Acupuncture, an ancient practice, has been explored as a potential treatment for managing high blood pressure. High blood pressure, or hypertension, occurs when blood exerts excessive force against artery walls, veins, and heart chambers. Prolonged hypertension can damage blood vessel linings and lead to arteriosclerosis, the hardening of arteries.
While symptoms of high blood pressure aren’t always obvious, some individuals may experience sudden dizziness, flushed face, nervousness, severe headaches, restlessness, difficulty breathing, nosebleeds, insomnia, intestinal issues, depression, irritability, and emotional instability. Diagnosis involves repeated elevated blood pressure readings. Other physical signs can include frequent urination, vision changes, and muscle weakness.
Electro-acupuncture, combining acupuncture with electrical stimulation, has shown promise in lowering blood pressure elevations. Initial research involved inserting acupuncture needles into the forearm above the wrist. Adding low-frequency electrical stimulation to the needles proved effective in reducing blood pressure, while high-frequency stimulation did not.
Research suggests acupuncture stimulates brain cells, prompting the release of neurotransmitters that modulate heart activity. In treating hypertension, needles are inserted at specific points on the wrist, forearm, or leg to stimulate opioid chemicals in the brain. This reduces excitatory responses within the cardiovascular system, leading to decreased heart activity and oxygen demand, ultimately lowering blood pressure. This can also aid in healing heart-related conditions like myocardial ischemia and hypertension.
Alongside acupuncture, certain herbs like Tian Ma (Gastrodia Rhizome), Xia Ku Cao (Prunella), and Shan Zha can be used to potentially reduce high blood pressure. Furthermore, applying pressure to the skin on the back of the hand between the thumb and index finger is considered a natural acupuncture treatment.