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Hypertension : Prevention
   
Western Medicine Chinese Medicine
The best way to prevent hypertension is to live a healthy lifestyle. Researchers are not certain what the exact causes of hypertension are, so it's hard to pin point how to prevent it. However, there are several risk factors that may contribute to hypertension, and put you more at risk for heart disease and stroke. Some prevention strategies for the risk factors include:

Maintain an optimal body weight. People who are obese with a body mass index (weight in kilograms divided in height in meters squared) of 27 or higher are more likely to have hypertension.
   
Reduce salt intake in your diet. Eating too much salt can increase blood pressure in some people.
 
   
Drink alcohol in moderation. Heavy and regular consumption of alcohol can increase blood pressure.
 
   
Exercise regularly. Lack of exercise and inactivity can lead to excess body weight and increase the chances of high blood pressure.
 
   
Avoid tobacco use. Cigarette smoking is a powerful risk factor for heart disease.
 
   





 
Exercise regularly
Life depends upon movements and health depends upon exercise. It has been proven that regular exercise and training leads to strong a body and helps it to resist negative influences.
 
 
A balanced lifestyle
The Chinese medicine approach to healthcare is no different from the general philosophy of western approaches. It considers that appropriate exercise, diet, relaxation, social relationships, and habits all play a part in promoting or inhibiting the healthy flow of qi in the body. Where the Chinese model may differ is in the area of what is considered "appropriate." It emphasizes the importance of dynamic balance of yin and yang in everything we do, and leads to approaches that do not favor life style. Balance and the "middle way" are everything, and although little is ever completely ruled out, nothing is ever considered very dominant.
 
 
Peace of mind and optimism.
TCM believes a person's mindset contains the power to influence the human body's physiology and pathologic functions positively and negatively; therefore, positive thinking and an optimistic outlook on life can help maintain a healthy balance in the body.
 
 
Use herbs for medical prevention
In recent years, the application of Chinese herbs in preventive medicine has progressed greatly and attracted more and more attention from medical scientists. Using herbs that have been time tested by TCM practioners and medically researched can be beneficial in maintaining a healthy balance in the body and preventing chronic diseases such as hypertension. It is important to understand which herbs are beneficial for your particular condition, and to consult a qualified TCM practitioner for follow up.