Can Acupuncture Help Hypertension?
Traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) and acupuncture have been preventing and treating hypertension and its myriad of symptoms successfully for thousands of years. With regular treatment, high blood pressure can be cured.

Recently, there has even been some western research that shows acupuncture is an effective method to control hypertension and can in some cases effect a cure. Medical researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital, at the University of California at Irvine, in Russia, and in China have all confirmed that acupuncture does indeed lower blood pressure.^1,2

Acupuncture needles gently inserted into specific areas of the skin stimulate nerves that reach up into the brain to cells that control blood pressure. These cells quiet down after acupuncture, and blood vessels relax. The researchers have found that 12 acupuncture treatments over a one-week period produce significant reductions in blood pressure and that in most cases the benefits are long-lasting. The researchers also say that 12 weekly treatments over six weeks can produce a cure, which doctors define as maintaining normal blood pressure readings without medication for one year.

Oriental medicine views disease as imbalances within energetic pathways known as "meridians" or their associated organs. For hypertension these imbalances are often found within the liver, kidney, heart, and pericardium. Through observation, a thorough medical history, and an interview, the acupuncturist is able to distinguish the kind of imbalances present and to create an appropriate treatment plan for the individual and his or her specific pattern of imbalance. Acupuncture points may vary from person to person, and some patients will be prescribed herbal medicine along with the acupuncture.

Acupuncture can both treat hypertension and act as a preventative medicine. TCM recognizes several patterns that can lead to high blood pressure, and some other important factors in maintaining proper blood pressure are diet and lifestyle changes. Lowering or eliminating salt intake as well as adding adequate amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium to the diet can decrease blood pressure. It is important to avoid animal fat, coffee, alcohol, and smoking, and to eat a healthy diet of fruits, whole grains, and vegetables. Weight loss for those who are overweight and regular exercise have also shown positive results in lowering blood pressure. Proper diet and nutrition along with a healthy lifestyle and the limiting of stressors can prevent many illnesses and aid in keeping your body well-balanced. Acupuncture and Chinese Medicine can play an important role in improving your health.

For those wanting more help with diet guidelines and changes, a nutritional assessment can be of great benefit. Here at the Center for Health and Healing, we do them quite often in conjunction with acupuncture.

Call 713-660-6620 for an appointment today to determine a treatment plan for you.

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