Feeling hot-headed? Noticing more migraines? Overwhelmed by stress? If so, it may be time to take a closer look at your blood pressure levels.
People often call high blood pressure (or hypertension) the ‘silent killer’ because it develops gradually and rarely causes noticeable symptoms. But if left unmanaged, it can increase the risk of heart disease, stroke, and other serious health issues – all of which you can avoid with a few healthy habits, including acupuncture for high blood pressure.
If you’ve been diagnosed with high blood pressure or want to take preventative steps, acupuncture and Oriental medicine herbs can help regulate your blood pressure naturally – and support your long-term cardiovascular health.
Understanding High Blood Pressure: More Than Just a Numbers Game
What is blood pressure, really?
Blood pressure is the force of blood against your artery walls. Think of it like water pushing against the sides of a garden hose. If the pressure stays high for too long, it strains the hose and weakens it. The same happens in your body. Over time, high blood pressure stresses your arteries and heart, leading to serious health problems.
Now, what actually causes high blood pressure?
- Chronic stress and anxiety
- Poor diet (too much salt, processed foods, or alcohol)
- Lack of physical activity
- Excess weight or obesity
- Genetics or family history
- Underlying medical conditions (such as kidney disease or hormonal imbalances)
A New Approach to High Blood Pressure Treatment
If you’re diagnosed with high blood pressure, your doctor will likely hand you a prescription and suggest you find ways to reduce your stress. However, while these drugs can be effective, they may have side effects like dizziness, fatigue, and muscle weakness.
Here’s Dr. Ko’s take on this approach:
“High blood pressure cannot be treated with Western medicine. High blood pressure medication temporarily lowers blood pressure and is not a cure. And if the body adapts to the high blood pressure medication and no longer responds to it or does not take the high blood pressure medication, the blood pressure rises until it no longer has time to rise, and then rapidly falls causing shock and collapse, which can be even more dangerous. Once you start taking blood pressure medication, you have to take it for the rest of your life. In Oriental medicine, acupuncture improves circulation in our body. High blood pressure is because the upper and lower balance is broken and circulation becomes stagnant, but acupuncture promotes circulation and maintains balance.”
As Dr. Ko mentions, Oriental medicine offers a new (albeit ancient) approach. Acupuncture and herbal medicine are natural and side-effect-free ways to help your body regulate blood pressure and promote overall well-being. Using acupuncture and Oriental medicine can help you reduce your need for blood pressure medications – or even eliminate them.
Acupuncture for High Blood Pressure
Some benefits of acupuncture are hard to measure. For instance, it’s difficult to put a number on mood or digestion. But with heart health, the effects are clear. Regular acupuncture treatments can lower blood pressure, which we can easily track over time.
In general, acupuncture for high blood pressure works by stimulating the nervous system, improving circulation, and restoring balance within the body. Here’s how it helps regulate blood pressure specifically:
- Reduces Stress and Promotes Relaxation
Stress is a major contributor to high blood pressure. When you’re constantly in “fight or flight” mode, your body releases cortisol and adrenaline, which cause blood vessels to constrict. Acupuncture calms the nervous system, lowers cortisol levels, and triggers the release of endorphins—your body’s natural feel-good chemicals. - Improves Circulation and Heart Function
Acupuncture helps dilate blood vessels, making it easier for blood to flow freely. Research shows that acupuncture treatments can lower systolic and diastolic blood pressure by improving blood vessel elasticity and heart function. - Supports Kidney Health
In TCM, the kidneys play a critical role in water metabolism and blood pressure regulation. Acupuncture strengthens kidney function, preventing fluid retention and excessive pressure on blood vessels.
Herbal Medicine for High Blood Pressure
Chinese herbal medicine provides additional support by helping to balance the body’s systems. Dr. Ko will prescribe an herbal formula that fits your exact needs, but here are some of the most commonly used herbs used to manage high blood pressure:
- Chai Hu Gui Zhi Tang (柴胡桂枝湯)
This is a common formula used to control blood pressure in a natural, non-addictive way. - Tian Ma (Gastrodia Elata)
This herb is commonly used to calm the liver and reduce hypertension caused by stress and anxiety. - Gou Teng (Uncaria Rhynchophylla)
Known for its ability to lower blood pressure by relaxing blood vessels, Gou Teng is often used in formulas for hypertension and cardiovascular health. - Shan Zha (Hawthorn Berry)
A well-known heart tonic, Shan Zha helps lower cholesterol, improve circulation, and strengthen heart function. - Huang Qin (Scutellaria Baicalensis)
This anti-inflammatory herb helps clear heat from the body and supports vascular health. - Du Zhong (Eucommia Bark)
Commonly used for kidney and liver support, Du Zhong helps regulate blood pressure by strengthening these organs.
Lifestyle and Diet Tips for Blood Pressure Management
Acupuncture for high blood pressure and herbal medicine help manage blood pressure. But they work best with a healthy lifestyle. Here are some simple ways to support your heart health:
- Eat a heart-healthy diet. Reduce processed foods, salt, and sugar while increasing whole foods, leafy greens, and lean proteins.
- Stay active. Regular movement, such as walking, yoga, or Tai Chi, improves circulation and supports heart health.
- Manage stress. Meditation, deep breathing, and acupuncture all help lower stress levels.
- Prioritize sleep. Poor sleep increases blood pressure. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality rest each night.
- Drink herbal teas. Rather than load up on coffee or sodas, make the switch to herbal teas. Chrysanthemum tea and hibiscus tea are great choices that naturally help lower blood pressure.
- Go to acupuncture regularly. Experts recommend receiving acupuncture consistently—not just once or twice. If you consistently receive acupuncture, your body will maintain balance. Just as you go to the gym and exercise for your health, you can maintain your health by consistently receiving acupuncture.
Take Control of Your Heart Health with Acupuncture for High Blood Pressure
Managing high blood pressure doesn’t have to mean relying solely on medication. Acupuncture and herbal medicine offer natural, effective solutions to keep your heart healthy and your blood pressure in check. Whether you’re looking to prevent hypertension or reduce your reliance on medication, this holistic approach can help.
Ready to take the next step? Book your consultation with 120 Acupuncture Clinic in Studio City, Los Angeles or call us at 1-818-980-7979 to start your journey to better heart health.
