High blood pressure, or hypertension, is often treated with medication, but many people don’t consider why their blood pressure rises in the first place. According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hypertension is a signal of an imbalance in the body’s energy. By employing dietary therapy and acupressure, one can regulate the body’s constitution to assist in controlling blood pressure.
Understanding blood pressure
The typical blood pressure for a healthy individual is below 120/80 mm Hg systolic/diastolic. A reading above 140/90 mm Hg is considered hypertensive. Common symptoms of hypertension include dizziness, palpitations, and a rapid heartbeat. If not adequately managed, hypertension can lead to severe complications, such as heart and cerebrovascular diseases, ventricular hypertrophy, cerebral thrombosis, and arteriosclerosis, earning it the nickname “the silent killer.”
Facial features indicating a risk of hypertension
In ancient times, without blood pressure monitors, TCM practitioners used “inspection, listening, questioning, and pulse-feeling” to diagnose patients.
Lin Yuanquan, a prominent figure in Taiwanese TCM and author, noted on a New Tang Dynasty TV program that certain facial features could indicate a higher likelihood of developing hypertension:
- A red face and a short, thick neck indicate an upward surge of blood and energy, leading to symptoms like headaches, bad breath, and dry mouth.
- Thick earlobes or wrinkles on the earlobes are associated with a higher risk of cardiovascular disease, as these individuals are more prone to high cholesterol and hypertension.
- Baldness is also seen as a risk factor for heart disease, especially noted in younger men with coronary artery disease.
Root causes of hypertension
TCM focuses on underlying causes, such as energy imbalance and emotional disturbances. Gao Dingyi, a physician at Taiwan’s Chang Gung Hospital, explains that there are three common constitutions among hypertension patients:
- Quick-tempered and irritable individuals often see a reduction in both high blood pressure and irritability after TCM treatments.
- Those who stay up late or have poor sleep quality can exhibit symptoms like overheating and reddening of palms and soles.
- Overweight individuals with irregular diets may experience symptoms like dizziness and nausea, indicating a buildup of metabolic waste.
Daily practices for managing hypertension
TCM advocates for dietary therapy and acupressure as daily management strategies. Lin Yuanquan recommends hypertensive patients drink kudzu root tea, which not only lowers high blood pressure and softens arteries, but also relaxes muscles. Kudzu root, which can be bought at herbal shops, should be prepared fresh daily due to its volatile active ingredients.
Effective acupoints for reducing high blood pressure
- Fengchi (GB20): Located below the skull at the base of the neck; massaging this point can regulate cerebral blood circulation. This is done by placing your thumbs on the point and rubbing or lifting from bottom to top.
- Quchi (LI11): Found at the end of the elbow crease when the arm is bent; pressing or tapping this point can also help manage high blood pressure.
- Yongquan (KI1): Located in a depression at the junction of the front third and the middle two-thirds of the sole; this point can be stimulated through regular foot baths at night, keeping water temperatures below 40°C to prevent burns, especially for diabetics.
Conclusion
TCM offers a holistic approach to managing hypertension by considering physical constitution and lifestyle factors. Regular practice of TCM methods like acupressure, dietary adjustments, and specific exercises like Tai Chi can lead to significant improvements in managing high blood pressure.
Translated by Audrey Wang
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