At a glance
High blood pressure that medication couldn’t control, brought down safely once the underlying patterns and habits were addressed.
Presentation
A 73-year-old patient came to the clinic with stubborn high blood pressure. Her diastolic (lower) number was normal, but her systolic (upper) number kept rising to 150–160 even after her family doctor had doubled her blood-pressure medication. She also had high cholesterol. She was taking her medication as prescribed, but it simply wasn’t bringing the top number under control.
Diagnosis
Three patterns were contributing: phlegm-damp-heat, Liver Yang rising, and a degree of blood stasis. In TCM, blood pressure that climbs despite medication often reflects this combination — accumulated phlegm and heat thickening the system, the Liver’s Yang surging upward, and sluggish blood flow. Each had to be addressed to bring the pressure down.
Treatment
Treatment combined acupuncture, ear seeds, and herbs, and was paired with practical home care:
- Dr. Tan’s 12-point combination together with Master Tung’s San Sheng — established acupuncture combinations used to regulate blood pressure
Ear seeds followed Dr. Lichun Huang’s combination for hypertension, pressed between visits for continuous effect. A herbal mixture was prescribed to clear the phlegm-damp-heat, break up the blood stasis, and pull down the rising Liver Yang. For home care, she made dietary changes to reduce the phlegm-damp-heat and built a habit of regular, appropriate exercise.
Result
Her blood pressure gradually dropped to a safe level — the top number that medication alone couldn’t move finally came down once the underlying patterns were treated and the home-care habits took hold.
This reflects an individual patient experience, not clinical trial data.
Results vary from person to person depending on the condition, its severity, and how an individual responds to treatment. TCM and acupuncture are not a substitute for care from your physician or another regulated health professional. If you’re dealing with a serious or urgent symptom, please see a doctor first.