Hypotensionaccording to TCM
Symptom family: Hypotension and Pulse Irregularities
Sub-symptom(s): Orthostatic Hypotension
What is Hypotension?
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.
How does TCM view Hypotension?
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.
Causes of Hypotension According to TCM
TCM identifies several potential causes for hypotension, but key among these are the patterns of Liver Blood Deficiency, which may manifest as dizziness and blurred vision, and Yang Collapse, where the warming and activating energy of the body is severely depleted, leading to cold limbs and a pale complexion.
These patterns indicate a systemic debility that affects blood flow and energy distribution, leading to the symptoms of hypotension. Understanding and treating these underlying patterns is essential for the TCM approach to improving blood pressure and overall vitality.
TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypotension
For those with hypotension, TCM recommends formulas that nourish the body’s energies and warm its interior. Bu Gan Tang, which includes Prepared rehmannia (Shu Di Huang), is often used to enrich Liver Blood and quell internal Wind symptoms.
Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang, featuring Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), is prescribed to rescue devastated Yang and support the body’s fundamental warming energy. Additionally, Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), is employed to transform Dampness and support the Stomach and Spleen, vital organs in TCM for maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypotension, organized by formula type.
- By Formula Type
- Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
- Formulas that tonify blood
- Formulas that rescue devastated yang
Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness
Hypotension can be treated by these formulas if it is due to cold-dampness obstructing the body's functions, requiring warming and damp-transforming actions.
One such formula is Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang, with poria-cocos mushroom as a key herb.
Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.
All "formulas that warm and transform water and dampness" recommended for hypotension
| Formula | Key herbs |
|---|---|
| Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang | Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling) |
| Zhen Wu Tang | Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) |
Formulas that tonify Blood
Hypotension can be treated by these formulas when it is due to blood deficiency, requiring blood-nourishing and enriching actions.
One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.
Formulas that rescue devastated Yang
Hypotension can be treated by these formulas if it is a result of a severe depletion or collapse of Yang energy, requiring urgent restoration and warming actions.
One such formula is Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang, with prepared aconite as a key herb.
Acupoints for Hypotension
TCM also suggests acupuncture as a therapeutic intervention for hypotension, with specific acupoints tailored to the individual’s pattern of disharmony. One such point is Suliao DU-25, located at the tip of the nose, known for benefiting the nose and aiding in the recovery of the senses, which can be dulled in hypotensive states. These acupoints are selected for their capacity to enhance Qi and blood flow, reinforce Yang, and ultimately elevate blood pressure to a healthy level.
See more details below about Suliao DU-25, an acupoint used to address hypotension.
- By Meridian
- Governing Vessel
TCM Herbs for Hypotension
Explore below some TCM herbs used to address hypotension, organized by herb category.
- By Herb Category
- Herbs that warm the interior and/or expel cold
- Tonic herbs for blood deficiency
- Herbs that drain dampness
Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold
Hypotension can be treated by these herbs if it is due to internal coldness or deficient Yang energy, working to warm the body and dispel cold.
One such herb is Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypotension, like Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Herbs that warm the Interior and/or expel Cold" recommended for hypotension
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Aconite (Zhi Fu Zi) | Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang | Zhen Wu Tang |
| Dried Ginger (Gan Jiang) | Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang |
| Cinnamon Bark (Rou Gui) | Hui Yang Jiu Ji Tang |
Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency
Hypotension can be treated by these herbs in cases of blood deficiency, working to nourish and replenish the body's blood supply.
One such herb is Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypotension, like Bu Gan Tang.
Other herbs of this category are listed in the table below.
"Tonic herbs for Blood Deficiency" recommended for hypotension
| Herb | Formulas they belong to (if applicable) |
|---|---|
| Prepared Rehmannia (Shu Di huang) | Bu Gan Tang |
| White Peony Roots (Bai Shao) | Bu Gan Tang |
Herbs that drain Dampness
Hypotension can be treated by these herbs when caused by excessive dampness in the body, aiding in eliminating damp through diuretic action.
One such herb is Poria-Cocos Mushrooms (Fu Ling), a key herb in some formulas recommended for hypotension, like Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang.