Acupuncture Reduces High Blood Pressure

A few months ago Terenteva et al. published their research findings on the effect of acupuncture in a group of middle-aged individuals with hypertension. Forty five adults with hypertension were randomly assigned to either an acupuncture group or a control group. The acupuncture group received 3 sessions of acupuncture per week for 8 weeks. The following points were needled bilaterally for 20 mins: St36, St37, Pc5, Pc6, Liv3, Sp4, and LI11.

The researchers found that acupuncture “resulted in beneficial reductions of aortic hemodynamics and arterial stiffness”. “Acupuncture decreased brachial systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) by approximately 10 and 6 mmHg, respectively.” It also reduced aortic SBP by 10 mmHg. Although these effects seem small, they can decrease cardiovascular risk by over 30%.

The mechanisms behind the effects are thought to come from an increase in secretion of vasodilators (nitric oxide) and a decrease in secretion of vasoconstrictors (endothelin-1, angiotensin II). Modulation of the autonomic nervous system by decreasing sympathetic activity may also play a part.