What if a relaxing acupuncture session can lower your roofing blood pressure? For many centuries, acupuncture has been considered a remedy for pain and relaxation. The therapy is known to have considerable effects on the musculoskeletal system and provide dramatic relief in painful conditions like muscle spasms and migraines. Recently, however, there has been a growing body of evidence that suggests the efficacy of acupuncture in treating Hypertension, especially in preventing it.
Some Facts About Hypertension
High blood pressure or Hypertension is considered a severe medical condition caused by a long-term increase in the force exerted on the arterial walls by the blood. It is given the name ‘silent killer’ because people suffering from it may not know anything is wrong, but the damage is still occurring. A person is diagnosed with Hypertension by their provider if their systolic blood pressure readings are ≥140 mmHg and/or if the diastolic blood pressure readings are ≥90 mmHg for longer than two days. Secondary hypertension is more or less caused by other underlying conditions and, unlike primary hypertension, takes less time to form in the body. Such underlying conditions can include:
- Obstructive sleep apnea – a condition in which people have difficulty breathing and disturbances in their sleep
- Renal diseases
- Adrenal gland tumors
- Thyroid issues
- Congenital disabilities in blood vessels
- Medications, such as birth control, common cold remedies, pain relievers, and prescription drugs
- Abused substances, such as cocaine, marijuana, and amphetamines
Hypertension is often silent in the early disease course but slowly deteriorates many parts of the body. The most deleterious effects are on the kidney and eye. Over time high blood pressure leads to narrowing the arteries and reduces blood supply to these vital organs. Some symptoms may include:
- Headaches
- Lightheadedness
- Partial blindness or flashes
- Decreased urine
- Edema or swelling of the legs
In severe Hypertension, the kidneys can fail, you might encounter blindness, and there is a serious risk of experiencing brain hemorrhage.
Acupuncture for Hypertension
Acupuncture, an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), first originated in China during the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) and has since been intuitively used to help heal and treat various health conditions. Western medicine practitioners have embraced its practical use over the centuries, especially in the USA, where acupuncture is now categorized as a medical tool by the FDA. This form of holistic therapy involves placing needles into specific pressure points inside the human body to help unclog energy passages and stimulate neural networks. Some believe that stimulation from acupuncture boosts your body’s endorphins.
Acupuncture works by clearing disruptions in energy flow in the human body. It is believed that proper energy flow, also known as Qi in Chinese, in the body is needed to keep it healthy and balanced. Disturbances in energy flow can cause imbalances and can lead to sickness. Acupuncture improves energy flow through the body’s 12 meridians, pathways through which the body’s energy flows. These meridians are said to provide energy to the vital organs of our body. Stimulating acupuncture points that lie on the meridians encourages the body’s physical & mental wellbeing, promotes releasing of the body’s endorphins to combat pain, and creates harmony and balance in the body.
Benefits of Acupuncture
There are many benefits to acupuncture. Mentally it can provide a sense of clarity and relaxation as this treatment proves to release the body’s mood-enhancing hormones and endorphins; therefore, it can help people who deal with stress and anxiety. Acupuncture has been reported to reduce high blood pressure. Its treatment has provided better solutions to contemporary medicine due to a decrease in side effects. People with Hypertension have more disordered energy flow, and acupuncture plays a big part in restoring energy flow in the body by activating the central nervous pathways. Zheng et al. (2019) conducted an experiment that showed that hypertensive patients who received acupuncture therapy had a lower systolic BP as compared to the patients who were put on a waiting list.
One of the compelling pieces of evidence supporting acupuncture’s use for blood pressure reduction is reducing overall stress. Research suggests that stress is a risk factor for precipitating cardiovascular diseases, including Hypertension. The release of pressure points through fine needling helps promote eustress (optimal stress) in the body and lowers the excessive mental and physical stress, which might be the reason for your Hypertension.
Regarding the duration, six months of acupuncture treatment seems to be more effective than conventional therapy in the treatment of lower back pain. Acupuncture over traditional therapy not only lasts longer, but it does not include the contraindications and other adverse effects such as the risk of heart failure that contemporary medicine carries.
During the Acupuncture Session
Acupuncture is performed using sterilized disposable stainless-steel needles that are as thin as a hair strand. These needles are sometimes heated or made to carry a small electric current before inserting. The patient is first meant to lie or sit down before inserting the needle. The needles are then inserted into acupuncture points that lie on the 12 meridians in the body by the acupuncturist. During insertion, a mild tingling and pinching sensation can be felt as the needle moves through the upper layers of the skin cells. If the needle is placed correctly, an ache and some pressure can be felt after insertion; however, sharp pain might be sensed if the needle is positioned incorrectly. Patients frequently feel a relaxing and energizing sensation right after the treatment.
Patients who undergo the treatment several times can expect to feel relaxed. Most patients report having a night of better sleep, alleviating digestion problems, and an overall sense of wellbeing. The concept of ‘it gets worse before it gets better’ can also apply to some patients who receive the treatment. This is because acupuncture sometimes can cause high amounts of energy released during the first few therapy sessions, which can produce symptoms like fatigue and emotional release. A common misconception about acupuncture is that it should only be done when needed. Some patients feel better after their first session, but it is essential to maintain regular treatment to ensure that your energy is flowing throughout the body.
In a nutshell, acupuncture can be very beneficial for people with high blood pressure and other medical conditions that cause pain. The treatment is pain-free and way cheaper than other conventional medicines. For people trying to get a hold of their Hypertension, acupuncture may provide a better solution than conventional prescription medicines.