blood Deficiency
- Yang Excess
- View More Causes
- Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
- Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
- Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
- Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
- Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
- Formulas that purge heat accumulation
- Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
- Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
- Formulas that regulate blood
- Formulas that tonify qi
- Formulas that tonify yin and yang
- Formulas that clear wind-Cold
- Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
- Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
- Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
- Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
- Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
- Formulas that clear qi-level heat
Top Formula for Wind:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Wind
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Si Wu Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Qi Stagnation
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wen Jing Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang
Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Blood Stasis
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wen Jing Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Er Xian Tang
Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Learn more
Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Er Xian Tang
Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
Learn more
Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Blood Deficiency
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Si Wu Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Top Formula for Yang Excess:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang
Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Learn moreAll Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Yang Excess
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For |
|---|---|
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Feng Yin Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind
These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang, with donkey-hide gelatin as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more |
| Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin | Not applicable |
Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation
These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.
One such formula is Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Wen Jing Tang | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan | Qi And Blood Stagnation |
| Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang | Not applicable |
| Tao He Cheng Qi Tang | Not applicable |
| Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify
These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising |
| Ba Wei Di Huang Wan | Not applicable |
| Zuo Gui Wan | Not applicable |
| Yi Guan Jian | Not applicable |
Formulas that tonify Blood
These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Bu Gan Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
| Si Wu Tang | Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency |
Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang
These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang.
One such formula is Er Xian Tang, with curculigo rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind
These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.
One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.
Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.
One such formula is Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian E Jiao Tang | Not applicable |
| Jiao Tai Wan | Not applicable |
| Suan Zao Ren Tang | Not applicable |
| Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan | Not applicable |
Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.
One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Da Chai Hu Tang | Not applicable |
| Fang Feng Tong Sheng San | Not applicable |
Formulas that purge Heat accumulation
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.
One such formula is Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that purge heat accumulation" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Da Cheng Qi Tang | Not applicable |
| Xiao Cheng Qi Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity
Hypertension can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.
One such formula is Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang | Not applicable |
| Xie Xin Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.
One such formula is Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang | Not applicable |
| Wen Dan Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and transform water and dampness" recommended for hypertension
| Formula | Patterns Suitable For (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Not applicable |
| Zhen Wu Tang | Not applicable |
Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it is due to phlegm causing internal wind symptoms, such as tremors or dizziness.
One such formula is Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.
Formulas that regulate Blood
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.
One such formula is Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that tonify Qi
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.
One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Wind-Cold
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.
One such formula is Ge Gen Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.
One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.
Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.
One such formula is Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, with sweet wormwood herb as a key herb.
Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.
One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.
Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.
One such formula is Wu Zhu Yu Tang, with evodia fruit as a key herb.
Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat
Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.
One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.
Acupoints for Hypertension
In conjunction with herbal therapy, acupuncture is a pivotal treatment within TCM for managing hypertension. Specific acupoints such as Anmian EX-HN located near the mastoid process behind the ear are utilized for their calming effects on the mind and ability to regulate blood pressure.
This point is particularly beneficial for alleviating stress-related symptoms, which are often linked to hypertension. By integrating targeted acupuncture with dietary and lifestyle adjustments, TCM practitioners aim to restore the body's harmony and reduce high blood pressure naturally.
See more details below about Anmian EX-HN, an acupoint used to address hypertension.
- By Meridian
- Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Anmian EX-HN
Posterior to the ear and to the mastoid process, between Yifeng TB-17 and Fengchi GB-20.