Hypotension in Traditional Chinese Medicine

In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), hypotension is viewed as a manifestation of underlying deficiency rather than a disease itself. Common patterns include Spleen and Kidney Deficiency, simultaneous Qi and Yin Deficiency, and Heart-Kidney Yang Deficiency. Treatment focuses on strengthening the body's vital energy, supporting organ function, and improving circulation.

Pattern Key Symptoms Treatment Principle Traditional Formula Food Therapy
Spleen and Kidney Deficiency Dizziness, fatigue, diarrhea, shortness of breath, tinnitus, poor concentration, pale or yellowish complexion Tonify the Spleen and Kidneys Shen Huang Gan Qi Tang Chestnuts, sweet potato, rice, dates, walnuts, kidney beans, sea cucumber
Simultaneous Qi and Yin Deficiency Fatigue, dizziness, excessive sweating, dry mouth, thirst, palpitations, poor appetite, dry cough Tonify both Qi and Yin Sheng Mai San White fungus, asparagus, duck egg, oyster, yam, longan, royal jelly
Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency Orthostatic hypotension, cold limbs, cold sweats, edema, palpitations, nighttime urination, weakness Warm and tonify Heart Yang and Kidney Yang Shen Fu Tang Ginger, cinnamon, walnuts, lobster, shrimp, dates, fennel

Spleen and Kidney Deficiency

Common Signs

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue of the limbs

  • Diarrhea

  • Difficult urination

  • Shortness of breath

  • Palpitations

  • Forgetfulness

  • Ringing in the ears

  • Misty vision

  • Yellowish complexion

Treatment Principle

Tonify the Spleen and Kidneys.

Traditional Formula

Shen Huang Gan Qi Tang

Traditional Food Therapy

Foods traditionally associated with this pattern include:

  • Chicken egg yolk

  • Rice

  • Sweet potato

  • Red dates

  • Black dates

  • Chestnuts

  • Carrots

  • Tofu

  • White fungus

  • Black sesame seeds

  • Walnuts

  • Sea cucumber

  • Shrimp

  • Beef kidney

  • Chicken liver

Simultaneous Qi and Yin Deficiency

Common Signs

  • Dizziness

  • Fatigue

  • Excessive sweating

  • Dry mouth

  • Thirst

  • Dry cough with scant sputum

  • Poor appetite

  • Palpitations

  • Constipation or dry stools

  • Scant urination

  • Sore throat

Treatment Principle

Tonify Qi and nourish Yin simultaneously.

Traditional Formula

Sheng Mai San

Traditional Food Therapy

Foods traditionally associated with this pattern include:

  • White fungus

  • Asparagus

  • Duck egg

  • Oyster

  • Pork

  • Royal jelly

  • Yam

  • Longan

  • Sweet rice

  • Chestnuts

  • Apple cucumber

  • Mandarin fish

  • Grapes

Heart and Kidney Yang Deficiency

Common Signs

  • Orthostatic hypotension (blood pressure drops upon standing)

  • Cold hands and feet

  • Cold sweats

  • Edema

  • Frequent nighttime urination

  • Palpitations

  • Chest discomfort

  • Nervousness

  • Watery diarrhea

  • Heavy head with light or weak legs

Treatment Principle

Warm and tonify Heart Yang and Kidney Yang.

Traditional Formula

Shen Fu Tang

Traditional Food Therapy

Foods traditionally associated with this pattern include:

  • Dried ginger

  • Cinnamon

  • Fennel

  • Red dates

  • Black dates

  • Walnuts

  • Shrimp

  • Lobster

  • Seafoods traditionally used to support Kidney Yang

  • Wheat

  • Water spinach

Traditional Dietary Approaches

Classical dietary recommendations for hypotension patterns often emphasize:

  • Warm, cooked foods

  • Root vegetables

  • Dates and chestnuts

  • Rice and grains

  • Moderate amounts of animal protein

  • Foods that support Qi, Blood, Yin, or Yang depending on the underlying pattern

Related Formulas

  • Shen Huang Gan Qi Tang

  • Sheng Mai San

  • Shen Fu Tang

Important Note

Low blood pressure may occur for many reasons, including dehydration, medication effects, endocrine disorders, heart conditions, nutritional deficiencies, or other medical concerns. Persistent dizziness, fainting, chest pain, shortness of breath, or sudden changes in blood pressure should be evaluated by a qualified healthcare professional. Traditional Chinese Medicine may be used as part of a comprehensive approach to health but should not replace appropriate medical evaluation and care.