Hypertension

Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin
Ingredients: Tian Ma (Gastrodia), Gou Teng (Hou Xia) (Uncaria), Chuan Niu Xi (Chuan Achyranthes), Shi Jue Ming (Haliots), Shan Zhi (Gardenia), Huang Qin (Scutellaria), Du Zhong (Eucommia), Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus), Sang Ji Shen (Loranthus), Ye Jiao Teng (Polygonum Stem), Fu Ling (Poria)

Clinical Applications:
Wu, et al. treated 66 cases of primary hypertension with this formula, and reported that the formula was significantly effective for improving the plasma endotheliolysin (ET) and calcitonin gene-related peptide values (P<0.01).(3)

Gou Ma Jiang Ya
Liang treated hypertensive patients with Gou Ma Jiang Ya Decoction. The formula contains Tian Ma (Gastrodia), Gou Teng (Uncaria), Xia Ku Cao (Prunella), Bai Ji Li (White Tribulus), Ye Ju Hua (Wild Chrysanthemum), Jue Ming (Cassia Seed), Dan Shen (Salvia), Sang Ji Sheng (Loranthus), Huai Niu Xi (Achyranthes), and Sheng Shan Zha (Crataegus). The formula was modified to suit patients' individual symptoms. Among 98 cases treated, 26 significantly improved, 65 improved, and 7 had no response.(4)

Combination of Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and Xiao Cheng Qi
Zhang, et al. combined Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin and Xiao Cheng Qi decoction to treat 32 cases of acute hypertension due to cerebral hemorrhage. The principal formula consisted of Tian Ma (Gastrodia), Gou Teng (Uncaria), Shi Jue Ming (Haliotis), Zhen Zhu Mu (Nacre), Shui Zhi (Leech), Gui Ban (Tortoise Plastron), Ban Xia (Pinellia), Bai Zhu (White Atractylodes), Dan Nan Xing (Arisaema, processed with bile), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Hou Pu (Magnolia Bark), Zhi Shi (Immature Bitter Orange), San Qi (Notoginzeng), and Dan Shen (Salvia). One dosage of the formula was given 3-4 times per day through nasal feeding. After 12-16 hours of administration, the systolic pressure decreased to 21.2 ± 3.8kPa, and the diastolic pressure decreased to 13.0 ± 2.6kPa. After 36-48 hours, the systolic pressure decreased to19.7 ± 3.9kPa, and the diastolic pressure decreased to 11.5 ± 2.3kPa.(5)

Niu Xi Jiang Ya Wan
Yang, et al. used Niu Xi Jiang Ya Wan to treat 121 cases of left ventricular hypertrophy due to hypertension. The formula consisted of Chuan Niu Xi (Radix Cyathulae), Sheng Long Gu (Os Draconis), Sheng Mu Li (Concha Ostreae), Gou Teng (Ramulus Uncariae cum Uncis), Shan Yao (Rhizoma Dioscoreae), Ye Jao Teng (Caulis Polygoni Multiflori), Sheng Gui Ban (Plastrum Testudinis), Zhi Zi (Capejasmine), Ju Hua (Flos chrysanthemi), Bai Shao (Radix Paeoniae Alba), and Gan Cao (Licorice). The formula was prepared with honey. After being treated with the formula for 5-10 weeks, the patients' blood pressure decreased significantly (p<0.01).(6)

Tong Fu Xing Nao
Yu treated 32 cases of hypertension-induced cerebral hemorrhage with Tong Fu Xing Nao Injection (administered by rectum IV injection). The formula consisted of Yu Jin (Curcuma Root), Dan Shen (Salvia), San Qi (Notoginseng), Da Huang (Rhubarb), Shui Zhi (Leech), Tian Ma (Gastrodia), Fu Ling (Hoelen), Gou Teng (Uncaria), Shan Zha (Crataegus), Shi Chang Pu (Grassleaved Sweetflag Rhizome), and Yi Mu Cao (Leonurus). The formula was decocted with water, and administered one dose daily by rectum IV injection (30-40 drops per minute and one to two injections per day) for 3-10 consecutive days. During the recovery stage, some supplemental treatments were added, including Bu Yang Huan Wu decoction, acupuncture, massage, dirigation, and light quantum autohemotherapy. The results showed that 13 cases recovered, 16 cases significantly improved, and 2 cases improved. The total effective rate was 96.9%.(7)

Xue Ya Ping
Song, et al. treated 30 cases of senile hypertension with Xue Ya Ping nasal drops. The solution was made from Xia Ku Cao (Prunella), Dan Pi (Moutan), Chi Shao (Red Peony), Xin Yi (Magnolia), and Gui Zhi (Cinnamon Twig). The solution was administered 4 drops each time, and 3 times a day. The results showed that there was significant difference between the before and after treatment in blood pressure, heart rate, and S-T segment and T wave readings (p<0.001-0.05).(8)

Li treated 136 cases of hypertension by externally applying to the feet a Chinese herb powder made of Wu Zhu Yu (Evodia), Chuan Xiong (Cnidium), and Niu Xi (Achyranthes), and reported a total effective rate was 92%.(9)

Zhao treated 56 cases of cervical hypertension with an orthopedic massage therapy, and reported 35 cases recovered, 16 cases improved, and 5 cases with no response.(10)

Zhang treated 139 cases of cervical spondylopathy by massotherapy, and reported a significant decrease in blood pressure.(11)

Fang treated 48 senile hypertension patients with a foot fumigation therapy. The fumigation was made from these herbs: Niu Xi (Radix Achyranthis Bidentatae), Cao Jue Ming (Semen Cassiae), Bo He (Herba Menthae), Chong Wei Zi (Semen Leonuri), Chi Shao (Radix Paeoniae Rubra), Hong Hua (Flos Carhami), Dang Gui (Radix Angelicae Sinensis), Gan Gian (Ginger), and Rou Gui (Cortex Cinnamomi). Each night before going to bed, the patients used one dose of the formula to first fumigate the feet for 15 minutes, and then soak them for another 15 minutes. While under the present treatment, the patients discontinued all other medications for hypertension. The results showed that 29 cases significantly improved, and 11 cases improved, giving a total effective rate of 80.2%.(12)

Based on the principle that secondary symptoms should be relieved first in acute cases, Tang, et al. used acupuncture to treat 32 cases of hypertension. Using the lifting-thrusting and twirling method, the needles were inserted perpendicularly about 1.5 cun (50 millimeters) deep at the pressure-pain points of both sides of the lower limbs in Gallbladder Meridian Foot- Shaoyang, and retained for 10 minutes. In 31 of the 32 cases, the treatment was able to lower the systolic pressure by 2.7-5.3kpa, and lower the diastolic pressure by 1.3-4.0kpa.(14)

Zhou, et al. treated 200 cases of hypertension vertigo mainly by pricking the middle of Yunting. The middle of Yunting was pricked 0.1-0.3 cm deep once daily. Of the 200 cases treated, 51 cases recovered, 68 cases significantly improved, 64 cases improved, and 16 cases with no response.(15)

Acupoint Therapy
Wang, et al. treated 94 cases of primary hypertension by externally applying to the acupoint Shenque (Ren 8) Chinese herbs that have the effects of tonifying the kidney, and promoting blood circulation to dredge the collaterals. After the treatment, the arterial systolic pressure on average decreased by an average of 4.50kPa (p<0.01), the diastolic pressure on average decreased by 2.51kPa (p<0.01).(16)

Xu, et al. treated 55 cases of vertebrae dysarteriotony by catgut embedment at acupoints Jingxue 1, 2 (located at 50 millimeters away from spinous processes C5 and C7, respectively). Partial immersion anesthesia was given. Thirty millimeters of No. 0-1 surgical chromium catgut was threaded into a No. 9 lumbar puncture needle, and quickly inserted perpendicularly. The catgut embedment was placed under the skin and fixed with adhesive plaster. One treatment unit consisted of one embedment, with 15-day interval between units of treatment. After 1-5 units of treatment, 32 cases recovered, 16 cases significantly improved, 5 cases improved, and 2 cases with no response. The total effective rate was 96.4%. The blood pressure decreased significantly after treatment.(17)

Ding treated 172 cases of hypertension with a therapeutic apparatus to massage various acupoints. Neiguan (PC6), Waiguan (TE15), and Jianhong (located in the middle of the second metacarpal bone) were connected with the apparatus, which gave the acupoints the sensation of gas lashing at them. Each treatment session lasted 3-10 minutes, and 10 daily sessions comprised one unit of treatment. A 1-2 day rest was instituted between units of treatment, and a total of four units of treatment were administered. Of the cases treated, 76.74% significantly improved, and another 9.88% improved.(18)