Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)

Here you will get an overview of the pathology, the ability to treat diseases with Oriental medicine, and with acupressure therapies along with other therapies combined.

The information is updated gradually and regularly. For reference only, not a substitute for your doctor.

Low Blood Pressure, also known as Hypotension

Low blood pressure, also known as hypotension, is a medical condition where the blood pressure is lower than normal. While high blood pressure is a more common health issue, low blood pressure can also lead to serious health concerns if left untreated.

What is Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension)?

Blood pressure is the force of blood pushing against the walls of the arteries as the heart pumps blood throughout the body. Low blood pressure occurs when this force is too weak and results in inadequate blood flow to the organs and tissues in the body.

There are two types of hypotension: orthostatic and chronic.

Orthostatic hypotension

Orthostatic hypotension occurs when the blood pressure drops suddenly upon standing up after sitting or lying down. 

Chronic hypotension

Chronic hypotension, on the other hand, is characterized by consistently low blood pressure readings.

Causes of Low Blood Pressure

There are several reasons why a person may experience low blood pressure, including:

Prevention and Treatment of Low Blood Pressure

Prevention and treatment of low blood pressure depend on the underlying cause of the condition. Here are some general tips to help prevent low blood pressure:

Treatment for hypotension may include:

Medications: Medications such as fludrocortisone and midodrine can help increase blood pressure.

Lifestyle changes: Eating a healthy diet, staying hydrated, and avoiding alcohol can help improve blood pressure.

Surgery: In rare cases, surgery may be necessary to treat certain conditions that lead to hypotension.

Oriental Medicine and Hypotension

Oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, can be effective in treating low blood pressure. These practices are based on the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and focus on improving the flow of Qi (energy) throughout the body.

Acupuncture involves the insertion of fine needles into specific points on the body to help balance the flow of Qi and stimulate the body's natural healing process. Acupressure is similar to acupuncture but involves applying pressure to specific points on the body with the fingers rather than using needles.

In TCM, hypotension is often related to a deficiency of Qi or blood in the body. Acupuncture and acupressure can help improve blood flow and increase the body's energy levels, which can help improve hypotension symptoms.

In addition to acupuncture and acupressure, TCM may also recommend dietary changes, such as incorporating warming foods and drinks, and herbal remedies to help regulate blood pressure.

It is important to note that while oriental medicine can be a helpful complementary therapy for hypotension, it should not be used as a substitute for medical treatment prescribed by a healthcare professional.

Conclusion

Low blood pressure can be a serious health concern, but it is treatable with the proper medical care and lifestyle changes. If you are experiencing symptoms of hypotension, it is important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional to determine the underlying cause and develop an appropriate treatment plan.

In addition to conventional medical treatments, oriental medicine, including acupuncture and acupressure, can be effective complementary therapies for improving blood flow and increasing energy levels to help manage hypotension symptoms.

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