TCM for High Blood Pressure: Herbs, Acupressure and Dietary Support

A Personal NoteA family member was diagnosed with hypertension and put on medication that worked but left her feeling tired and dizzy. She asked if TCM could address the underlying pattern rather than just lowering the number. This question captures the difference between approaches — TCM treats high blood pressure not as a number to be managed but as a signal that something is out of balance.

Common TCM Patterns

Liver yang rising (most common): Headaches at temples, red face, irritability, tinnitus, dizziness — triggered by stress. Treat by calming the Liver.

Phlegm-heat: Heavy sensation, dizziness, nausea, thick tongue coating — commonly linked to diet. Treat by clearing damp-heat.

Yin deficiency with yang hyperactivity: Dry mouth, insomnia, night sweats, fatigue — common in older adults. Treat by nourishing yin.

Blood stasis: Fixed headaches, dark complexion, chest tightness. Treat by moving blood.

Key Herbs

Tian Ma (Gastrodia, 天麻) — Sweet, neutral. Calms liver yang and relieves dizziness. The most important herb for hypertension with headaches.
Gou Teng (Uncaria, 钩藤) — Sweet, cool. Reduces blood pressure. Research confirms its hypotensive effects. 10-15g, added in last 10 min.
Ju Hua (Chrysanthemum, 菊花) — Sweet, bitter, cool. Clears liver heat, relieves headache, brightens eyes. 6-10g.
Sang Ji Sheng (Mulberry Mistletoe, 桑寄生) — Bitter, sweet, neutral. Lowers blood pressure while nourishing the Kidney. 10-15g.
Xia Ku Cao (Prunella, 夏枯草) — Bitter, pungent, cold. Specific for hypertension with red eyes and bitter taste. 10-15g.

Acupressure Points

Tai Chong (LV3) — Between first and second toe bones on the foot. The master point for calming liver yang. Press firmly when you feel stressed or have a headache.

Feng Chi (GB20) — Below the base of the skull. Releases tension from the neck and head. Gentle pressure for 1-2 minutes.

Qu Chi (LI11) — Outer elbow. Clears heat from the blood. Research suggests it has a direct hypotensive effect.

Yong Quan (KI1) — Sole of the foot. Draws yang energy downward. Press before bed.

Lifestyle

Reduce salt — TCM agrees with Western medicine on this point. But TCM also specifies: avoid excessive spicy and greasy foods that generate liver yang.

Evening walks — Gentle movement in the evening helps disperse liver yang that has built up during the day.

Emotional regulation — Liver yang rising is directly aggravated by anger and frustration. Daily stress management is essential.

Avoid over-exercise — Intense exercise generates heat, which can aggravate yang rising. Gentle, sustained exercise is better.