High Blood Pressure: A Chinese Medicine Perspective

In the Chinese medicine system, energetic imbalances with the liver can, manifest as as high blood pressure (known as liver yang rising in the Chinese medicine system). Root causes of high blood pressure may vary with the individual's unique constitution and lifestyle habits.

Liver yang rising may include manifestations such as:

High blood pressure.
Headaches at the top of the head or migraines.
Red eyes.
Irritability.
Insomnia.
Digestive upset.
Joint, ligament or tendon issues.

To balance blood pressure and other manifestations of liver fire rising, try adding foods to the diet with a cool energy property such as:

Peppermint tea.
Chamomile tea.
Cucumbers.
Dandelion greens (add just a touch to your usual salad greens or cooked green dishes).
Nettle leaf extract.

Other liver friendly foods include burdock root, often available in health food stores.

This long brown root has powerful blood detoxifying effects and also can help to clear stagnation of the joints and lower blood pressure.

To prepare burdock, peel the brown layer and wash well. Slice the root into julienne strips and include in soups or stews.

Try reducing or eliminating these foods to help lower blood pressure naturally and support the energy of the liver:

High sodium foods.
High fat foods.
Foods with hydrogenated, or partially hydrogenated fats.

Like anything natural, shifting blood pressure, takes time but it can be done with diligent attention placed on diet and on reducing stress.

Qi emission and acupressure healing sessions with a liver focus can also lower blood pressure significantly. This type of qi gong healing session helps to reduce stress and calm the flow of energy or qi within the liver and other internal organs.

Last, other stress reduction methods such as qi gong movement, tai chi, yoga, and meditative visualizations can help to lower blood pressure and other manifestations related to an imbalance with the liver.

Information in this article not meant to diagnose or treat any medical condition. Check with your medical physician before implementing any herbal, aromatherapy or dietary strategies.

Learn more about this author, Kay Hutchinson.
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