Are you one of those who heard about acupuncture and its effects for regulating blood pressure but are unsure if it’s the truth or myth? Read on to find out if it works or not!
Quick Summary
- Acupuncture is an old practice that involves treatments using metallic needles.
- Acupuncture shows a positive outcome when used to cure both primary and secondary hypertension.
- There are about four main acupoints attached to blood pressure treatments.
- This practice may or may not have side effects on individuals.
High blood pressure and hypertension can affect an individual’s everyday activities in various forms. This condition can be long-lasting if not treated at an early stage.
There are multiple other diseases that can start getting worse if high blood pressure gets out of control and can also be fatal.
In case you are among those who have come across the science of acupuncture and are wondering if it works, keep reading!
Contents
What Is Acupuncture?
Acupuncture is an ancient practice in traditional Chinese medicine that deals with the disease in a unique way. This practice involves penetrating thin and solid metallic needles through the skin, which are activated with the help of gentle and specific movements.
Traditional Chinese medicine has been following this practice for more than 2,000 points in the body connected by pathways or meridians. These meridians are known to create a “Qi,” or ‘energy flow’ responsible for the body’s overall health.
Are Acupuncture And Acupressure The Same?
Acupuncture and acupressure are often mistaken as the same practice but are not. Acupressure is a similar approach to curing illness and relieving pain, but it does not involve the use of needles. On the contrary, this practice applies pressure using fingertips.
How Does The Science Of Acupuncture Work For High Blood Pressure?
There are many studies that have studied the ability of acupuncture to effectively treat hypertension and high blood pressure.
Oxidative stress is caused by glutathione depletion, leading to an elevation in blood pressure. Acupuncture can induce antioxidative treatments that can reduce elevated BP.
This antioxidative treatment is necessary for hypertension and can reduce ROS (reactive oxygen species) formation, improve the body’s antioxidant defence capabilities, and regulate the oxidation or antioxidation enzyme systems.
For primary hypertension
Primary hypertension or elevated blood pressure does not have a single cause that can be underlined. This conditions is related to the risk associated with genetics, age, and lifestyle.
Acupuncture may help an individual manage primary hypertension by minimising the risk factors linked with age and stress.
A study performed on women that have passed menopause shows lower systolic as well as diastolic blood pressure after acupuncture.
Read what these two terms are in our article “Diastole vs. Systole: Guide to Blood Pressure.”
The condition of chronic stress can also increase the chances of developing primary hypertension. Acupuncture can also work on an individual’s stress points and lower their stress levels over the course of time.
For secondary hypertension
Secondary hypertension occurs because of several different underlying causes, like medications and health conditions. The science of acupuncture may not help directly manage this condition, but it can influence the underlying diseases.
The most common diseases which lead to hypertension and may be alleviated with acupuncture is as follows:
- Thyroid
- Type 2 diabetes
- Pregnancy
- Kidney disease
A study revealed that when treated with acupuncture and general treatment, women with preeclampsia can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Regulating Blood Pressure With The Help Of Acupuncture
Acupuncture follows acupoint therapy. These acupoints are the specific points where the “Qi” or vital energy flows from organs to the surface of the body. In comparison, the pathways or meridians connect the external points to the internal organs.
An acupuncturist stimulates the combination of acupoints in a specific manner to balance the “Qi” and regulate bodily functions, including blood pressure.
When it comes to high blood pressure or hypertension, acupuncture may regulate the blood pressure by acting on the hormones that are involved in the RAAS or renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system. This system is responsible for keeping the blood pressure level balanced along with the body’s fluids and electrolytes.
The practice of acupuncture can change the levels (increase) of the neurotransmitter dopamine. This can help in regulating blood pressure.
Another way acupuncture has reflected differences in blood pressure levels is by inducing relaxing effects on the walls of arteries.
Acupoints for regulating high blood pressure
For the regulation of high blood pressure, there are multiple acupoints that one can focus on.
- LR3- Taichong: Located on the top of the foot.
- LI11- Quchi: Located at the crook of the elbow.
- GB20- Fengchi: Located on the back of the neck.
- ST36- Zusanli: Located on the lower leg.
An acupuncturist will detect the right needs after conducting a health study and choose an individual or set of points during the session.
The Safety And Side Effects Involved With Acupuncture
This process is generally safe but may or may not involve some kind of side effects. For most people, this practice is deemed safe, while others may notice the following effects:
- Pain in the area where the needle is inserted
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Bruising or bleeding
If the practitioner does not use sterile or single-use needles, serious problems can arise; therefore, make sure that your acupuncturist is certified.
Acupuncture performed improperly can lead to infection and serious side effects such as injuries in the central nervous system or punctured organs.
Before opting for this practice, it is necessary to know whether you have any kind of bleeding disorder like hemophilia or a connection to metal allergies.
Conclusion
There is no strong evidence of acupuncture directly affecting human blood pressure levels. However, this ancient Chinese practice has been observed to indirectly or directly act on factors that may lower BP in some individuals.
It is very important not to try this practice on your own and only refer to experienced and certified practitioners. It is equally necessary to check for allergies and disorders that may get triggered or affected due to acupuncture.