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Hypertension(High Blood Pressure)

Hypertension (HTN) or high blood pressure, sometimes called arterial hypertension, is a chronic medical condition in which the blood pressure in the arteries is elevated. This requires the heart to work harder than normal to circulate blood through the blood vessels. Blood pressure is summarised by two measurements, systolic and diastolic, which depend on whether the heart muscle is contracting (systole) or relaxed between beats (diastole). Normal blood pressure at rest is within the range of 100-140mmHg systolic (top reading) and 60-90mmHg diastolic (bottom reading). High blood pressure is said to be present if it is persistently at or above 140/90 mmHg.

Hypertension is classified as either primary (essential) hypertension or secondary hypertension; about 90–95% of cases are categorized as “primary hypertension” which means high blood pressure with no obvious underlying medical cause. The remaining 5–10% of cases (secondary hypertension) are caused by other conditions that affect the kidneys, arteries, heart or endocrine system.

Hypertension is a major risk factor for stroke, myocardial infarction (heart attacks), heart failure, aneurysms of the arteries (e.g. aortic aneurysm), peripheral arterial disease and is a cause of chronic kidney disease. Even moderate elevation of arterial blood pressure is associated with a shortened life expectancy. Dietary and lifestyle changes can improve blood pressure control and decrease the risk of associated health complications, although drug treatment is often necessary in people for whom lifestyle changes prove ineffective or insufficient. <Definition from WIKI>

What kind of Symptoms in Hypertension?

Headaches (particularly at the back of the head and in the morning)
Lightheadedness
Vertigo
Tinnitus (buzzing or hissing in the ears)
Altered vision or fainting episodes

Hypertension with Acupuncture?

Hypertension is not a condition described in traditional Chinese medicine but acupuncture and herbal medicine are good method for this condition makes better. Great care must be taken to differentiate which syndrome or category the patient belongs to before treating with acupuncture. The symptoms below are not always present, but a skilled practitioner of acupuncture will be able to make a differentiation based on the patients general body condition and nature.

Pre-hypertension: Pre-hypertension (measured between 120 – 139 mmHg over 80 – 90 mmHg) can generally be effectively treated with two treatments weekly for two to four weeks. Sustained lowering of pre-hypertension is longer if diet modifications are made and/or if herbs are taken in conjunction with treatment.

Hypertension: With hypertension, acupuncture is generally very effective after a three month course. We will work with your doctor to maintain and then slowly lower your hypertensive prescriptions as we see improvement.

Treatment Modalities: Treatment modalities for high blood pressure include acupuncture, herbs, ear seeds (small seeds that are stuck to the ear that can be manually stimulated by the patient), and suggestions for dietary improvements.