definition:
primary or secondary elevation in either systolic and/or diastolic
blood pressure
etiology:
Hypertension is characterized by a diastolic reading above 90 mm/Hg.,
and a systolic reading above 140 m/Hg., or both. There are two types of
hypertension: primary (aka essential or idiopathic) and secondary.
1) primary hypertension : hypertension with no discernible cause;
conventionally, about 89% of cases are considered to be in this category.
However, many factors are implicated in the development of primary,
or essential hypertension. Some of the recognized risk factors include
family history, environment (family size, crowding, eating patterns, occupation,
obesity), salt ingestion and sensitivity (there is controversy over whether
the sodium or chloride part of the salt molecule is the principal factor),
race (blacks have more primary hypertension and more morbidity and mortality
than whites), hyperlipidemia, smoking, diet
2) secondary hypertension (2): This accounts for only a small minority of patients with hypertension, but must be ruled out in all cases, as discovery and treatment of the cause will cure the hypertension. Causes of secondary hypertension include:
primary hypertension: patients are often asymptomatic until late in the disease, and frequently hypertension is discovered during routine physical examination.
occipital headache: seen only with severe, advanced disease; worse
in the morning on rising, and better as the day goes on
dizziness
palpitations
blurred vision: (+) fundus changes are a late sign
epistaxis
hematuria
(+) bruits over renal arteries: abdominal aorta aneurysm
no fall in BP from supine to standing
secondary hypertension: the same symptoms as primary HT, plus symptoms or history related to whatever is the inciting cause. In addition:
blood pressure falls during orthostatic measurement
sympathetic nervous system compensation may cause BP fluctuations,
better a.m., worse p.m.; the individual will appear calm but experiences
internal tension (Easley)
lab findings:
chem screen to monitor renal status, blood glucose, potassium levels
microscopic exam of urine for casts
chest x-ray: for aortic aneurysm, coarctation of the aorta
Fantus test for urine chloride: high chloride may indicate NaCl-sensitive
HT
specific studies to rule out suspected causes of secondary HT
It has been estimated that untreated HT decreases lifespan by
10-20 years, principally by increasing atherosclerosis. Death is usually
from heart disease, stroke, or kidney failure. Approximately 1% of HT patients
will develop malignant HT (extreme HT with papilledema, retinal hemorrhages
and exudates, severe headache, vomiting, convulsions, stupor, coma). Malignant
HT is a medical emergency. Conventional treatment of 1
HT management consists of stress management, dietary modifications
(decreased salt intake, decreased calories in overweight patients, decreased
cholesterol and saturated fats), regular exercise, control of risk factors
that promote atherosclerosis, and drug therapy.
type A behavior pattern (Korn, p. 177; Bry, p. 28; et al !!)
personality characterized by increased psychomotor activity; dynamic,
hyperactive individuals, with a large steady output of energy; they tend
to be sensitive and quick tempered, but without serious mood fluctuations.
(Locke, 1986, p. 23)
associated with anxiety, ambition, and anger. (Epstein, p.
128)
"Blood and anger are boiling over and need to be cooled." (Epstein,
p. 131)
suppressed rage. (Harrison, p. 37)
fear. (Locke, 1985, p. 28)
repressed hostility resulting from frustration of dependent needs
and resentment. (Locke, 1985, p. 23)
Hypertensive patient are "overreactive sounding boards." (Locke,
1985, p. 29)
increased anxiety, inappropriate coping behaviors in socially distressing
situations; dependency needs. (Locke, 1985, p. 24)
Treatment procedures derived from a cognitive-behavioral base and
consisting of training experiences for coping effectively with stress showed
significant decreases in state anxiety and systolic blood pressure.
There were no significant differences among groups with regard to trait
anxiety and diastolic blood pressure. (Locke, 1985, p. 3)
Inhibited aggressive impulses and hostile tendencies (Alexander,
p. 289)
Heart represents center of love and security; Heart problems are
associated with longstanding emotional problems; lack of joy; belief in
strain and stress. (Hay, 1984, p. 168)
Person feels threatened with being harmed by an ever-present danger;
as a result, he feels the need to be on guard, and prepared to meet all
threats. (Gentry, p. 43)
Those persons who habitually express anger when provoked by others
have on the average lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure than do
similar persons who habitually suppress such feelings. The relative risk
for hypertension is approximately 1:64 for "anger-out" vs. "anger-in" individuals.
(Gentry, p. 103)
A suitable psychological approach can play a very important part
in treatment by changing the way of life of hypertensive patients.
(Locke, 1985, p. 69)
"The blood pressure is an expression of a person's general dynamism.
It arises out of the mutual effects of the behavior of the liquid
blood on the one hand and the behavior of the limiting walls of the blood
vessels on the other. When considering the blood pressure we always
need to bear in mind these two mutually contradictory components: the fluid
and the flowing on the one hand, and the limitation and the resistance
on the other. To the extent that the blood corresponds to our own
inner being, the walls of the vessels correspond to the limits that the
unfolding personality sets upon itself and the resistances that stand in
the way of our development.
In the case of hypertension, the circulatory system maintains
a long term excitation in the expectation that it will eventually be translated
into action. If the action fails to materialize, the patient stays
'under pressure'. Of even greater importance is that the same relationship
applies where conflict is concerned. These patients take refuge in
superficial 'busy-ness', attempting through great external activity to
divert both themselves and others from the challenge to come to grips with
their conflict." People with hypertension have a good deal of aggression
which they repress by exercising self-restraint. (Dethlefsen, p.
195-197, 201)
astrology:
birth chart indicators: prominent Sun, with heavily afflicted Saturn
or Mars (Zain, 1947, p. 75)
progressed indicators: an aspect to either the Sun or Mars
(Zain, 1947, p. 75)
Liver (Gan) is the residence of the Hun (Ethereal Soul); it
relates to decisiveness, control, and the principle of emergence; stores
and cleanses the Xue (Blood); maintains smooth flow of Qi and Xue (Blood);
and reflects emotional harmony and movement.
Healthy expressions are kindness, spontaneity, and ease of movement.
Liver Xu (Deficiency) signs include impotence; frigidity; pain in
thighs, pelvic region, and throat; ready tendency to "the blahs" (Seem,
p. 28); timidity; depression; irritability; vertigo; pruritus; dry eyes,
skin, and/or tendons; asthma; aching at the waist; hernia; and difficulty
raising head up and down. Liver Xue Xu (Blood Deficiency) predisposes
to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) predisposes to the
Shi (Excess) conditions of Liver Wind, Liver Yang Rising, and Liver Fire
Blazing.
Liver Qi Stagnation reflects and accentuates emotional constraint
as the Liver's function of facilitating smooth flow in the body is constricted.
Stagnation is associated with frustration, irritability, tension, and feeling
stuck. With time this pattern tends to produce a gloomy emotional state
of constant resentment, repressed anger or depression, along with tightness
in the chest, frequent sighing, abdominal tension or distension, and/or
a feeling of a lump in the throat with difficulty in swallowing.
(Maciocia, p. 216) Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) often begins with Qi Stagnation.
Liver Shi (Excess) signs include discontent; anger; pain in lumbar
region and genitals (Seem, p. 28); muscular tension; excessive sex drive;
insomnia; moodiness; excitability; tinnitus; genital diseases; red, tearing
eyes; compulsive energy; and bitter taste in the mouth. Chronically
suppressed anger can implode and give rise to Fire in the Liver and Gall
Bladder with symptoms of irritability, bitter taste, headaches, etc.
Liver Wind derives from Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) and/or Liver Xue
Xu (Blood Deficiency) and their subsequent inability to embrace the Yang,
and can manifest as joint stiffness, dizziness, tremor, paralysis, convulsions,
rashes, itching, and neurological problems.
Gall Bladder (Dan) is the source of courage and initiative,
and is responsible for decision-making as the bodily Minister of Justice;
controls circulation of the nourishing and protecting energies [Ying Qi
and Wei (Protective) Qi]; and opens into the eyes. Its channel purifies
Yang energy in the body.
Healthy expressions are kindness, decisiveness, control, and spirit
of initiative.
Gall Bladder Shi (Excess) signs include tiredness; sighing; irritability;
bitter taste in the mouth in the morning; pain in all joints; edematous
knees and legs (Seem, p. 29); tinnitus; lateral headache; heaviness in
head and stomach; muscular spasms; and limbs slightly cold. Chronically
suppressed anger can implode and give rise to Fire in the Liver and Gall
Bladder.
Anger, frustration, and resentment can cause Liver Qi Stagnation
which, in turn, can produce Heat which affects the Gall Bladder.
Heart (Xin) houses the Shen (Spirit) and reveals itself through
the brightness in the eyes; governs Fire and Heat; rules the Xue (Blood)
and its vessels and directs the circulation; opens into the tongue and
controls speech; and relates to the integration of the organs and the personality.
Healthy expressions are warmth, vitality, excitement, inner peace,
love, and joy.
The Heart is the Emperor of the bodily realm so that when the Heart
is disturbed all the other organs will be disrupted.
Spleen (Pi) governs digestion and manifests in the muscle
tissues; transforms food into Qi and Xue (Blood); governs the Xue (Blood);
resolves Dampness and Phlegm; and relates to the ability to assimilate,
stabilize, and feel centered and balanced.
Healthy expressions are fairness, openness, deep thinking, and reminiscence.
Spleen Xu (Deficiency) signs include slightness (deficient "form");
abundant elimination; morning fatigue; cold, wet feet (Seem, p. 28); abdomen
taut and distended like a drum; craving for sweets; flatulence; nausea;
mild edema; memory failure; heavy feeling in legs; pale lips; loose stools;
muscular weakness; and, indirectly, obesity. Unresolved Spleen Xu (Deficiency)
predisposes to Spleen Shi (Excess), particularly accumulation of Dampness
and Phlegm, as the Spleen's functioning declines.
Spleen Shi (Excess) signs include heaviness (excess "form"); large
abdomen; great sighing, sadness, obsessions and nightmares (Seem, p. 28);
abdominal pain; irregular appetite; stickiness in the mouth and on lips;
red lips; chest congestion; fatigue; and constipation. Dampness and Phlegm
Shi (Excess) usually derive from Spleen Yang and/or Qi Xu (Deficiency).
The excessive use of the mind in thinking, studying, concentrating,
and memorizing over a long period of time tends to weaken the Spleen and
may lead to Xue Yu (Blood Stasis). This also includes excessive pensiveness
and constant brooding. (Maciocia, p. 241) Likewise, inadequate
physical exercise and excess consumption of sweet and/or Cold foods will
also deplete the Spleen.
Kidney (Shen) stores Jing (Essence) and governs birth, growth,
reproduction, development, and aging; houses the Zhi (Will); expresses
ambition and focus; provides the stabilizing and nourishing qualities of
Water and Yin to temper the Fiery Yang qualities and functions, and displays
the effects of aging, chronic degenerative processes, and extreme stress.
Healthy expressions are gentleness, groundedness, and endurance.
Kidney Xu (Deficiency) signs include indecisiveness; confused speech;
dreams of trees submerged under water; cold feet and legs; abundant sweating
(Seem, p. 28); hearing loss; tinnitus; fearfulness; apathy; discouragement,
and scatteredness
Intense or prolonged fear depletes the Kidney. Often chronic
anxiety may induce Xu (Deficiency) and then Fire within the Kidney. (Maciocia,
p. 250) Overwork, parenting, simple aging, and a sedentary
or excessively indulgent lifestyle all contribute significantly to Kidney
Xu (Deficiency).
Chinese Herbal Medicine
The following information is for general information purposes and not
intended as a specific recomendation. For evaluation, please refer to my
self assesment/intake form
email: alohadoc@addr.net
Current estimates place 20-40% of the adult
population in the category of higher than desirable blood pressure. Chinese
researchers have invested much of their research time on investigating
the influence of Chinese herbs on cardiovascular diseases. As a result,
hypotensive action of varying degrees has been identified in a large number
of herbs. For example, in Pharmacology and Applications of Chinese Materia
Medica, nearly 100 herbs are listed as having a hypotensive action.From
a traditional Chinese viewpoint, hypertension is merely one symptom of
a more complex pattern of disharmony. The underlying pattern that gives
rise to hypertension may be any of several deficiency types (Yin, Yang,
Blood, or Essence) or excess types (Liver and Heart fire being the most
likely). Thus, complete treatment of hypertension would include the treatment
of the actual underlying pattern and this is the recommended approach.
(See intake form)
The herbs that appear to have the strongest and most prompt effect
on hypertension are generally those that influence the Liver function,
especially by purging Liver fire. Herbs that purge liver fire include rhubarb,
uncaria, coptis, scute, sophora, moutan, prunella, gardenia, phellodendron,
and gentiana. Perhaps the most effective of the hypotensive agents is Uncaria
rhyncophylla (gou teng; this herb is called "gambir" in the OHAI and some
ITM publications, however, the term uncaria is adopted here). It has been
extensively investigated by researchers at the Tianjin Institute of Materia
Medical The main active constituent, rhyncophylline, appears to have actions
similar to the whole herb. Hypotensive action was demonstrated in laboratory
actions in rats, cats, and dogs. It was shown that lengthy decoction of
the herb decreased the effect, in correspondence with the traditional recommendation
that uncaria not be cooked for an extended period of time.
The hypotensive effect was found to occur primarily as a result of
peripheral vasodilation, which is the mechanism of action for most of the
Chinese hypotensive agents. The vasodilation was found to result from inhibition
of the vasomotor center, probably corresponding, in part, to the traditional
indication of "clearing Liver fire."
Clinically, uncaria is often found effective in treating hypertension,
and it is usually combined with other herbs for accomplishing this purpose.
In a trial of the isolated total alkaloids of uncaria, 77% of 245 cases
of hypertension responded favorably (with 38% showing a marked decrease
in blood pressure). It resolved symptoms of headache, insomnia, palpitation,
tinnitus, constipation, and numbness in the extremities. Its action was
reported to be stable and prolonged.
Another herb which clears Liver heat and lowers blood pressure is prunella.
The herb contains triterpenoid saponins, anthocyanins, and aromatic terpenes
such as camphor. In laboratory experiments, it showed a hypotensive action
in sheep and dogs, and the peripheral dilatory action was shown in toads.
Clinically, hypertension and symptoms accompanying severe hypertension
were treated successfully using the prunella decoction. Similar results
were obtained for scute in laboratory and clinical tests. Scute, like uncaria
and prunella, relieves Liver fire, but its main active constituents are
flavones. Scute and prunella should be used cautiously with patients who
have a cold syndrome of the digestive system. Uncaria is a sweet herb which
does not adversely influence gastro-intestinal functions.
In the population as a whole, practitioners are finding numerous deficiency
syndromes. These syndromes have been attributed to the adverse effects
of toxic chemicals in the food and drug supply as well as in the environment,
and to certain stresses of modern life-style. Thus, in a general remedy
for hypertension, some attention must be paid to the possible presence
of deficiency syndromes. To make a remedy which is well-rounded, the liver
fire purging herbs must be balanced by liver tonic herbs. Liver tonics
include the Yin, Blood, and Essence nourishing herbs.
A Liver tonic which shows very good peripheral dilatory action and
is useful in treating hypertension is tang-kuei. This herb shows numerous
cardiovascular actions, including hypotensive, anti-platelet aggregation,
and anti-lipimic activities. Traditionally, it is said to nourish the blood
and promote blood circulation.
Another Liver tonic which is effective for lowering blood pressure
is Eucommia. This herb, which is also classified as a Kidney Yang tonic,
has been shown to have a significant hypotensive effect in dogs, rabbits,
cats, and rats. It was shown that the degree of hypotensive action was
proportional to the degree of hypertension present.
In a clinical study of 251 cases of hypertension, 125 cases showed
marked effects and improvements were found in another 80 cases with one
month daily administration of Eucommia compound tablets. The tincture produced
poorer effects in both animals and in clinical trials. Enhanced effects
were obtained when the herb was combined with scute, prunella, loranthus,
and lonicera. Of 62 cases treated with this mixture, 58 responded favorably.
Headache, dizziness, palpitation, and insomnia were relieved.
Loranthus is classified as a Yin tonic, benefiting the liver and kidney.
It has been shown to have a hypotensive effect in dogs, guinea pigs, and
rats. The hypotensive action was attributed to a central or reflexive effect.
Avicularin, the main active component, was shown to be diuretic and the
entire herb was shown to counter the excitation effects of caffeine. Loranthus
has been used clinically in the treatment of angina pectoris and cardiac
arrhythmia.
Uncaria 6 contains three herbs to purge liver fire with significantly
different types of active constituents (alkaloids, triterpenoid saponins,
and flavones) though all have the effect of peripheral vasodilation. The
use of differing agents to achieve a common physiologic goal is one method
of generating synergistic action. There are also three herbs nourish the
Liver and are categorized as Blood, Yang, and Yin tonics respectively;
together, they benefit the Essence. The combination is similar to the Eucommia
compound mentioned above successfully tested for the treatment of hypertension
except that lonicera flower in that compound is replaced here by uncaria
and tang-kuei. The tonic ingredients of Uncaria 6 are also useful for the
treatment of arthritis and lumbago. Tang-kuei, eucommia, and loranthus
are ingredients of Tu-huo and Loranthus Formula and other traditional and
patent medicines used for treating pain, especially of the back and lower
limbs.
Patent medicines for hypertension were developed during the past twenty
years and are directed towards treatment of both hypertension and the symptom
complex associated with severe hypertension. Prunella, tang-kuei, and uncaria
are important ingredients of the patent formula Chiang-Ya-Wan for hypertension.
Compound Cortex Eucommia Tablets are reported to contain only eucommia,
uncaria, prunella, and scute, thus missing the blood nourishing agents
tang-kuei and loranthus of Uncaria 6. Hypertension Repressing Tablets contain
prunella and scute among the major hypotensive agents.
Some ancient formulas have been adopted for the treatment of hypertension
by modern practitioners, especially in Japan. Major Bupleurum Combination,
Coptis and Scute Combination, and Bupleurum and Dragon Bone Combination
have all been recommended for hypertension; all contain scute. Bupleurum
Formula, Gambir Formula, and Tang-kuei and Gambir Formula, also recommended
for hypertension, all contain uncaria. All the traditional formulas mentioned
here purge Liver fire, and this is a major function of the formulas.
Since hypertension can have several causes, and also individuals suffering
from hypertension may react better to certain agents than to others, Uncaria
6 can be used as a central treatment to which various adjunct formulas
are added. Thus, patients with various deficiency syndromes would simultaneously
take a suitable tonic formula, while those with blood stasis syndrome would
consume a blood vitalizing formula. A second hypotensive formula, based
primarily on herbs that have the dual role of alleviating stiffness and
pain in the joints and lowering blood pressure, Clerodendorn 6, has also
been prepared as an alternative for those who may not respond adequately
to Uncaria 6.
Chinese Herbal Formulas (comprehensive list)
Coptis and Scute (Huang Lian Jie Du Tang) (or if constipation, Coptis
and Rhubarb C. (Xie Xing Tang)); Jiang Ya Wan (patent); Uncaria 6 (patent):
Liver Fire Blazing Upward: irritability, dry mouth, insomnia, dark urine,
red tongue with yellow coat, forceful pulse (Coptis and Scute:
Hsu, 1980, p. 175; Yeung, p. 124; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 295; Bensky and
Barolet, p. 78; Coptis and Rhubarb: Hsu, 1980, p. 190; Yeung, p. 265; Dharmananda,
1986, p. 151; Bensky and Barolet, p. 79; Jiang Ya Wan: Zhu, p. 175; Fratkin,
p. 235; Uncaria 6: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 92)
Bupleurum and Dragon Bone (Chai Hu Jia Long Gu Mu Li Tang):
Gall Bladder Phlegm: irritability with occasional attacks of palpitations,
constipation, heavy sensation in the body, wiry rapid pulse, greasy tongue
coat (Bupleurum and Dragon Bone: Hsu, 1980, p. 340; Dharmananda,
1986, p. 154; Bensky and Barolet, p. 387)
Zhen Gan Xi Feng Tang; Tianma Chu Feng Pu Pien (patent); Jiang Ya
Wan (patent); Uncaria 6 (patent): Liver Wind Arising from Liver Yang Rising:
dizziness, headache, irritability, flushed face (Zhen Gan: Yeung,
p. 284; Bensky and Barolet, p. 402; Tianma Chu Feng Pu Pien: Fratkin,
p. 238; Jiang Ya Wan: Zhu, p. 175; Fratkin, p. 235; Uncaria:Dharmananda,
1990, p. 92)
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang: Spleen Qi Xu (Deficiency) causing Phlegm
and Liver Wind Stirring: vertigo, headache, nausea/vomiting (Yeung,
p. 41; Bensky and Barolet, p. 447),
Major Bupleurum C. (Da Chai Hu Tang): Liver Qi Stagnation in obese
or strong constitution patients
(Hsu, 1980, p. 128; Yeung, p. 61; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 154; Bensky
and Barolet, p. 139)
Rehmannia Six F. (Liu Wei Di Huang Wan): Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency)and
Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency): low back pain, tinnitus, night sweats
(Hsu, 1980, p. 245; Yeung, p. 152; Dharmananda, 1986, p. 172; Bensky
and Barolet, p. 263)
Linking Decoction (Yi Guan Jian): Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency) and
Liver Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Liver Qi Stagnation: hypochondriac and chest
pain/tightness, acid regurgitation
(Bensky and Barolet, p. 271; Yeung, p. 271)
Tang Kuei and Gambir C.: Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency): Weaker patients
with chronic hypertension, including due to kidney disease (Hsu,
1980, p. 415)
Yao Qin Qing Dan Tang: Gall Bladder Damp-Heat: alternating fever
and chills, chest pain/tightness, nausea, bitter taste in mouth, acid regurgitation
(Yeung, p. 117; Bensky and Barolet, p. 141)
Gentiana C. (Long Dan Xie Gan Wan) (available as patent); Gentiana
12 (patent): Liver and Gall Bladder Invaded by Damp-Heat
(Gentiana: Hsu, 1980, p. 181; Yeung, p. 154; Dharmananda, 1986, p.
229; Bensky and Barolet, p. 96; patent: Zhu, p. 172; Fratkin, p.
82; Gentiana 12: Dharmananda, 1990, p. 69)
Xue Fu Zhu Yu Tang: Xue Yu (Blood Stasis) and Liver Qi Stagnation:
chest and hypochondriac pain, chronic fixed piercing headache, depression,
insomnia, irritability
(Yeung, p. 269; Bensky and Barolet, p. 314)
Si Sheng Wan: Xue (Blood) Heat: dry mouth, nosebleeds (Yeung, p.
219; Bensky and Barolet, p. 337)
Er Xian Tang: Kidney Yin Xu (Deficiency) with Empty Fire Blazing
and Kidney Yang Xu (Deficiency): menopausal hypertension (Yeung, p. 91;
Bensky and Barolet, p. 282)
Vitality C. (Zhen Wu Tang); Du Zhong Pian (Compound Cortex
Eucommia Tablets) (patent): Kidney Yang Xu (Deficiency)and Spleen Yang
Xu (Deficiency) with Water Stagnation: primary hypertension: edema, loose
stools, dizziness, pain worse with cold
(Vitality C.: Hsu, 1980, p. 278; Yeung, p. 287; Bensky and Barolet,
p. 197; Du Zhong: Zhu, p. 177; Fratkin, p. 236)
Tienma and Shou Wu (patent); Uncaria 6 (patent): Liver Xue Xu (Blood
Deficiency) with Liver Yang Rising. (Tienma and Shou Wu: Fratkin, p. 237;
Uncaria 6 (Dharmananda, 1990, p. 92)
Wan Shi Niu Huang Qing Xin Wan (patent): Pericardium Invaded by Heat
(Zhu, p. 132)
Bupleurum and Gambir F. (Sun Ten, Dharmananda, 1990, p. 39)
It is clear that many possible treatments exist and as stated many times,
cookbook treatment is not the approach that we as Chinese Medicine doctors
promote. A proper intake and assessment is vital.
low sugar
low fat diet of unsaturated fats
calorie percentages: 70% complex carbohydrates, protein 12-15%, fat
15-18%
high fiber
low cholesterol
low Sodium/Sodium-restricted diet
1-2 week fast on alkaline juices or watermelon fast, followed by
a vegetarian diet
if overweight, reduce weight to normal range
in extreme hypertension, restrict diet to 500 mg Sodium
elimination/rotation diet, rotation diet, rotation diet expanded
therapeutic foods:
foods rich in Potassium and Magnesium, diuretic foods; millet, buckwheat,
oats, rice, raw goat's milk, raw leafy vegetables, watermelon, garlic,
onions, foods rich in rutin, cornsilk tea, garlic, broccoli, celery, cherries,
nectarines, pineapple, kumquats, watermelons, squash, pomegranate, guava,
parsley, cucumber, dandelion greens, cornsilk and white mushroom soup (Ni,
p. 136)
increase omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: vegetable, nut, seed oils,
salmon, herring, mackerel, sardines, walnuts, flaxseed oil, evening primrose
oil, black currant oil
fresh juices:
carrot, parsley and celery (Jensen, p. 50)
lime and whey powder (Jensen, p. 50)
grape and carrot (Jensen, p. 50)
grapefruit
carrot, spinach, beet, and parsley (Walker, p. 126)
celery and apple (Walker, p. 126)
watermelon (Shefi)
cornsilk tea (Shefi)
1/2 cup fresh snowpea
soybean sprout tea (Ni, p. 136)
carrot, beet, and cucumber (Walker, p. 126)
carrot and spinach (Walker, p. 126)
warm celery (Ni, p. 136)
mung bean soup (Ni, p. 136)
chrysanthemum and spinach tea (Ni, p. 136)
persimmon (Yin-fang and Cheng-jun, p. 63)
radish (Chao-liang, Qing-rong, Bao-zhen, p. 12)
cucumber vine tea (Chao-liang, Qing-rong, Bao-zhen, p. 57)
specific remedies:
take 60 g of banana skins or stems, steam in water and eat t.i.d.
(Yin-fang and Cheng-jun, p. 65)
Liver Yang Rising:
one cup of grape juice and celery juice each, taken with warm water
t.i.d. for 20 days. After one 20-day course of treatment, a 5-7 day
rest, then resume another course.
drink the decoction of: 10 water chestnuts and 25 g each of kelp
and corn silk
soak peanuts in vinegar for 5 days, eat 10 peanuts every morning
take a handful of sunflower seeds every morning and evening with
1/2 cup of celery juice for one month
drink one small "wine glass" of turnip juice morning and evening
for 10 days
decoct 250 g celery (1/2 lb.) and drink, at same time eat 10 large
Chinese dates
soak 6 g black fungus in water overnight; steam for one hour; sweeten
with sugar to taste. Take one time per day in evening before bed
until the symptoms and blood pressure have improved.
for constipation caused by hypertension: take 500 g of peeled banana
and mash together with 15 g black sesame seed. Eat q.d. (Yin-fang
and Cheng-jun, p. 65)
take 60 g of water chestnuts and 30 g of fresh orange peel.
Add water, steam until cooked and serve b.i.d.-t.i.d. (Yin-fang and Cheng-jun,
p. 68)
take 30 g dried green peach (pitted young green fruit left to dry
in the sun) cover with water and simmer until cooked and drink in place
of tea. (Yin-fang and Cheng-jun, p. 69)
avoid:
food intolerances
salt, salty foods: pickles, olives, chips, packaged snacks, meat,
(especially ham, frankfurters, bacon, bologna, corned beef, lunch meats,
frozen fish fillets, sardines, herring, caviar, anchovies, shellfish),
dairy products, spicy foods: salsa, white and black pepper, mustard, ginger,
canned tomato juice, V-8 juice, processed cheese, canned, dried or instant
soups, frozen peas and beans, most processed and refined foods, MSG, mayonnaise,
salad dressings, gravies, ketchup, food with Sodium benzoate as a
preservative, Sodium proprionate in cheese and bread, baking powder, baking
soda, ice cream, milkshakes, soft drinks, smoked meats and fish,
Jello, pretzels, potato chips, salted nuts, candy, rennet tablets, pudding
mixes, beverage mixes, spicy foods, alcohol, fried foods, fatty foods,
pork, overeating, low levels of Calcium
alcohol, sucrose, caffeine
trans-fatty acids, hydrogenated oils (margarine, vegetable shortenings,
imitation butter spreads, most commercial peanut butters), oxidized fats
(deep fried foods, fast food, ghee, barbequed meats)
avoid foods containing tyramine (see materia medica)
grapefruit juice and drug interaction: grapefruit juice increases
the bioavailability of nifedipine (Procardia, Adalat) by 8-69%, possibly
through bioflavonoid interfernece with cytochrome P450 (Cantoni, et al.,
1982; 307; 1079)
Physical therapy
Spondylotherapy: concussion or sine between T3,T4; for acute hypertension,
concussion T9
spine: check and align upper cervicals for high diastolic; check
and align C7-T3 or T10-L2 for high systolic - very high BP don't adjust
cervicals
massage: gentle, full body