Hypertension or high blood pressure poses a significant risk to both mortality and disability rates in India. If you are living with high blood pressure, your healthcare team may recommend incorporating lifestyle changes and, in some cases, medication to manage your symptoms. However, alongside these conventional approaches, acupuncture, a therapeutic method derived from traditional Chinese medicine (TCM), may offer potential benefits as part of your treatment regimen.
For approximately 3,000 years, acupuncture has been utilised to address various health issues. This practice involves the insertion of ultra-thin, flexible needles into specific acupoints on the body, stimulating the body's natural healing processes. Additionally, modern acupuncture techniques may incorporate electro acupuncture, which involves the application of an electric current through acupuncture needles.
Systolic blood pressure represents the maximum pressure exerted during a heartbeat when blood is being pumped out of the heart into the body's arteries. On the other hand, diastolic blood pressure is the lowest pressure recorded between heartbeats when the heart is filling with blood.
BP can rise temporarily during exercise or stress but when it remains persistently high, even at rest, it can damage the arteries. Stage 1 hypertension is characterised by a systolic reading of 130-139 or a diastolic reading of 80-89. A reading of 140/90 or higher is classified as stage 2 hypertension. A hypertensive crisis is indicated by a systolic rate of over 180 or a diastolic rate over of 120.
High BP can lead to serious health problems such as heart disease, heart failure, stroke, kidney damage, vision loss, memory loss, and cognitive decline.
Regarding hypertension, acupuncture may assist in regulating blood pressure by affecting the hormones involved in the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system (RAAS). This system is responsible for maintaining blood pressure levels and fluid-electrolyte balance.
In particular, acupuncture may influence the presence of hormones and enzymes related to the RAAS in the bloodstream and stimulate receptors in the body that regulate blood pressure.
Moreover, acupuncture could potentially act on the limbic system, leading to increased levels of dopamine, a neurotransmitter that plays a significant role in the brain's reward system. According to a study conducted recently, dopamine has the potential to decrease oxidative stress, which is characterised by an overabundance of free radicals, thereby assisting in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels.
In a 2007 clinical study published in Circulation, it was suggested that acupuncture, performed according to the precise specifications of ancient Chinese tradition, could be an effective treatment for mild hypertension, with some individuals experiencing results comparable to those achieved through single-drug therapy or aggressive lifestyle changes such as exercise and salt restriction. Additionally, a 2019 review concluded that combining acupuncture with Western medicine approaches could be more effective in improving hypertension than Western medicine alone.
Research indicates that acupuncture may provide temporary relief for individuals with high blood pressure. Combining acupuncture with standard blood pressure medication may have a greater effect on reducing blood pressure compared to medication alone. It is generally safe to use acupuncture alongside most blood pressure medications. However, it is crucial to seek treatment from a licensed and board-certified acupuncturist to ensure safe and effective therapy.
Disclaimer: This Article is auto-generated from the IANS news service