cholesterol

 High Cholesterol – How Can Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Help?

Managing high cholesterol involves lifestyle changes, diet adjustments, and medications to reduce heart disease risk and improve overall cardiovascular health.

High cholesterol is a common health problem that can lead to many serious conditions, including heart disease and stroke. In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), high cholesterol is considered an energy imbalance in the body. In this post, we will present treatments, simple recipes, acupressure points, and herbs that can help lower cholesterol, as well as the combination of TCM with our medicine.

CAUSES OF HIGH CHOLESTEROL IN TCM

In TCM, high cholesterol levels are often due to:

Qi Stagnation – Blockage of energy in the body, leading to imbalance.

Blood Deficiency – When the body does not produce enough healthy blood.

Poor diet – Eating too much saturated fat and processed foods.

TCM TREATMENT METHODS FOR HIGH CHOLESTEROL

1. Acupressure

Acupressure is an effective technique that can help regulate cholesterol levels. Here are some points to press on:

LI4 (Hegu) : A point on the hand that supports blood circulation and reduces stress.

PC6 (Neiguan) : A point on the inside of the wrist that supports heart health and emotional balance.

SP9 (Yinlingquan) : A point on the inside of the leg that helps regulate moisture and blood in the body.

2. Herbs

In TCM, herbs are an important part of therapy. Here are some Chinese and other herbs that can help lower cholesterol:

Chinese Herbs:

Dan Shen (Salvia miltiorrhiza) : Promotes blood circulation and has anti-inflammatory effects. Used to improve blood quality and regulate cholesterol levels.

Chuan Xiong (Ligusticum wallichii) : Improves blood flow and relieves pain. Can be used to reduce blood stasis and lower cholesterol.

Huang Qi (Astragalus membranaceus) : Strengthens immunity and improves overall well-being. May support heart health and beneficially affect cholesterol levels.

Wu Wei Zi (Schisandra chinensis) : Helps regulate cholesterol levels and supports liver function. It has a tonic effect on the body.

Fu Ling (Poria cocos) : This herb works to maintain moisture in the body and supports the health of the spleen and pancreas, which is crucial for lipid metabolism.

Other Herbs:

Garlic (Allium sativum) : Garlic is known for its cholesterol-lowering properties. It can help reduce LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels and support heart health.

Turmeric (Curcuma longa) : Turmeric contains curcumin, an active ingredient that may help lower cholesterol and support blood vessel health.

Ginger (Zingiber officinale) : Ginger has anti-inflammatory properties and may help lower cholesterol and support blood circulation.

Artichoke (Cynara scolymus) : Artichoke extracts are known to lower cholesterol and support liver function.

Psyllium (Plantago ovata) : Psyllium is a plant fiber that may help lower cholesterol by binding fats in the intestines.

Flax seeds (Linum usitatissimum) : Flax seeds are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and fiber, which may help lower cholesterol.

3. Simple Recipes

Herbal Tea to Lower Cholesterol

Ingredients:

10g Dan Shen

10g Chuan Xiong

5g Huang Qi

5g Wu Wei Zi

1 liter of water

Preparation:

Boil water in a pot.

Add herbs and simmer for 20-30 minutes.

Strain and drink 1-2 cups daily.

Soup with vegetables and herbs

Ingredients:

1 cup brown rice

1 carrot, diced

1 cup of broccoli

1 onion, chopped

2 tablespoons Dan Shen

Himalayan salt to taste

Preparation:

In a large pot, bring water to a boil and add brown rice. Cook for about 30 minutes.

Add carrots, broccoli, onion and Dan Shen. Cook for another 15-20 minutes.

Season with Himalayan salt and serve warm.

4. Diet and Lifestyle

In TCM, diet plays a key role in managing cholesterol. Here are some tips:

Avoid saturated and trans fats : Limit your intake of red meat, fried foods, and processed foods.

Include healthy fats : Instead, choose plant-based fats like olive oil, nuts, and avocados.

Eat more fiber : Include whole grains, fruits, and vegetables in your diet.

Drink plenty of water : Adequate hydration supports a healthy circulatory system.

CONNECTING TCM WITH OUR MEDICINE

TCM and conventional medicine can work together to manage high cholesterol. Here are some suggestions:

Consult your doctor : It is always a good idea to consult your doctor before starting any herbal therapy or acupressure.

Get regular checkups : Monitor your cholesterol levels and overall health to make appropriate lifestyle changes.

Education : Learn about healthy eating and physical activity habits that can support your health.

SUMMARY

High cholesterol is a health issue that can be effectively managed using TCM methods such as acupressure, herbs, and proper diet. Integrating TCM into our medicine can provide holistic benefits and improve quality of life. Be sure to consult with a professional for the best treatment plan for your individual needs.

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