TCM for High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

What is High Blood Pressure?

High blood pressure (or hypertension) is simply when your blood pressure is higher than normal. The higher your blood pressure levels, the more risk you have for other health problems such as heart disease and stroke. If left untreated, high blood pressure can also cause damage to your brain, kidneys, and eyes.

 

Are there early signs of High Blood Pressure?

No. High blood pressure can be very dangerous because there are no obvious signs in the early stages. By the time your blood pressure has become severe enough to show physical signs, it could be lethal. Bao Zhong Tang encourages all patients to make the habit of going for their annual checkups at your local polyclinic/private clinic. They can do blood tests and blood pressure checks to identify hypertension early.

Symptoms of very high Blood Pressure include

• Severe headaches
• Nosebleeds
• Fatigue
• Confusion
• Vomiting
• Blurred vision
• Chest pains
• Difficulty breathing/breathlessness
• Irregular heartbeat
• Excessive sweating
• Blood in urine
• Pounding in your chest, neck, or ears
• Ringing in ears (Tinnitus)
• Insomnia

High blood pressure that is left untreated can turn into a dangerous condition that will result in serious health complications. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately. You might be showing signs of serious high blood pressure, or you may be suffering under another health condition that is just as severe. It is better to be safe than sorry.

Remember: Early stages of high blood pressure do not exhibit physical symptoms. To be on the safe side, go for your annual doctor’s appointment with a western physician of your choosing. Or test your blood pressure regularly at home.

View blood pressure guidelines here.

How to prevent High Blood Pressure naturally

By living a healthy lifestyle, you will be able to keep your blood pressure in the healthy range. TCM specialists and western doctors alike will be able to give fantastic advice that you can implement in your lifestyle and keep hypertension at bay. It is highly recommended that patients start a conversation with their doctor and discuss what can be done to improve their blood pressure through their busy day.

Let’s start by debunking a common myth: “Stress causes high blood pressure.” This is false. Stress only temporarily causes your heart rate to increase and increase blood pressure. This is a natural biological reaction, not a chronic disease. Stress can, however, lead to bad lifestyle choices like drinking and smoking, which will, in turn, lead to high blood pressure.

To manage stress, engage in regular exercises. Adopt a balanced approach to work and family life. In addition, relax whenever possible to ease the tension whenever feelings of stress arise since stress may aggravate your blood pressure.

 

Eat a Healthy Diet

Healthy eating can protect you from high blood pressure and its complications. Start eating/preparing healthy meals full of nutrition with fruits and vegetables, whole grains, lean protein, potassium, and fiber.

The DASH (Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension) eating plan greatly helps people lower their blood pressure. Check it out here.

Word of advice: Singaporeans should start lowering their salt intake. Salt causes water retention, which will, in turn, raise blood pressure. A salty diet may lead to other health concerns such as kidney stones as well. Avoiding any greasy, fried, or fatty foods is also recommended.

 

Keep Yourself at a Healthy Weight

You may be at risk of high blood pressure if you are overweight or obese. Learn more about your body mass index (BMI) and get tips on how to reach a healthy weight here. You can also talk with your TCM physician or preferred doctor about ways to reach a healthy weight.

 

Be Physically Active

If you’re like most people, you know that physical activity is good for your health. But did you know that it’s also a great way to manage your weight? It will also lower your blood pressure.

Singapore’s Health Promotion Board recommends 150 minutes of moderate-intensity or 75 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity per week for adults, while children and adolescents should get 1 hour of physical activity every day. Do it with a friend or with fun music as accompaniment, it helps pass the time.

 

Do Not Smoke

Smoking not only gives you bad breath but also raises your blood pressure and puts you at a higher risk for heart attack and stroke. Visit your doctor for a consultation and they will be able to provide get tips and resources to help you kick the habit.

 

Limit How Much Alcohol You Drink

If you’re a liquor lover, we have some good news and some bad news.

The bad news is that alcohol can raise your blood pressure, which puts you at risk for heart disease, heart attacks, and stroke. The good news is that you don’t have to quit drinking entirely. You just have to make sure you drink in moderation. Men should have no more than 2 alcoholic drinks per day, and women should have no more than 1 alcoholic drink per day.

 

Get Enough Sleep

Health over wealth. You should never miss sleep hours because getting enough rest is crucial to your health. Sleep helps your body: repair blood vessels, reduce blood pressure, regulate blood sugar, and balance hormones. Not getting enough sleep, on the other hand, is linked to an increased risk of heart disease, high blood pressure, and stroke. If you are overlooking your sleep schedule, check out these tips below!

For a more restful sleep:

• Set an alarm. The key to getting enough sleep is consistency, so try to go to bed at the same time each night and wake up at the same time each morning—even during weekends.
• Exercise regularly. This can help you fall asleep faster and deepen your sleep.
• Turn off your TV, computer, tablet, or smartphone when you’re ready for bed. The light from these screens can stimulate your brain instead of helping it settle down for bed.

HOW TCM CAN HELP YOU ALLEVIATE HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE?

Chinese medicine has been used for thousands of years around the world, and TCM practitioners have seen a lot of success with their patients who are suffering from high blood pressure. Here are the following treatment plans you can expect to receive:

• Customized TCM diet plan – This is nutritional advice that will help you make better-informed choices on what you consume, which will inevitably lead to an improvement in your high blood pressure. TCM practitioners can also coach you on what foods to avoid.
• Herbal medicine – Several Chinese herbs have been proven to lower symptoms of hypertension, but the ratio of herbs is strictly on a case-by-case basis. Each patient and their high blood pressure levels are different, so TCM practitioners will need to find the perfect blend of herbal ingredients for the most optimal results.
• Acupuncture – This helps with stress and eases away any pain and discomfort the patient might be feeling. Thus, improving symptoms of high blood pressure.
• Exercise plan – Doctors may recommend light exercise. Traditional Chinese like Tai Chi or Qi Gong are renowned for their stress relief, much like Western yoga or meditation.