High blood pressure (adjunctive care)
Also known as: hypertension, high blood pressure, essential hypertension
High blood pressure is a major risk factor for stroke, heart and kidney disease. It's managed with lifestyle change and prescribed medication under a GP; acupuncture is only an adjunct for stress and wellbeing and must never replace medication. Chinese medicine commonly sees Liver Yang rising, Phlegm-Damp or Liver-Kidney Yin deficiency.
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Lifestyle & Diet
- •Keep taking prescribed blood pressure medication — never stop without your GP.
- •Cut back on salt, alcohol and processed food.
- •Aim for 30 minutes of moderate activity most days.
- •Check your blood pressure at home and bring readings to appointments.
Cautions & Contraindications
- •Never advise stopping or reducing antihypertensive medication.[]
- •Check herb–drug interactions, especially with anticoagulants and antihypertensives.[]
When to reassess or seek care again
Record clinic and home BP each visit and liaise with the GP. Refer promptly for readings persistently above 160/100.
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Sources & Further Reading
Clinical guidance, red flags and safety notes on this page draw on the following current sources alongside the classical references above.
- Healthdirect Australia · 2024
- NICE · 2023
- World Health Organization · 2023
- AHPRA / Chinese Medicine Board of Australia · 2024
Educational reference for licensed practitioners. Not a substitute for individual clinical assessment. Refer to conventional care for any red-flag or undiagnosed presentation.