Why Medicine is Important for High Blood Pressure (HBP)
- caulocare
- Aug 15
- 3 min read
By Dr. Phumlarp Caulo | Caulo Care Community Acupuncture – Forest Hills, NY
High blood pressure (HBP), or hypertension, is often called the “silent killer.” You may feel perfectly fine for years, yet elevated pressure inside your arteries can quietly damage your heart, brain, kidneys, and blood vessels.
Understanding why medicine is important for HBP is more than just knowing your prescription’s name—it’s about understanding the root causes, how different medical systems approach it, and what you can do to take control of your health.
Why Treating High Blood Pressure Matters
Uncontrolled hypertension can lead to:
Heart attack & heart failure – from overworked heart muscles
Stroke – due to weakened or blocked brain blood vessels
Kidney disease – from damaged filtering units (nephrons)
Eye damage – hypertensive retinopathy
Aneurysm – bulging and rupture of blood vessels
Even if you feel fine, high pressure is already stressing your body’s systems.
1. Causes of High Blood Pressure
Western Medicine Perspective
Primary Hypertension (90–95%) – Gradual onset with no single cause, linked to:
Genetics
Aging
Poor diet (high sodium, processed foods)
Sedentary lifestyle
Stress and poor sleep
Secondary Hypertension (5–10%) – Caused by other conditions:
Kidney disease
Endocrine disorders (thyroid, adrenal tumors)
Certain medications (e.g., steroids, NSAIDs)
Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Perspective
In TCM, hypertension is not seen as a single disease, but as an imbalance of Qi, Blood, Yin, and Yang:
Liver Yang Rising – Often from prolonged stress, anger, or frustration
Kidney Yin Deficiency – Weak root leading to overactive Yang
Phlegm-Damp Obstruction – Poor diet and digestion, causing sluggish circulation
Qi & Blood Stagnation – From long-term emotional stress or physical strain
Posture & A&P (Anatomy & Physiology) Connection
Forward head posture & rounded shoulders can affect neck and shoulder muscles, compressing arteries and nerves in the cervical region.
Poor posture affects baroreceptors in the carotid arteries, potentially influencing blood pressure regulation.
Prolonged sitting reduces vascular elasticity and impairs circulation, increasing cardiovascular load.
2. Treatment Approaches
Western Medicine Treatments
Medications (based on patient’s profile):
Diuretics – Reduce fluid volume (e.g., Hydrochlorothiazide)
ACE inhibitors – Relax blood vessels (e.g., Lisinopril)
Calcium channel blockers – Reduce heart workload (e.g., Amlodipine)
Beta-blockers – Slow heart rate (e.g., Metoprolol)
Lifestyle modification:
Reduce sodium intake
Increase fruits, vegetables, and whole grains
Regular aerobic exercise
Maintain a healthy weight
Traditional Chinese Medicine Treatments
Acupuncture – Points such as LI11 (Quchi), ST36 (Zusanli), LR3 (Taichong) to calm Liver Yang and regulate Qi.
Herbal Formulas:
Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin – For Liver Yang rising
Liu Wei Di Huang Wan – For Kidney Yin deficiency
Ban Xia Bai Zhu Tian Ma Tang – For phlegm-damp patterns
Tui Na Massage & Cupping – To release muscle tension, improve blood flow, and lower stress hormones.
Qi Gong / Tai Chi – To regulate breathing, improve posture, and balance Yin-Yang.
3. Why Medicine Is Still Important
While lifestyle changes and TCM can be powerful, medication is sometimes necessary to:
Prevent dangerous spikes in blood pressure
Protect organs from long-term damage
Control symptoms while the underlying causes are addressed
In many cases, combining Western medication with TCM approaches provides the best results, gradually allowing for dosage reduction under medical supervision.
4. Prevention & Self-Care
Monitor regularly – A Home BP monitor is essential
Posture check – Stand tall, shoulders back, avoid prolonged sitting
Daily movement – Even short walks improve circulation
Stress management – Meditation, acupuncture, deep breathing
Balanced diet – More potassium-rich foods (bananas, sweet potatoes, spinach), less salt, and processed food
Quality sleep – 7–9 hours to support nervous system recovery
Final Thoughts
Medicine for high blood pressure is not just about “taking a pill”—it’s about protecting your heart, brain, and future health. Western and Eastern approaches may differ in theory, but they share a common goal: restoring balance and preventing complications.
At Caulo Care Community Acupuncture, we integrate both worlds—supporting your medical treatment plan while helping you naturally regulate blood pressure, improve posture, and reduce stress.
📞 Call us today at (929) 269-4549
📍 75-52 113th St (Office BF), Forest Hills, NY 11375
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