3 Real Cases of How TCM & Western Clinics Can Help With Hypertension/ Insomnia/ Menopause

Do you struggle with these issues?

• Blood pressure spikes or drops unpredictably, and you still feel dizzy on medication?

• Do you find yourself lying down for 1–2 hours at night tossing and turning but just can’t seem to fall asleep? Waking up exhausted and dull-faced?

• Menopausal hot flashes, night sweats, or mood swings, but afraid of hormone therapy side effects?

In Singapore, a collaborative approach between licensed Western clinics and Yong Kang TCM Clinic (TCM Practitioners Board certified) can provide more comfortable, effective solutions. Here are 3 real cases showing how patients overcame these challenges.

Case 1: 48-Year-Old IT Professional — Hypertension Controlled, No More Multiple Medications

Mr. Chen (long hours coding) had hypertension for 3 years. He uses single-drug therapy with amlodipine but it failed to control his blood pressure (spiking to 150/95 mmHg). Over time, he experienced dizziness, head heaviness, and shallow sleep. The Western doctor warned that adding more drugs could harm the kidneys and recommended integrated TCM support.

Collaborative Approach

Western Clinic (stabilizing indicators):

1. Low-dose combination therapy: Amlodipine 5mg + Valsartan 80mg — lower doses reduce side effects and stabilize blood pressure better than a single high dose.

2. Home monitoring: Twice daily readings (8 AM & 8 PM) using a home BP monitor, recorded for follow-up.

3. Diet & exercise guidance: Avoid high-sodium foods like laksa and salted eggs; brisk walking 30 minutes daily near HDB, aiming for BMI <24.

Yong Kang TCM Clinic (addressing root cause):

1. Diagnosis: “Liver yang rising” — stress and late nights cause excess liver heat, contributing to hypertension.

2. Herbal + acupuncture treatment:

   • Herbs: Tian Ma Gou Teng Yin with modifications (Gastrodia, Uncaria, Poria) to calm liver, relieve dizziness, and stabilize blood pressure.

   • Acupuncture: Twice weekly at Taichong and Fengchi, 20 minutes per session — relieves head heaviness and promotes relaxation.

Outcome:

• 1 month: BP stabilized at 125/80 mmHg, dizziness gone, sleep deeper.

• 3 months: Western doctor reduced Valsartan to 40mg; TCM switched to mild Qi Ju Di Huang Wan to consolidate results.

• Now: Only one medication needed, BP remains normal, and working overtime no longer causes head heaviness.

Case 2: 35-Year-Old Marketing Executive — Falling Asleep in 30 Minutes Without Sleeping Pills

Ms. Lin (PR, office worker) suffered insomnia for 2 years — she sometimes lie awake until 2 AM, with frequent night awakenings, daytime fatigue and overall lack of focus. A Western doctor prescribed her Zopiclone, but she feared dependency on the medication

Collaborative Approach

Western Clinic (short-term support, avoiding dependency):

1. Low-dose, as-needed: Zopiclone 3.75mg, max 3 times per week.

2. Relaxation techniques: 5-minute pre-sleep routine — “4-7-8 breathing” (inhale 4 sec, hold 7 sec, exhale 8 sec).

3. Sleep tracking: Use a mobile app to record sleep duration for informed adjustments.

Yong Kang TCM Clinic (long-term root cause treatment):

1. Diagnosis: “Heart and kidney disharmony” — chronic stress causes heart fire to rise, while kidney water is insufficient.

2. Herbal + auricular therapy:

   • Herbs: Suan Zao Ren Tang (Sour Jujube Seed 20g, Huang Lian 5g, Cinnamon 3g) to calm mind and balance heart-fire.

   • Ear seeds: Applied to Shenmen, Heart, Kidney points; can massage 1 minute at work for relaxation.

Outcome:

• 2 weeks: Falling asleep within 30 minutes, waking at most once per night.

• 1 month: Zopiclone discontinued, TCM maintained sleep quality.

• 3 months: 7 hours sleep nightly, alert and productive at work without coffee reliance.

Case 3: 52-Year-Old Retired Teacher — Menopausal Hot Flashes Reduced, Mood Stable, Joints Comfortable

Ms. Wang (Singaporean, recently retired) experienced menopausal hot flashes and night sweats — 5–6 episodes/day, night sweats soaking sleepwear, easily irritated, and knee discomfort. She feared hormone therapy due to breast hyperplasia risk.

Collaborative Approach

Western Clinic (acute relief, low-risk):

1. Low-dose hormone: Tibolone 0.625mg to reduce hot flashes and night sweats.

2. Vitamin D supplementation: 1000 IU daily to prevent osteoporosis and joint pain.

3. Regular monitoring: Breast ultrasound and lipid panel every 2 months.

Yong Kang TCM Clinic (long-term body support):

1. Diagnosis: “Kidney yin deficiency” — post-menopause, insufficient kidney yin leads to heat, causing hot flashes and irritability.

2. Herbal + moxibustion:

   • Herbs: Liu Wei Di Huang Wan with adjustments (Shu Di Huang 15g, Mai Dong 12g, Wu Wei Zi 6g) to nourish kidney yin and control sweating.

   • Moxibustion: Twice weekly at Guanyuan and Sanyinjiao, 15 minutes per session to warm the body and reduce hot flashes.

Outcome:

• 1 month: Hot flashes reduced from 5/day to 1–2/day; no night sweats; mood stable.

• 2 months: Tibolone reduced to 0.3125mg.

• 3 months: Joints comfortable; normal breast ultrasound and blood tests; maintaining with herbs + vitamin D only.

Integrated Care Benefits for Singaporeans