Acupuncture May Benefit Patients With High Blood Pressure

A recent study has produced encouraging results for patients with high blood pressure, which leads researchers to suggest that electroacupuncture could also help reduce the risk of stroke and heart disease in patients.

Electroacupuncture Shows Promising Results

The new study conducted at the University of California Irvine (UCI) confirmed that electroacupuncture can lower blood pressure in patients who have mild to moderate hypertension with results that can last for up to 6 weeks. Electroacupuncture is a type of acupuncture that uses acupuncture needles inserted at specific points, then sends very light electrical pulses through those needles. The study suggests that with regular use, patients could possibly manage their blood pressure, thus reducing their risk of stroke and heart disease.

Integrating Western And Chinese Medicine

Cardiologist and author of the study, UCI professor John Longhurst said that this clinical study follows almost 10 years of bench research on the topic. He stated that the team feels they have integrated Chinese and Western medicine by using Western scientific precision to validate 3,000 year old Eastern therapy. And this can be viewed as a beneficial guideline in treating high blood pressure, which affects millions in the US.

High Blood Pressure Affects Millions In US

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), approximately 30% (or 70 million) American adults are living with high blood pressure. Of those affected, it is estimated that about half have the condition under control. To cover things such as health care services, absence from work, and medications, it is estimated that high blood pressure costs the US $46 billion each year.

Electroacupuncture Resulted In Noticeable Drop In Blood Pressure

The study involved 65 patients with hypertension who were not using medications to treat their condition. Patients were randomly divided between 2 groups, one receiving electroacupuncture treatment on acupoints used to decrease blood pressure, and the control group which received electroacupuncture to points not related to proper treatment. Of the 33 patients who received proper electroacupuncture treatment, 70% experienced a drop in their blood pressure. The average decrease for those patients was 6-8 mm/Hg for systolic blood pressure, and 4 mm/Hg for diastolic blood pressure. These improvements lasted 6 weeks after their treatment with electroacupuncture. The patients in the control group experienced no significant blood pressure change.

How You Can Benefit From Acupuncture

For many patients suffering from hypertension, this is welcomed news if it means they could possibly end their dependence on medications to treat their high blood pressure. This recent study is just one of many that have confirmed how Chinese medicine can benefit many common ailments. If you would like to learn more about how acupuncture can help you move forward in life with reduced or even eliminated pain, call Metro Detroit Acupuncture today at 248-432-2846.