Hypertension, commonly known as high blood pressure, is a condition where the systolic blood pressure exceeds 140mmHg or the diastolic blood pressure exceeds 90mmHg in a resting state. Over 90% of hypertension cases are classified as primary hypertension, meaning there is no clear underlying cause. This condition is prevalent, especially among middle-aged and elderly individuals. In 2017, it was estimated that 11.8 million adults in England, about 26.2% of the adult population, had hypertension.
Hypertension often goes unnoticed in its early stages because it typically does not present significant symptoms. Some individuals might experience mild dizziness or headaches, but these symptoms are non-specific. Many people discover they have high blood pressure during routine check-ups or after experiencing complications. Due to its subtle onset, hypertension is often referred to as the “silent killer.” If left unmanaged, it can lead to severe complications such as coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, retinal disease, and peripheral vascular diseases. Therefore, it is crucial to maintain blood pressure at normal levels to prevent these outcomes.
Modern medicine has made significant strides in developing antihypertensive drugs. These include diuretics, calcium channel blockers, ACE inhibitors, angiotensin II receptor blockers, and sympathetic nerve inhibitors. Doctors prescribe these medications based on the patient’s blood pressure levels and any existing comorbidities, generally achieving effective blood pressure control. However, can traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture still play a role in managing hypertension?
The answer is a resounding yes. Over time, some patients taking antihypertensive medications may find that their effectiveness diminishes, requiring higher doses or combinations of two or three drugs to achieve the desired effect. Blood pressure control may become less stable, leading to complications that significantly impact health. Clinical experience shows that integrating TCM with conventional medications can help maintain better long-term blood pressure control. Additionally, some patients continue to experience symptoms like headaches, dizziness, irritability, and insomnia despite controlled blood pressure. Combining TCM herbal formula and Chinese traditional acupuncture can effectively alleviate these discomforts.
- Combining TCM and Western Medicine for Optimal Results
TCM approaches hypertension by identifying patterns such as liver channel and kidney channel Yin deficiency, hyperactive liver channel Yang, liver channel wind stirring internally, and phlegm and blood stasis. Treatments aim to balance Yin and Yang, using methods like calming the liver channel, suppressing Yang, nourishing Yin, and dispelling internal wind. It is important to note that hypertension can present in various patterns, requiring personalized treatment plans tailored to each patient’s specific condition.
- Alleviating Symptoms and Enhancing Compliance
Managing blood pressure is a long-term endeavor, and the commitment to preparing and taking traditional decoctions can be challenging for patients and their families. Nowadays, pre-prepared TCM granules are available, eliminating the need for daily decoction preparation and increasing patient compliance. For patients with well-controlled blood pressure who fit the specific TCM patterns mentioned earlier, classic TCM formula granules can be taken daily to help relieve symptoms like headaches, dizziness, irritability, and insomnia, while also aiding in maintaining stable blood pressure levels over the long term.
- Importance of Lifestyle and Dietary Adjustments
Lastly, it is essential to emphasize the importance of lifestyle and dietary adjustments in preventing and managing hypertension. A diet low in salt, adequate sleep, avoiding stress, and regular physical exercise are all crucial in controlling hypertension and preventing its complications.
Disclaimer: The information provided on this site is for informational purposes only and is not intended as a substitute for advice from your G.P. or regular healthcare professional. You should not use the information on this site for the self diagnosis or treatment of any health problem, or the prescription of any medication or treatment. You should consult with your regular G.P. before undertaking any changes in your healthcare regime or medication. You should not stop taking any current course of medication without first consulting the prescribing physician.