Orthostatic Hypotensionaccording to TCM

What is Orthostatic Hypotension?

Orthostatic hypotension is a condition characterized by a sudden fall in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position. It can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. This drop in blood pressure happens because standing causes blood to pool in the legs, which diminishes the amount of blood that returns to the heart, consequently reducing blood flow to the brain. As a specific type of hypotension, it's an important indicator of the cardiovascular system's health and can signal underlying medical issues.

How does TCM view Orthostatic Hypotension?

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), orthostatic hypotension is understood as a disruption in the body's vital energies. It's seen not simply as a mechanical problem of blood flow but as a symptom indicating an underlying disharmony — often involving the Qi, or life force, and the balance of Yin and Yang within the body. TCM approaches such conditions by identifying the disharmony pattern, emphasizing that effective treatment requires a tailored approach that corrects the specific imbalance, rather than just addressing the outward symptoms.

Causes of Orthostatic Hypotension According to TCM

TCM traces orthostatic hypotension to fundamental patterns of imbalance, particularly Spleen Yang Deficiency and Kidney Yang Deficiency. Spleen Yang Deficiency may manifest as sluggish organ function, leading to insufficient Qi to maintain blood pressure when moving from a seated or prone position to standing.

Kidney Yang Deficiency can result in a deep-seated coldness and a weakening of the life force that sustains core organ functions, including the regulation of blood pressure. These patterns highlight the TCM belief in a deeply interconnected body, where systemic weaknesses contribute to specific symptoms like orthostatic hypotension.

TCM Herbal Formulas for Orthostatic Hypotension

TCM offers various formulas to strengthen the body's Qi and warm the Yang to combat orthostatic hypotension. Zhen Wu Tang, which includes Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), is commonly prescribed to treat Spleen and Kidney Yang Deficiency.

This formula works on the principle of warming and invigorating the Yang energy, thereby aiding in the proper movement of Blood and Body Fluids throughout the body. Through such tailored treatments, TCM aims to restore equilibrium and ensure the smooth flow of Qi, thereby addressing the root cause of orthostatic hypotension and not just its symptoms.

See more details below about Zhen Wu Tang, a herbal formula used to address orthostatic hypotension.

TCM Herbs for Orthostatic Hypotension

See more details below about Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a herb used to address orthostatic hypotension.