hypertension - how acupuncture help

Hypertension, or high blood pressure, affects more than one in three Americans, but most people may not even know they have it. Since hypertension can lead to heart attacks and other life-threatening health problems, its very important to learn all you can and take action to lower your risk.

Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine offer a safe, natural, and pain-free ways to keep your blood pressure in check.

What is hypertension? Blood pressure is the actual force of blood pressing against your artery walls. Getting your blood pressure tested is a quick, simple process. It's measured in two numbers: systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is considered high if your systolic pressure is at or above 140 mm Hg, and/or your diastolic pressure is at or above 90 mm Hg.
Often called "the silent killer," hypertension doesn't usually cause symptoms until it gets severe enough to lead to major health problems such as heart failure, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and metabolic disorders. It has also been linked to dementia and cognitive impairment.

What cause hypertension? More than 90% of cases of high blood pressure are known as "essential hypertension," on the other hand, is caused by underlying conditions such as kidney disease or certain medications.
The risk factors for essential hypertension include age(the risk is higher after age 35), race(African Americans are at higher risk), and a family history of the condition. While you can't control those factors, there are many you can control, including:

* Being overweight
* Being stressed
* Consuming too much salt
* Drinking heavily
* Not excersing
* Using tobacco

How can acupuncture and OM help? Fortunately, there are many ways to lower your blood pressure. Typical Western treatments includes controlling your risk factors and taking medication if needed. By incorporating acupuncture and OM into your treatment plan, you can treat your hypertension and improve your overall health and well-being in other, complementary ways.

Acupuncture and OM practitioners take a holistic, or"whole body," approach for the treatment of hypertension, and take into account inharmonious conditions of the whole system that can involve the function of the liver, kidneys, digestive system and heart.

Treatment is based upon the concept of Qi, the vital energy that flows through pathwas called meridians, providing nourishment of all of the body's organs and protecting it from illness. When the flow of Qi becomes diminished or blocked, disease and illness result.

The goal of treatment is to find and address the underlying imbalance(s) affecting the flow of Qi, leading to the elevated to blood pressure and various symptoms. By addressing the root cause(s) of your high blood pressure, OM can help your body regain its natural balance. In doing so, you'll also be strengthening your health and reducing the risk of future health conditions.

Acupuncture and OM have proven effective against a wide variety of health concerns. Studies have found that a special form of acupuncture called electro-acupuncture, which uses electrical stimulation, may be particularly helpful in lowering blood pressure. By working together with your practitioner, you'll be on your way to successfully treating your hypertension and improving your health, for today and the days ahead. In addition to healthy eating and regular exercise, consistent acupuncture treatment should be considered for the greatest long term results.

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