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Hypertensionaccording to TCM

Causes Icon 7 causes Herbal Formulas Icon 41 herbal formulas Acupoints Icon 1 acupoint

Symptom family: Hypertension

Sub-symptom(s): Primary Hypertension

Root Causes of Hypertension in TCM

Explore below more details about what might cause Hypertension according to TCM.

  • By Syndrome
  • By Organ
  • Wind
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yang Excess
  • View More Causes
View More Causes
  • Liver
Detailed description of the cause

Wind

In TCM "Wind" is a concept that represents a pattern of disharmony, often characterized by its sudden and unpredictable nature, much like a gusty wind changing direction without warning. This pattern is associated with symptoms that come and go quickly or move around the body, such as itching, tremors, or even certain types of pain. Wind is considered to be a primary cause of illnesses that have these rapidly changing characteristics. In TCM, external Wind often refers to illnesses that start suddenly, like the common cold, believed to be caused by external pathogenic factors like climatic changes. On the other hand, internal Wind can be linked to internal imbalances and can manifest in conditions like dizziness or spasms. ... see more

Wind Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension

Common Symptoms: Facial Tic Dizziness Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Poor Memory Insomnia Headaches

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency Hypertension, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Hypertension, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Qi Stagnation

Qi Stagnation in TCM is like having a traffic jam in your body's energy system. Qi, the vital life force that flows through your body, is supposed to move smoothly to maintain health and balance. But with Qi Stagnation, this flow gets blocked or slowed down, like cars stuck on a highway. This can lead to symptoms like feeling stressed, emotional mood swings, and physical discomfort, often described as a feeling of fullness or tightness, especially in the chest or abdomen. It's as though the body's internal energy circulation is disrupted, causing various issues. TCM sees this as an energy flow problem, different from modern medicine's focus on specific physiological processes.... see more

Qi Stagnation Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation High blood pressure, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Stasis

Blood Stasis in TCM is a concept where the blood flow in the body is not as smooth or efficient as it should be. Imagine a river that's supposed to flow freely, but instead, it's getting blocked or moving too slowly in some parts. This can lead to various health issues, like pain that feels sharp or stabbing, dark bruises, and a complexion that looks purplish. TCM believes that good health relies on the smooth and vibrant flow of Qi and blood throughout the body, so when blood gets stuck, it's like a traffic jam in your body, leading to discomfort or health problems.... see more

Blood Stasis Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Qi And Blood Stagnation High blood pressure, Chest distension, Chest pain, Stabbing fixed pain, Dark face, Purple lips, Purple nails, Irritability, Mood swings, Depression, Mottled skin, Foot edema, Abdominal masses, Melena black tarry stool, Menstrual cramps, Amenorrhea, Dark menstrual clots, Dark menstrual blood, Prolonged lochia, Irregular periods... see more Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang | Wen Jing Tang | Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan
Detailed description of the cause

Yin Deficiency

Yin deficiency in TCM is a pattern of disharmony characterized by a depletion of the body's Yin energy, which represents the cooling, moistening, and nurturing aspects of our physiology. This condition often arises from factors like chronic stress, overwork, insufficient rest, or prolonged illness. Symptoms of Yin deficiency can include a sensation of heat, especially in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, insomnia, a dry mouth or throat, and a red tongue with little coating. There might also be a general feeling of restlessness or irritability. Since Yin is essential for balancing the body's active and warm Yang energy, its deficiency leads to a relative excess of Yang, manifesting as heat or dryness symptoms.... see more

Yin Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang Hypertension, Menopausal symptoms, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Perspiration, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations, Frequent urination... see more Er Xian Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Deficiency

Yang deficiency in TCM refers to a state where the body's Yang energy, which is responsible for warmth, activity, and function, is weakened or diminished. This pattern of disharmony often arises from chronic illness, aging, or inherent constitutional weakness. Symptoms of Yang deficiency are typically associated with cold and sluggishness, such as a feeling of coldness, cold extremities, pale complexion, low energy or fatigue, and a desire for warmth. Digestive issues like poor appetite, loose stools, and water retention can also be indicative of Yang deficiency.... see more

Yang Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang Hypertension, Menopausal symptoms, Irregular periods, Menopausal hot flashes, Perspiration, Irritability, Generalized fatigue, General weakness, Depression, Palpitations, Frequent urination... see more Er Xian Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Blood Deficiency

Blood Deficiency in TCM is like when your body's tank runs low on the vital energy that blood provides. It's not exactly the same as anemia in modern medicine, which is about having too few red blood cells. Instead, Blood Deficiency in TCM is about your body not having enough of the life-giving qualities that blood brings, like nourishment and moisture. This can make you feel tired, look pale, and even feel dizzy or have blurry vision. It's like a garden not getting enough water to stay lush and vibrant. TCM sees this as an imbalance where the body isn't being nourished as it should be, impacting overall health and well-being.... see more

Blood Deficiency Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency Hypertension, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Yang Excess

Yang Excess in TCM refers to a state where there is an overabundance of Yang energy, leading to symptoms of heat and hyperactivity in the body. This pattern of disharmony often arises from factors like stress, excessive physical activity, overconsumption of spicy or heating foods, or an internal imbalance that causes Yang to flare up. Symptoms of Yang Excess include a feeling of heat, red face, irritability, restlessness, thirst, constipation, and a rapid, forceful pulse. Treatment in TCM for Yang Excess aims to cool down and subdue the excessive Yang while nurturing Yin energy to restore balance.... see more

Yang Excess Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Hypertension, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang
Detailed description of the cause

Liver

In TCM the Liver is viewed as the organ responsible for the smooth flow of Qi, Blood, and emotions throughout the body. It plays a key role in regulating mood, storing blood, supporting digestion, and ensuring the health of tendons and eyes. When the Liver malfunctions or is imbalanced in TCM, it can lead to a range of issues such as irritability, mood swings, menstrual irregularities, eye problems, and muscular stiffness or pain. A malfunctioning Liver in TCM reflects not only physical disturbances but also emotional and mental disharmony, emphasizing the holistic approach of TCM in addressing health and wellness.... see more

Liver Patterns That Can Lead to Hypertension

Common Symptoms: Facial Tic Dizziness Blurry Vision Limb Numbness Tingling Of Limbs Poor Memory Insomnia Headaches

Pattern Name Relevant Symptoms Relevant Formulas
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency Hypertension, Fine tremor, Facial tic, Dizziness, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Insomnia, Scanty menstruation... see more E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Bu Gan Tang | Si Wu Tang
Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising Hypertension, Tremors, Facial tic, Severe dizziness, Tinnitus, Headaches, Dry throat, Dry eyes, Blurry vision, Limb numbness, Tingling of limbs, Poor memory, Back pain, Oliguria, Night sweats... see more Liu Wei Di Huang Wan | E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang | Qi Ju Di Huang Wan | Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang | Feng Yin Tang

TCM Herbal Formulas for Hypertension

Explore below some TCM herbal formulas used to address hypertension, organized by cause and by formula type.

  • By Cause
  • By Formula Type
  • Wind
  • Qi Stagnation
  • Blood Stasis
  • Yin Deficiency
  • Yang Deficiency
  • Blood Deficiency
  • Yang Excess
  • View More Causes
View More Causes
  • Formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation
  • Formulas that nourish yin and tonify
  • Formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind
  • Formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind
  • Formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior
  • Formulas that purge heat accumulation
  • Formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity
  • Formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm
  • Formulas that warm and transform water and dampness
  • Formulas that tonify blood
  • Formulas that transform phlegm and extinguish wind
  • Formulas that regulate blood
  • Formulas that tonify qi
  • Formulas that tonify yin and yang
  • Formulas that clear wind-Cold
  • Formulas that release the exterior and clear the interior
  • Formulas that harmonize lesser yang-warp disorders
  • Formulas that dredge and disperse external wind
  • Formulas that enrich yin and moisten dryness
  • Formulas that warm the middle and dispel cold
  • Formulas that clear qi-level heat
View More Types

Top Formula for Wind:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Suitable for Wind patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Wind

Formula Patterns Suitable For
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
Bu Gan Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Top Formula for Qi Stagnation:
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

Suitable for Qi Stagnation patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Qi Stagnation

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood Stagnation

Top Formula for Blood Stasis:
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang

Suitable for Blood Stasis patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Qi And Blood Stagnation

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Blood Stasis

Formula Patterns Suitable For
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood Stagnation

Top Formula for Yin Deficiency:
Er Xian Tang

Suitable for Yin Deficiency patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang

Learn more

Top Formula for Yang Deficiency:
Er Xian Tang

Suitable for Yang Deficiency patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang

Learn more

Top Formula for Blood Deficiency:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Suitable for Blood Deficiency patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Blood Deficiency

Formula Patterns Suitable For
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Bu Gan Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency

Top Formula for Yang Excess:
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang

Suitable for Yang Excess patterns that may cause hypertension, such as Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Learn more

All Formulas Recommended for Hypertension Caused by Yang Excess

Formula Patterns Suitable For
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Feng Yin Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising

Formulas that pacify and extinguish Internal Wind

These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency or Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.

One such formula is E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang, with donkey-hide gelatin as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that pacify and extinguish internal wind" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
E Jiao Ji Zi Huang Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency, Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising... see more
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin Not applicable

Formulas that invigorate Blood and dispel Blood Stagnation

These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Qi And Blood Stagnation.

One such formula is Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang, with szechuan lovage root as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that invigorate blood and dispel blood stagnation" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ge Xia Zhu Yu Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Wen Jing Tang Qi And Blood Stagnation
Gui Zhi Fu Ling Wan Qi And Blood Stagnation
Shu Jing Huo Xue Tang Not applicable
Tao He Cheng Qi Tang Not applicable
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang Not applicable

Formulas that nourish Yin and tonify

These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.

One such formula is Liu Wei Di Huang Wan, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that nourish yin and tonify" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Qi Ju Di Huang Wan Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising
Ba Wei Di Huang Wan Not applicable
Zuo Gui Wan Not applicable
Yi Guan Jian Not applicable

Formulas that tonify Blood

These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency.

One such formula is Bu Gan Tang, with prepared rehmannia as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that tonify blood" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Bu Gan Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency
Si Wu Tang Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Blood Deficiency

Formulas that tonify Yin and Yang

These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Deficiency of both the Kidney Yin and Yang.

One such formula is Er Xian Tang, with curculigo rhizome as a key herb.

Formulas that dredge and disperse External Wind

These formulas are suitable for some hypertension-causing patterns like Liver Wind agitating Internally due to Liver Yang Rising.

One such formula is Feng Yin Tang, with dragon bones as a key herb.

Formulas that nourish the Heart and calm the Mind

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it stems from a disharmony between the heart and the mind, often manifesting as emotional disturbances or sleep issues.

One such formula is Huang Lian E Jiao Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that nourish the heart and calm the mind" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Huang Lian E Jiao Tang Not applicable
Jiao Tai Wan Not applicable
Suan Zao Ren Tang Not applicable
Bai Zi Yang Xin Wan Not applicable

Formulas that release the Exterior and purge the Interior

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas if it is due to external pathogens combined with internal accumulation, needing actions that address both aspects.

One such formula is Da Chai Hu Tang, with bupleurum root as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that release the exterior and purge the interior" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Da Chai Hu Tang Not applicable
Fang Feng Tong Sheng San Not applicable

Formulas that purge Heat accumulation

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas if it arises from an excess of internal heat, needing actions that clear heat and reduce its intensity.

One such formula is Da Cheng Qi Tang, with rhubarb as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that purge heat accumulation" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Da Cheng Qi Tang Not applicable
Xiao Cheng Qi Tang Not applicable

Formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity

Hypertension can be treated by formulas that clear Heat and resolve toxicity if it arises from heat toxins affecting the body.

One such formula is Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang, with goldthread rhizome as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that clear heat and resolve toxicity" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Huang Lian Jiao Du Tang Not applicable
Xie Xin Tang Not applicable

Formulas that dry Dampness and transform Phlegm

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when there's an accumulation of dampness and phlegm in the body, requiring herbs that dry dampness and transform phlegm.

One such formula is Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.

Other formulas of this category are listed in the table below.

All "formulas that dry dampness and transform phlegm" recommended for hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Huang Lian Wen Dan Tang Not applicable
Wen Dan Tang Not applicable

Formulas that warm and transform water and Dampness

Hypertension 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 hypertension

Formula Patterns Suitable For (if applicable)
Ling Gui Zhu Gan Tang Not applicable
Zhen Wu Tang Not applicable

Formulas that transform Phlegm and extinguish Wind

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it is due to phlegm causing internal wind symptoms, such as tremors or dizziness.

One such formula is Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang, with crow-dipper rhizome as a key herb.

Formulas that regulate Blood

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it stems from irregularities or imbalances in the blood, which may affect circulation or cause other blood-related issues.

One such formula is Bu Yang Huang Wu Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

Formulas that tonify Qi

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas if it results from Qi deficiency, necessitating treatments that boost the body's vital energy.

One such formula is Bu Zhong Yi Qi Tang, with milkvetch root as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Wind-Cold

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it stems from external pathogenic influences characterized by cold and wind symptoms.

One such formula is Ge Gen Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.

Formulas that Release the Exterior and Clear the Interior

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it arises from external pathogenic factors affecting the body's surface, coupled with internal disharmony.

One such formula is Ge Geng Huang Qin Huang Lian Tang, with kudzu root as a key herb.

Formulas that harmonize lesser Yang-warp disorders

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas in cases of imbalances in the lesser Yang (Shao Yang) phase, which often involve alternating hot and cold sensations.

One such formula is Hao Qin Qing Dan Tang, with sweet wormwood herb as a key herb.

Formulas that enrich Yin and moisten Dryness

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it is due to a deficiency in Yin leading to dryness, calling for nourishing Yin and moistening actions.

One such formula is Mai Men Dong Tang, with dwarf lilyturf root as a key herb.

Formulas that warm the middle and dispel Cold

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it is due to cold in the middle jiao (digestive region), necessitating warming and cold-dispelling actions.

One such formula is Wu Zhu Yu Tang, with evodia fruit as a key herb.

Formulas that clear Qi-level Heat

Hypertension can be treated by these formulas when it results from an intense heat condition at the qi level, affecting the body's energy flow.

One such formula is Zhi Zi Chi Tang, with cape jasmine fruit as a key herb.

Acupoints for Hypertension

See more details below about Anmian EX-HN, an acupoint used to address hypertension.

  • By Meridian
  • Extra Points: Head and Neck (EX-HN)
Anmian EX-HN

Anmian EX-HN

Posterior to the ear and to the mastoid process, between Yifeng TB-17 and Fengchi GB-20.