Before resorting to medication, it is important for patients with high blood pressure to first identify and address the root causes of their condition.
Many people believe that high blood pressure is a lifelong condition that requires continuous reliance on medication. At the same time, they may worry about the potential side effects of these drugs on overall health. However, natural approaches such as acupressure and dietary adjustments can be highly effective in lowering blood pressure.
Cold Weather and Stiff Shoulders and Neck
In cold weather, the sympathetic nervous system becomes overactive, leading to increased adrenaline secretion and the constriction of peripheral blood vessels. Narrowing of the blood vessels forces the heart to pump harder, which raises the pressure within the vessels and, consequently, increases blood pressure. Medication is unnecessary in such cases; simply wearing warm clothing and drinking a hot beverage to warm the body can naturally bring blood pressure back down.In a cold environment, people may experience stiffness or pain in the shoulders and neck, contributing to elevated blood pressure. Similarly, spending long hours each day looking at computers or smartphones can lead to shoulder and neck stiffness, restricting blood flow to the head. This reduced blood flow may cause symptoms such as dizziness, headaches, or tinnitus due to insufficient oxygen in the brain. In response, the heart must contract with greater force to circulate blood throughout the body, leading to an increase in blood pressure.
Applying pressure to the Chize acupoint (LU5) helps relax the neck muscles, which gradually improves blood circulation and lowers blood pressure.
Extreme Emotional Fluctuations
TCM describes seven core emotions in humans: joy, anger, worry, anxiety, sadness, fear, and shock. Excessive emotional fluctuations can lead to elevated blood pressure. For instance, some people may experience a flushed face, tense neck, rapid heartbeat, and increased blood pressure when angry or upset. Others, during moments of deep emotional distress—such as grieving the loss of a loved one—may feel overwhelming sadness and sorrow, which can also cause their blood pressure to spike.
When emotions become overly intense or hypertension medication is unavailable, massaging the Laogong acupoint (PC8) can help stabilize blood pressure.
High Blood Viscosity (Thick Blood)
People who eat too many sweets, fried foods, or alcohol and avoid drinking enough water are more prone to thickened blood. Excessive consumption of high-sugar, high-fat, and high-salt foods can increase blood viscosity, slowing blood flow. As a result, the heart must work harder, leading to increased blood pressure. While this mechanism helps maintain smooth blood circulation and is not inherently harmful, it serves as a reminder to address the root causes:- Reduce intake of high-sugar, high-fat, high-salt foods, processed foods, and alcohol.
- Drink more water to support proper blood flow and prevent thickened blood from clogging blood vessels.
In the trial, the high-sodium diet was defined as a typical daily intake plus an additional 2,200 milligrams (mg) of sodium, while the low-sodium diet contained approximately 500 mg of sodium per day.
- Celery: Celery contains apigenin, a compound with cardioprotective benefits.
- Nuts: Nuts are beneficial for stabilizing blood pressure, as they are rich in healthy fats, magnesium, and other nutrients that promote overall cardiovascular health. Eating no more than 10 nuts per day is recommended to avoid excess calorie intake.
- Bananas: Bananas are rich in potassium, which helps maintain a steady heartbeat and lower the risk of hypertension and strokes. Generally, the suggested limit is two per day. However, patients with kidney disease should avoid bananas, as excess potassium may worsen their condition.
Underlying Heart Conditions
Certain heart conditions can also lead to high blood pressure, making it essential to consult a doctor to discuss appropriate treatment options.Potential Risks of Blood Pressure Medications
Case Study: A patient shared that his blood pressure had consistently been around 200 mm Hg, yet he did not take any medication to lower it and experienced no health issues for nearly a decade. However, after taking blood pressure medication for approximately six months, he suffered a mini-stroke.It is possible that the patient had a natural predisposition to higher blood pressure. Lowering his blood pressure with medication may have reduced blood flow to the extent that it could no longer adequately supply his brain, ultimately resulting in the stroke.
The risk of stroke is not limited to high blood pressure; low blood pressure can also be dangerous. High blood pressure may lead to cerebral hemorrhage, while low blood pressure can contribute to cerebral thrombosis or ischemia, both of which can trigger a stroke.
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