Orthostatic Hypotension in Traditional Chinese Medicine
Understanding different orthostatic hypotension patterns according to TCM theory
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Condition Categories
Condition Categories
Orthostatic hypotension is a condition characterized by a sudden fall in blood pressure when a person stands up from a sitting or lying position. It can lead to dizziness, lightheadedness, or even fainting. This drop in blood pressure happens because standing causes blood to pool in the legs, which diminishes the amount of blood that returns to the heart, consequently reducing blood flow to the brain. As a specific type of hypotension, it's an important indicator of the cardiovascular system's health and can signal underlying medical issues.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), orthostatic hypotension is understood as a disruption in the body's vital energies. It's seen not simply as a mechanical problem of blood flow but as a symptom indicating an underlying disharmony — often involving the Qi, or life force, and the balance of Yin and Yang within the body. TCM approaches such conditions by identifying the disharmony pattern, emphasizing that effective treatment requires a tailored approach that corrects the specific imbalance, rather than just addressing the outward symptoms.
TCM Patterns for Orthostatic Hypotension
Each pattern represents a distinct underlying imbalance that can cause orthostatic hypotension
Spleen or Kidney Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Fine (Xi)
Recommended herbal formulas
Spleen Yang Deficiency
Diagnostic signs
Deep (Chen), Slow (Chi), Weak (Ruo)
Pale and wet tongue
Recommended herbal formulas
Exterior Cold invading the Interior
Diagnostic signs
Tight (Jin), Wiry (Xian)
Recommended herbal formulas
Herbal Formulas for Orthostatic Hypotension
Traditional Chinese Medicine formulas used to address orthostatic hypotension