Hypotension in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different hypotension patterns according to TCM theory
Educational content • Consult qualified practitioners for medical advice
Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Hypotension, commonly known as low blood pressure, is a condition where blood pressure readings are lower than the normal range. This can result in inadequate blood flow to the organs of the body, leading to symptoms like dizziness, fainting, blurred vision, and fatigue. Hypotension can be a sign of underlying health issues or may occur naturally without any discernible cause. Orthostatic Hypotension, a form of low blood pressure that happens upon standing, is a notable subtype that can increase the risk of falls and injury.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) sees hypotension not merely as a numerical drop in blood pressure but as a reflection of underlying energetic imbalances within the body. In TCM, this condition is often connected to Deficiencies in the body’s Qi (vital energy), Blood (nourishing fluid), and Yang (the warming and active principle). It’s crucial, from a TCM perspective, to diagnose the specific pattern of disharmony causing the symptoms in order to effectively restore balance and vitality to the patient.
TCM Patterns for Hypotension
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause hypotension
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Wiry (Xian)
Swollen tongue with sticky coating
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Hypotension
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address hypotension