Oriental Medicine For Hypertension

Over 50 million Americans have hypertension, blood pressure measuring above the normal range. Nearly one-third of individuals are not aware they have it. High blood pressure can develop without noticeable symptoms over several years. Only when blood pressure is severe do warning signs such as irregular heart beat, nose bleeds, dizziness, and headaches appear. If untreated, hypertension can lead to strokes, heart and kidney disease.
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) is used clinically for the treatment of high blood pressure and related circulatory conditions. Based on TCM theory, high blood pressure and related symptoms are regarded as manifestations of an underlying health condition. Treatment aims to not only alleviate symptoms but also to treat the root cause. TCM offers a prevention-oriented, holistic approach for the treatment of hypertension which determines the imbalance of the entire body system. Hypertensive imbalance is due to the improper function of the digestive system, kidneys, liver, and heart.
According to TCM, blood circulation is a result of qi flow through the body rather than blood pressure. As the liver controls the blood in TCM, circulation health conditions typically arise from a disharmony in the liver. Medical studies suggest that high blood pressure results from the feedback regulation that takes place when blood supplies to some organs, such as the heart, brain and kidneys, are imbalanced. This regulation is a compensatory body reaction which results in a hypertensive state. The proper treatment of hypertension is to return blood supply of the heart, brain and kidneys to normal. TCM lowers blood pressure by regulating the entire body.
TCM treatment methods, such as acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine, are natural, safe therapies with little side effects, especially suited for hypertensive patients who have kidney or liver complications. When treated with TCM modalities, patients experience a gradual lowering of blood pressure. Acupuncture treats elevated blood pressure by regulation of the whole body, including the nervous and endocrine systems.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Masters of Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs prepare graduates for careers as acupuncture physicans and massage therapists. For program information call Joe Calareso at (305) 595-9500 or for treatment contact Dr. Richard Browne at 305.595.9500