According to traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), hypertension or high blood pressure is believed to be caused by an imbalance in the body’s vital energy or Qi (pronounced “chee”) and blood flow.
From a TCM perspective, there are several possible causes of hypertension. One possible cause is excess heat or fire in the body, which can lead to increased blood pressure. Another possible cause is the stagnation of Qi and blood flow, which can result from emotional stress, a sedentary lifestyle, or a diet that is high in fat and sugar.
TCM practitioners also believe that certain organs and meridians (energy pathways in the body) are related to hypertension. The liver and kidneys, for example, are thought to play a role in regulating blood pressure, and imbalances in these organs can lead to hypertension.
In TCM, treatment for hypertension typically involves a combination of acupuncture, herbal medicine, dietary changes, and lifestyle modifications. Acupuncture can help to regulate the flow of Qi and blood in the body, while herbal medicine can be used to nourish and balance the organs that are related to hypertension.
Dietary changes may include reducing the intake of salty and greasy foods and increasing the consumption of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. Lifestyle modifications may involve increasing physical activity, reducing stress, and getting enough rest.
TCM emphasizes the importance of treating the underlying causes of hypertension rather than just managing the symptoms. By addressing the root cause of hypertension and promoting overall balance in the body, TCM can help to prevent complications and improve overall health and well-being.
20 Acupuncture points for hypertention with details
Acupuncture is a commonly used technique in Traditional Chinese Medicine for treating hypertension. The following are 20 acupuncture points that may be used to treat hypertension:
LI11 (Quchi) – located at the outer end of the elbow crease, on the inside of the arm. This point is used to reduce high blood pressure and relieve stress.
LI4 (Hegu) – located in the web between the thumb and index finger. This point is used to regulate blood pressure and relieve headaches.
SP6 (Sanyinjiao) – located 3 finger-widths above the inner ankle bone. This point is used to calm the mind, regulate blood pressure, and promote healthy digestion.
HT7 (Shenmen) – located on the wrist crease, on the inside of the arm. This point is used to calm the mind and regulate blood pressure.
ST36 (Zusanli) – located 4 finger-widths below the kneecap, on the outside of the leg. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, improve digestion, and boost the immune system.
KD3 (Taixi) – located in the depression between the ankle bone and Achilles tendon. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve anxiety, and promote healthy kidney function.
BL18 (Ganshu) – located on the back, below the 7th thoracic vertebra. This point is used to regulate blood pressure and strengthen the liver.
PC6 (Neiguan) – located on the wrist crease, on the inside of the arm. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve stress, and calm the mind.
GB20 (Fengchi) – located at the base of the skull, in the hollow between the two large neck muscles. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve headaches, and promote healthy circulation.
LI10 (Shousanli) – located on the forearm, 2 finger-widths below the elbow crease. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve stress, and promote healthy digestion.
DU20 (Baihui) – located on the top of the head, in the center of the scalp. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve stress, and promote mental clarity.
GB34 (Yanglingquan) – located in the depression in front of the outer anklebone. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve stress, and promote healthy liver function.
CV17 (Danzhong) – located in the center of the chest, on the sternum. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve stress, and promote healthy respiratory function.
GB39 (Xuanzhong) – located on the outside of the lower leg, just below the knee joint. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve stress, and promote healthy liver function.
KD1 (Yongquan) – located on the sole of the foot, at the center of the ball of the foot. This point is used to regulate blood pressure, relieve anxiety, and promote healthy kidney function.
UB17 (Geshu) – located on the back, at the level of the 7th thoracic vertebra. This point is used to regulate blood pressure and strengthen the liver.
LU7 (Lieque) – located on the wrist crease, on the inside of the arm. This point is used to regulate blood pressure and relieve anxiety.
UB23 (Shenshu) – located on the back, on either side of the spine, at the level of the 2nd lumbar vertebra.