Hypertension refers to the condition where arterial blood pressure is elevated, especially when the diastolic pressure is persistently high. It is a systemic, chronic vascular disease. The diagnostic criteria are a systolic pressure of 140 millimeters of mercury (mmHg) or higher, or a diastolic pressure of 90 mmHg or higher.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, hypertension is considered to be caused by an imbalance of the body's internal yin and yang, as well as deficiency and excess. The causes of this imbalance are often attributed to excessive desires, improper diet, overwork, and aging. Moxibustion has a dual-regulating effect, which can help to lower high blood pressure and raise low blood pressure by selecting specific acupoints to apply heat. This process aims to calm the liver and subdue yang, nourish the kidneys and support the liver, eliminate phlegm, and clarify turbidity, thereby restoring balance to the body.
It is recommended to perform moxibustion once a day, targeting 2 to 3 acupoints each time, with each acupoint being treated for 30 to 40 minutes. Rotate the points treated, with a 10-day period constituting one course of treatment, and then rest for 2 to 3 days before continuing with the next course.
(If time permits and there is a need, more acupoints can be treated with moxibustion. The specific duration should be adjusted according to one's own physical needs.)
Hypertension patients should pay attention to the following points in their diet:
1. Eat smaller meals more frequently and avoid overeating.
2. The daily intake of salt should be controlled between 2 to 5 grams.
3. Regularly consume foods rich in potassium, such as beans, shiitake mushrooms, black dates, almonds, walnuts, peanuts, potatoes, and bamboo shoots; root vegetables like amaranth, rapeseed, and green onions; and fruits like bananas, dates, peaches, and oranges.
4. Regularly eat fish and fruits and vegetables to supplement B vitamins and vitamin C.
5. Pay attention to calcium supplementation by consuming more calcium-rich foods such as soybeans, sunflower seeds, walnuts, milk, peanuts, fish, shrimp, red dates, garlic sprouts, and nori.
6. Eat more foods rich in iron, such as peas and black fungus.
7. Drink tea regularly, which can be beneficial to health when consumed daily in the amount of 4-6 grams of tea leaves (equivalent to 2-3 small tea bags).