The experience of TCM in treating hypertension
In traditional Chinese medicine, hypertension is believed to primarily affect the heart, liver, and kidneys. Clinical symptoms of hypertension include dizziness, tinnitus, headache, redness in the face and eyes, irritability, insomnia with vivid dreams, soreness in the lower back and knees, bitter taste and dry throat, a tongue with dark red coloration, or ecchymosis with a yellowish tongue coating.
Treatment of hypertension often focuses on smoothing the liver, clearing liver heat, promoting blood circulation, and eliminating stasis. A classic prescription for lowering blood pressure is the Ge Gen Tian Ma Decoction, consisting of Gastrodia elata（Tian Ma）12g, Uncaria rhynchophylla(Gou Teng )12g, Pueraria(Ge Gen) 15g, Red peony root （Chi Shao）15g, Curcuma rcenyujin（Yu Jin)12g, Prunella(Xia Ku Cao) 10g,Gardenia (Zhi Zi) 12g, Skullcap（Huang Qin）10g, Eucommia（Du Zhong)10g, and Nacre (Zhen Zhu Mu) 12g.
Additionally, individualized treatments are emphasized. For patients prone to anger, the focus lies in smoothing the liver and regulating Qi using fragrant angelica, bupleurum, and Yu Jin. For those experiencing frequent insomnia, calming the spirit and settling the mind are prioritized, often using sour jujube seed, schisandra, and Fallopia multiflora thunb(ye jiao teng). For individuals prone to irritability, attention is given to calming and stabilizing the mind, typically utilizing Zhen Zhu Mu and raw stone calamus.
In young hypertensive patients, liver yang hyperactivity and liver fire flaring upward are common, often addressed by strongly calming the liver with Nacre (Zhen Zhu Mu), along with clearing liver fire using Prunella(Xia Ku Cao), Skullcap(Huang Qin), and Chrysanthemum(Ju Hua). In middle-aged patients, where liver and kidneys begin to decline, affecting both the mind and blood, treatment focuses on supplementing the liver and kidneys while nourishing the heart Yin and calming the mind usingAcacia skin (He Huan Pi), schisandra, Angelica（dang gui）, sour jujube seed(Suan Zao Ren), and Poria cocos(fu ling) for nourishing heart Yin and calming the mind. In elderly patients with declining liver and kidney function and weakened spleen-stomach digestion, supplements of ligustrum seed, goji berry, and Eclipta prostrata that nourish Yin without being too greasy are commonly used.
Treating hypertension not only involves lowering blood pressure but also entails safeguarding the heart and brain, reducing complications, and enhancing quality of life. Through the dialectical treatment of hypertension in traditional Chinese medicine, it's not only possible to lower and stabilize blood pressure but also to prevent and treat hypertension effectively and holistically.
