How can acupuncture help lower your blood pressure?
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases that, if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, can lead to fatal diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Normal blood pressure in a healthy adult, measured with a sphygmomanometer, is approximately 120-100/85-60, where the higher number is systolic pressure and the lower is diastolic. People with a BP over 130/80 are said to have high blood pressure. Hypertension, also known as the “silent killer,” rarely causes symptoms and, if untreated, can cause various problems such as: • Heart attack • Stroking • Kidney failure • Heart defect • Vision problems Apart from allopathic…

How can acupuncture help lower your blood pressure?
Hypertension or high blood pressure is one of the most common cardiovascular diseases that, if not diagnosed and treated in a timely manner, can lead to fatal diseases such as heart disease and stroke. Normal blood pressure in a healthy adult, measured with a sphygmomanometer, is approximately 120-100/85-60, where the higher number is systolic pressure and the lower is diastolic. People with a BP over 130/80 are said to have high blood pressure.
Hypertension, also known as the “silent killer,” rarely causes symptoms and, if untreated, can cause various problems such as:
• Heart attack
• Stroke
• Kidney failure
• Heart defect
• Visibility problems
Aside from allopathic medications, which can have serious side effects, and lifestyle changes, acupuncture has been shown to be highly effective in normalizing blood pressure. Many people prefer to receive acupuncture treatment for high blood pressure from a well-trained and experienced acupuncturist. The experienced acupuncturist will diagnose your health condition, find out the possible causes of high blood pressure, and insert very fine needles into certain key points of your body, especially the inner wrist and parts of the legs below the knee. Inserting these hair-thin needles stimulates areas of the brain that control blood pressure by releasing relaxing hormones that dilate small blood vessels. In addition to these effects, the needles also smooth the flow of energy and thus bring harmony to the body.
Causes of high blood pressure
In many cases of high blood pressure, doctors find it quite difficult to determine the exact cause of high blood pressure. However, your acupuncturist will spend time finding the true causes of your high blood pressure and using acupuncture and herbs to treat the root causes. The following are common causes of high blood pressure:
• Being overweight or obese
• Smoke
• Heavy drinking
• Family history of diabetes and hypertension
• Lack of exercise
• Preference for high salt intake and consumption of junk food
• Lots of stress
People who undergo acupuncture from an experienced acupuncturist for 30-45 minutes once a week for 10 to 12 weeks have shown commendable results. These patients had a decrease in systolic blood pressure of 6 to 10 mmHg (points) and diastolic blood pressure of 4 to 10 mmHg (points).
People with prehypertension (blood pressure slightly higher than 120/79) may be able to avoid taking medication by receiving acupuncture once or twice a week and practicing Taiichi and meditation. These practices help them minimize the risk of stroke, macular degeneration, atrial fibrillation, heart failure and other cardiovascular diseases that can be caused by high blood pressure.
Given the possible side effects of high blood pressure medications, it is better to seek acupuncture treatments from experts with knowledge of Western and Chinese medicine. Many people have experienced long-lasting health benefits from acupuncture treatments coupled with significant lifestyle changes that have helped them feel relaxed and rejuvenated.
People seeking acupuncture treatment for high blood pressure should look for experienced acupuncturists in the Boston area, receive the best acupuncture treatment, and ensure that the entire course of treatment is completed. They should also do regular exercises and combine meditation, Qi Gong and yoga to reduce their stress.
These practices would help them reduce stress and improve the flow of energy to their body, thereby helping them normalize their blood pressure. The acupuncturist may suggest some changes in his lifestyle such as: Such as nutrition, time management, exercise and a healthier routine that would help him improve his overall health and fitness.
Inspired by Li Zheng