A study done at the University of Nanjing in 2004 has suggested that acupuncture treatments may benefit patients with high blood pressure. In fact, many practitioners believe that this alternative therapy may even lower the risk of stroke and heart disease.
A trial recently conducted at the University of California-Irvine, proposed the efficacy of acupuncture in alleviating the effects of mild to moderate hypertension. The team behind the trial has described how electrical pulses through acupuncture needles can help people manage their blood pressure.
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, about 170 million adults worldwide are suffering from high blood pressure, and only half of this number have their condition under control.
This is why a lot of people are looking for an alternative treatment that can help them control hypertension, and acupuncture is a supplemental therapy that may provide a long-term solution to their problem.
Facts about acupuncture
Acupuncture is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and has been used in Asia for over 3,000 years. The practitioner will use thin needles to stimulate various points on the body, along channels of energy or meridians.
Electroacupuncture is commonly used for these types of supplemental treatments and it is applied to both sides of the inner wrists and slightly below each knee. These are the acupoints associated with blood pressure. Also, TCM takes into consideration the emotional state of the patient.
It is believed that our feelings and moods can stimulate our sympathetic nervous system, contributing to high blood pressure and heart disease. Acupuncture is thought to trigger natural chemicals in our brain that can relax our body and mind. when this causes a change in your blood pressure, you can be sure that your treatments are working.
A licensed acupuncturist may also recommend herbal supplements customised for each patient’s specific needs and circumstances.
Changing lifestyle
Regular acupuncture treatment may reduce your blood pressure, but you may also need to change your lifestyle. This may include exercising at least 30 minutes a day and reducing salt intake, as well as eating fibre-rich foods.
Overall, acupuncture may provide a cumulative effect in the long run, but it is necessary to stick with your regimen and follow your practitioner’s recommendation. You may also need to visit your doctor to determine which dietary changes are required, as well as the right type of exercise for your current condition. Most importantly, monitor your blood pressure daily and continue taking your current medication, especially if your medical practitioner requires you to take it as a maintenance for your hypertension.