Traditional Chinese Medicine and Hypertension
Hypertension, also referred to as high blood pressure, is a condition in which a person’s blood pressure is higher than what is considered normal. Patients with high blood pressure that do not get it under control are at an increased risk for stroke and heart attack. There are lifestyle changes and prescription medications that a patient can take advantage of to lower their blood pressure. However, with prescription medications, side effects can occur so some patients are asking is there any benefit associated with traditional Chinese medicine and hypertension?
Chrysanthemum Flower Chinese Tea
This traditional Chinese tea is often used by Chinese health practitioners, and has been for centuries, to help lower blood pressure, as well as alleviate other conditions, such as eye irritation and sinus congestion. It is believed to be beneficial in treating hypertension due to its blood detoxifying properties. To make this tea, three tablespoons of dried chrysanthemum flowers should be steeped in water that has cooled from a boil, but is still 90 to 95 degrees Celsius. It can be consumed as is, or other herbs, honey, or sugar can be added.
Acupuncture
Acupuncture is associated with traditional Chinese medicine and hypertension. Acupuncture is a procedure in which extremely thin needles are inserted into the skin at specific points on the body. It is supposed to treat hypertension, and other medical ailments, by balancing the flow of energy (chi) that is thought to flow through meridians (pathways) in the body. By inserting these needles, it is believed that the patient’s energy flow will rebalance, resulting in lowered blood pressure.
Hawthorn Berry
In a random study conducted by researchers in Reading, UK, patients who took a hawthorn berry supplement presented with a significant decrease in their diastolic blood pressure.
Mental Health
Traditional Chinese medicine believes that emotions, such as anger, and depression can lead to hypertension. Maintaining good mental health and coping with all mental health issues can lead to a reduction in blood pressure. Chinese medicine practitioners believe that lack of enthusiasm, restlessness, insomnia, lack of vitality, and despair are associated with hypertension and heart imbalance. In addition to high blood pressure and the symptoms it can cause, it is believed that those experiencing these emotions may also experience insomnia, irregular heart beat, poor long-term memory, heart palpitations, excessive dreaming, and psychological disorders.
Poor Diet and Obesity
In traditional Chinese medicine it is believed that consuming a high-fat diet and/or being obese contributes to hypertension, so eating a healthy diet and treating obesity will lead to a reduction in blood pressure. Western medicine supports this as well.
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Resources
Mayo Clinic. (2008). High Blood Pressure. Retrieved on February 6, 2010 from the Mayo Clinic: https://www.mayoclinic.com/health/high-blood-pressure/DS00100
Acupuncture.com. (2009). Hypertension. Retrieved on February 11, 2010 from Acupuncture.com: https://www.acupuncture.com/conditions/hypertenc.htm
Image Credits
Acupuncture Needle: Xhienne – Wikimedia Commons
