Alternative methods of treating hypertension are prevalent. Most of them, if not all, have little scientific support; and can even be dangerous for the patient’s health. For the past few years, there has been talk of acupressure to lower blood pressure, a method of traditional Chinese medicine. Does it work? What do the experts say?
From now on, we warn you that you should always follow the treatment indicated by your cardiologist and other lifestyle recommendations. The effectiveness of acupressure in treating hypertension is debatable, so we limit ourselves to describing what is known about it. Before opting for any alternative method, we urge you to consult your doctor.
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What is acupressure therapy?
Acupressure is a type of therapy derived from traditional Chinese medicine, which consists of a series of massages in which manual pressure is applied to specific points on the body. It is very similar to acupuncture, except that the latter consists of applying pressure with needles, and acupressure is done with the fingers of the hands. According to ancient therapy, pressure on the points activates energy flows within the body. This flows through internal pathways that are called meridians. At least about 14 of them are recognized. Thus, the popular acupressure points are distributed along this pathway. When there is a blockage at any of the points, according to the postulates of the theory, then the energy cannot flow. Consequently, the organism develops a symptom, a disease, or a condition. Applying pressure to these points is thought to help restore flow, resulting in improved health.Acupressure to Lower Blood Pressure: What the Science Says
The acupressure technique has been used for several conditions: stress, insomnia, muscle pain, nausea, fatigue, and much more. Recently, its use as an alternative method to treat blood pressure has become popular. What does science say about it? Does it work? There is no substantial evidence that acupressure therapy reduces or controls high blood pressure. Several good works have been published in this regard, without any of them having established an exact relationship between what the theory exposes and the findings or, in any case, the mechanisms involved. Another detail to consider is that many of the studies that have found favorable effects have been carried out in countries where traditional Chinese medicine, and therefore this technique, is widely accepted among the population. Such is the case of a systematic review published in Clinical Epidemiology and Global Health in 2023, where the method was attributed a specific beneficial effect in this context. In addition, there are as many works that dismiss its effects as those that endorse them. Contrary to the review mentioned in the previous section, a study published in Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine found no impact of this technique in patients undergoing coronary angiography.What can be said about it?
In summary, someone studies support the use of acupressure as a complementary therapy for blood pressure, while others have not found a relationship that justifies their employment. Given the lack of conclusive evidence, it cannot be stated that the technique is 100% effective, let alone that it can be used as a substitute for drug therapy. Despite this, and as long as the specialist’s medical prescription is followed, acupressure can be assumed to complement the primary treatment. Although the mechanism under which it operates is unknown, it is thought that the favorable results obtained in some contexts have to do with the relaxation that occurs when completing a session of this type. On the other hand, s long as the therapy complements the pharmacological indication, it is a safe alternative. The Johns Hopkins Medicine guideline for preventing and controlling hypertensive patients includes the practice as a potential recommendation. Along with it are also meditation and breathing exercises.Example of an acupressure session
Usually, acupressure sessions are performed by an acupuncturist. Most places offering acupuncture services also have acupressure sessions, so the idea is that you resort to them. Depending on the technique, acupressure points can be activated through the elbows, fingers, feet, knuckles, palms, or thumbs. Sometimes special tools can be used. The desired acupressure point must be located, and light to moderate pressure must be applied for 30 seconds to proceed. Some even extend this time range to two minutes. Gradually, the pressure is decreased under the same amount of time that the pressure was made. For example, if the first case were chosen, the force would be gradually withdrawn over 30 seconds. Based on the previous indication, the sessions are carried out with three to five repetitions. There are many points distributed throughout the body according to the theory, some of which are as follows:- LI4 acupressure point or He gu is located between the base of the thumb and the index finger.
- GB20 or Feng chi acupressure point: It is located between the junction of the base of the brain and the spinal column.
- ST2 or Si bai acupressure point: located on the cheeks.
What can I do to control high blood pressure?
We have already made it clear that although its efficacy is limited, acupressure can be used as an adjunct to the primary therapy to control blood pressure. We cannot dismiss this space without referring to the latter since it is the basis for regulating hypertension and avoiding its sequelae in the medium and long term. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute points out that the treatment choice is personalized. Typically, the specialist will develop a plan based on heart-healthy lifestyle changes alone or with medication. The choice is made based on the nature of each case, its causes, the patient’s age, the underlying diseases, and so on.Changes in lifestyle
Lifestyle changes are a must when it comes to high blood pressure. The list is extensive, and depending on each case, more emphasis can be placed on some factors. According to the National Health Service of the United Kingdom, the most important are the following:- Limit salt intake to less than 6 grams daily (about a teaspoon spread over all meals).
- Implement a diet based on fresh fruits and vegetables. Avoid, on the other hand, excess fat and frying.
- Maintain an active lifestyle. Including a weekly fitness-based exercise routine is a desirable goal.
- Reduce alcohol intake.
- Lose weight or, failing that, maintain it.
- Drink less caffeine (with it, all drinks that include it).
- Give up smoking.
Drug therapy
High blood pressure can be controlled with one or more medications. The choice is made in a personalized way, so you must go to the doctor’s office so that he can assess which therapy is most effective. As a reference, and based on the World Health Organization ( WHO ), the most used are the following:- ACE (angiotensin-converting enzyme) inhibitors. Among which are enalapril and lisinopril.
- Angiotensin-2 receptor blockers (ARBs). As are losartan and telmisartan.
- Calcium channel blockers. For example, amlodipine and felodipine.
- Diuretics. As are hydrochlorothiazide and chlorthalidon.