Essential hypertension, or primary hypertension, is a medical condition in which blood pressure remains consistently elevated despite no apparent cause.
Western medicine offers several treatment options for essential hypertension. The medications used to treat hypertension include diuretics, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, and angiotensin receptor blockers [1]. These drugs relax blood vessels and suppress hormone production that raises blood pressure. Sometimes, doctors prescribe a combination of medications for optimal blood pressure control.
Acupuncture can stimulate the release of natural pain-relieving chemicals in the body, modulating the sympathetic nervous system, which regulates blood pressure. Current evidence suggests that Acupuncture may be a safe and effective alternative to conventional treatments. Acupuncture can decrease stress and tension during treatment. The effect varies for each patient. Usually, a patient with a chronic problem may benefit from having two acupuncture treatments per week for a few weeks. As the patient’s symptoms diminish, the frequency of treatment reduces.
The ancient art of Acupuncture may be beneficial in treating essential hypertension. In a study published in the Journal of Hypertension, researchers found that Acupuncture effectively reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in hypertensive patients. Additionally, these patients reported decreasing symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, and palpitations. This study the Effects of Acupuncture Intervention on the Blood Pressure of Essential Hypertension Patients and the Sympathetic Activity of Renal Blood Vessels [2]. The effects of Acupuncture on blood pressure and renal sympathetic activity in patients with essential hypertension were investigated. They concluded that Acupuncture could effectively reduce blood pressure and improve renal sympathetic activity, indicating that it could be a promising therapy for essential hypertension.
For patients with mild-to-moderate hypertension, doctors may recommend lifestyle modifications such as regular exercise, weight loss, reducing salt intake, managing stress, quitting smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption. These changes can help lower blood pressure and reduce the risk of associated complications.
Regular blood pressure checks and ongoing monitoring of other health conditions that may contribute to hypertension are essential components of treatment. Patients with hypertension may require periodic adjustments to their treatment plan based on changes in blood pressure readings or other factors.
Overall, the optimal treatment approach for essential hypertension will depend on various factors, including the patient’s age, medical history, and lifestyle factors. Patients must work closely with their healthcare provider to develop and maintain a comprehensive treatment plan that addresses their needs and goals.
With proper management, essential hypertension may be effectively controlled to reduce the risk of associated complications.
The treatment of Acupuncture at Acupuncture Zen in Delray Beach, Florida can be a valuable tool in healing for many conditions including essential hypertension. Key acupuncture points are used to decrease stress, regulate the nervous system and calm the mind.
[1] Acute High Blood Pressure: Care Instructions. https://myhealth.alberta.ca/health/AfterCareInformation/pages/conditions.aspx?hwid=abo3530
[2] Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine 2015 (2015): 1-7. doi 10.1155/2015/164739.
