High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)

High blood pressure (hypertension) occurs when the force of blood against artery walls remains consistently elevated. Over time, this can damage blood vessels and strain the heart, increasing the risk of heart disease, stroke, and kidney problems.

In traditional frameworks, hypertension often reflects a deeper terrain imbalance of heat, tension, or stagnation. It is not simply about salt intake or genetics—it’s a sign of constricted flow, vessel rigidity, or systemic overactivation.

• Location of Symptom

  Systemic—primarily affects the vascular system, but strains the heart, kidneys, brain, and eyes as secondary targets.

• Physiological Breakdown

  High blood pressure is like a hose (the arteries) under too much pressure (plasma + blood cells). It can stem from constricted vessels (due to stress or poor vascular health), thick blood, or fluid retention. The body may be compensating for low oxygen delivery, nutrient imbalances, or excess heat. Can be chronic and silent for years, or triggered quickly by acute stress, diet, or stimulants.

• Common Signs

  Often silent (no symptoms until damage is advanced)

  Headaches, especially at the back of the head or neck

  Dizziness, blurred vision

  Tinnitus (ringing in the ears)

  Shortness of breath, chest tightness

  Red face, irritability, or heat intolerance

  Nosebleeds (in some cases)

  Fatigue with exertion

• Rudimentary Root Causes

  Chronic stress and sympathetic dominance (fight-or-flight stuck in “on” mode)

  Poor sleep quality (short sleep or disrupted circadian rhythm elevates cortisol)

  Diet high in processed foods, excess sodium without mineral balance

  Low intake of potassium, magnesium, and calcium-rich foods (fruits, vegetables, leafy greens, seeds)

  Insufficient hydration (leading to blood thickening and poor vessel flow)

  Heavy intake of heating foods (excess alcohol, red meats, spicy or fried foods)

  Emotional suppression or chronic irritation (anger, frustration, impatience—traditionally linked to liver heat in many systems)

  Sedentary lifestyle (poor venous return and lymphatic stagnation)

  Overuse of stimulants (coffee, energy drinks, aggressive exercise without recovery)

  Obesity and visceral fat accumulation (creates internal pressure and hormonal imbalances)

  Gut dysbiosis and poor nitric oxide production (gut bacteria regulate vascular flexibility)

  Nutrient deficiencies from poor digestion or restrictive dieting

  Heavy metal or chemical exposure (lead, cadmium linked to vascular tension)

  Pharmaceutical causes:

  NSAIDs, hormonal medications, decongestants (narrow vessels, retain fluid)

  Supplement-induced causes:

  Long-term use of stimulating, heating herbs in already heated or tense individuals

  Phytoiatrogenic causes:

  Overuse of bitter, drying, or overly stimulating herbs in cold constitutions without balance

• Underlying Tissue States

  The following tissue states may represent underlying imbalances contributing to this symptom:

  Wind/Tension
  → Vascular constriction, nervous system overdrive, and pressure buildup

  
  (Secondary Heat/Excitation often overlays as inflammation and irritability build)

• Organ Systems Affected

  Circulatory System: Vessel health and blood flow regulation

  Nervous System: Stress response, vascular tone regulation

  Endocrine System: Hormonal influences (cortisol, insulin, aldosterone)

  Renal System: Fluid and electrolyte balance

Are you experiencing stress, poor sleep, or chronic tension? Is your diet rich in potassium, magnesium, and antioxidants? Do you experience signs of heat—irritability, redness, restlessness? Are your kidneys, adrenals, or blood sugar patterns supporting balanced pressure? Have you been using overly stimulating herbs, foods, or supplements? High blood pressure isn’t just a numbers game—it’s a signal that your vessels, nerves, and fluids are out of balance. Whether it’s chronic stress, hidden inflammation, or fluid tension, your body is asking for recalibration. I can help you explore the deeper terrain driving your pressure patterns and guide you toward sustainable balance.

Disclaimer

Each person’s condition has a unique root cause, and lifestyle, diet and herbal remedies must be tailored to the individual. The information on this page is intended for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for personalized care. If you’d like support in understanding your specific situation, please reach out to me for guidance.