Hypertension in Traditional Chinese Medicine

Understanding different hypertension patterns according to TCM theory

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Condition Categories

Hypertension
7
TCM Patterns
40
Formulas
Overview
What causes it 7 TCM patterns documented
How to recognize Symptoms specific to each hypertension pattern
Classical remedies 40 herbal formulas documented
Related conditions

Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) interprets hypertension through the lens of energetic imbalances and disturbances in the body's natural harmony. Unlike Western medicine which primarily focuses on physical factors and symptom management, TCM seeks to identify the underlying patterns of disharmony contributing to high blood pressure.

These patterns are defined by an intricate assessment of bodily symptoms and signs considered through Qi (vital energy), Yin and Yang balance, and the state of the internal organs. Correcting these imbalances through herbal medicine, acupuncture, and lifestyle modifications is crucial to restoring health and reducing blood pressure according to TCM principles.

TCM Patterns for Hypertension

Wind

Causes sudden symptoms, movement disorders, and serves as the vehicle for other pathogens

Causes: Hypertension

2 variations documented
Onset Sudden
Location Often upper body/exterior
Features Rapid onset • Moving/migrating symptoms • Itching • Symptoms change location

Wind is the predominant pathogenic factor of spring in Traditional Chinese Medicine and is considered the leader of the six external pathogens. Wind is described as "the leader of the hundred diseases" (百病之长), serving as the primary factor in external pathogenic invasions. Wind represents a pathogen characterized by constant movement, changeability, and a tendency to affect the upper and outer portions of the body.

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with hypertension

Hypertension

Along with: Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs,

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with hypertension

Hypertension

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Dry throat,

Qi Stagnation

Blocked or disrupted flow of vital energy causing distending pain, emotional distress, and symptoms that worsen with stress

Causes: High blood pressure

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual (can be sudden)
Location Can be local or systemic
Features Distending/moving pain • Emotional stress worsens • Sighing • Pain relieved by movement/burping

Qi Stagnation is a fundamental pathological pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the smooth flow of vital energy becomes obstructed, creating areas of pressure, pain, and dysfunction throughout the body.

Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with hypertension

High blood pressure

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Blood Stasis

Blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels

Causes: High blood pressure

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual (trauma=sudden)
Location Often local, can be systemic
Features Fixed/stabbing pain • Purple/dark coloration • Masses/tumors • Pain worse at night

Blood Stasis represents blood that is no longer flowing smoothly through the vessels, either moving too slowly, pooling in certain areas, or congealing into clots. It's one of the most important pathological conditions in Traditional Chinese Medicine and can be both a result of disease and a cause of further illness.

Qi And Blood Stagnation
How it presents with hypertension

High blood pressure

Along with: Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails,

Yin Deficiency

Depletion of cooling, moistening fluids causing dryness, false heat rising, and restless agitation throughout the body

Causes: Hypertension

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Night sweats • Dry mouth/throat • Heat in afternoon/evening • Malar flush

Yin Deficiency represents a fundamental pattern in Traditional Chinese Medicine where the body's yin fluids - blood, essence, and body fluids - become depleted, losing their ability to cool, moisten, and anchor the yang energy, resulting in relative hyperactivity of yang and internal heat manifestations.

Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with hypertension

Hypertension

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Yang Deficiency

Insufficient yang qi causing coldness, fatigue, and diminished physiological functions throughout the body

Causes: Hypertension

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Always cold • Fatigue • Pale face • Prefers warmth • Cold limbs

Yang Deficiency represents a fundamental weakness of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as an inability to warm the body, transform substances, and maintain normal physiological activities, resulting in various cold-type symptoms and functional decline.

Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang
How it presents with hypertension

Hypertension

Along with: Menopausal symptoms, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Excessive sweating, Irritability, Generalized fatigue,

Traditional Herbal Formulas

Blood Deficiency

Insufficient blood to nourish the body, causing paleness, dizziness, and dryness throughout the system

Causes: Hypertension

1 variation documented
Onset Gradual
Location Systemic
Features Pale face/lips/nails • Blurred vision • Dizziness • Scanty menses • Numbness

Blood Deficiency represents a fundamental lack of blood volume or quality in the body, resulting in organs, tissues, and the mind being undernourished. In Traditional Chinese Medicine, blood not only refers to the red fluid in our vessels but encompasses the body's entire nourishing and moistening functions.

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
How it presents with hypertension

Hypertension

Along with: Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs,

Yang Excess

Excessive yang energy that generates heat, agitation, and hyperactivity throughout the body systems

Causes: Hypertension

1 variation documented
Onset Can be sudden
Location Systemic
Features True excess heat • Strong constitution • Full/forceful presentation • Red complexion

Yang Excess represents pathological hyperactivity of the body's yang qi in Traditional Chinese Medicine. It manifests as excessive heat, inflammation, and overstimulation that disrupts the normal balance between yin and yang, causing various acute and intense symptoms.

Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
How it presents with hypertension

Hypertension

Along with: Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Dry throat,

Herbal Formulas for Hypertension

Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hypertension

E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Wind Blood Deficiency Yang Excess

Bu Gan Tang

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Wind Blood Deficiency

Er Xian Tang

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Yin Deficiency Yang Deficiency

Feng Yin Tang

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Qi Stagnation Blood Stasis

Liu Wei Di Huang Wan

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Qi Ju Di Huang Wan

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Wind Yang Excess

Si Wu Tang

Addresses these hypertension patterns:

Wind Blood Deficiency