Reduce Risk with TCM
Acupuncture and herbal medicine are both used to address high cholesterol.  Acupuncture can be used to treat many of the health conditions that are known to drastically increase the risk of heart disease and high cholesterol. Here are a few of the risk factors that can be addressed with acupuncture:
Smoking
High Blood Pressure
Excess weight
Diabetes

Herbal Medicine
Several Chinese herbs and herbal formulas are used to lower cholesterol levels. Fructus Crataegi (Shanzha) also known as Hawthorn berry, have been shown to reduce LDL cholesterol levels and lower blood pressure. Most herbal medicines are a blend of herbs specifically chosen for each individual. Please talk to your practitioner about which herbal formulas and supplements for high cholesterol and heart health are right for you.

Causes of High Cholesterol
Three nutrients in your diet make LDL ("bad" cholesterol) levels rise:
Saturated fat, a type of fat found mostly in foods that come from animals
Trans fat, found mostly in foods made with hydrogenated oils and fats such as stick margarine,
Cholesterol, which comes only from animal products.

Overweight
Excess weight tends to increase your LDL level. Also, it typically raises triglycerides, a fatty substance in the blood and in food and lowers HDL. Losing the extra pounds may help lower your LSL and triglycerides, while raising your HDL.

Physical Inactivity
Being physically inactive contributes to overweight and can raise LDL and lower HDL. Regular physical activity can raise HDL and lower triglycerides, and can help you lose weight and, in that way, help lower your LDL. Participate in physical activity of moderate intensity—like brisk walking—for at least 30 minutes on most, and preferably all, days of the week. No time? Break the 30 minutes into three, 10-minute segments during the day.

Health Tips for High Cholesterol
Increase you intake of fiber-rich foods such as oatmeal, whole grains, fruits, vegetables and legumes (beans, soybeans).
Soy products help lower cholesterol levels due to their isoflavone content.
Include garlic, onions, avocados, salmon, almonds and walnuts in your diet.
Omega-3 oils such as flax seed oil and fish oil helps lower cholesterol.
Copper and chromium are minerals that have been shown to lower cholesterol levels.