
High blood pressure is a serious condition which can cause heart attacks, strokes and kidney damage. Since it is a painless condition, many people do not realize they have it until it is discovered during a routine physical examination.
There are many possible causes of hypertension which should be investigated and reduced as much as possible. Drugs which increase urinary output thereby reducing edema are effective in lowering blood pressure in many cases but may have undesirable side effects. Tranquilizing drugs reduce blood pressure but cause impaired coordination, drowsiness and depression or even more serious side effects in many cases. Such drugs, however, should not be discontinued without medical supervision.
Acupuncture is effective in reducing blood pressure in most cases and can be used along with antihypertensive drugs or as a substitute for them in some cases. The blood pressure should be checked frequently to be sure it is kept at safe levels.
Salt and salty foods should be eliminated from the diet. Vitamin E 400 Units should be taken to prevent thrombosis and Vitamin C to prevent hemorrhage along with a diet free from fried and fatty foods, sweets, caffeine and alcohol. Mild exercise may be beneficial in keeping blood pressure under control, but strenuous exercise may cause heart attacks or strokes if blood pressure is high.
[Treatment]
1. Body acupuncture
Prescription: Fengchi ( GB 20 ), Quchi ( LI 11 ), Hegu (LI 4), Xuehai (SP 10), Fenglong (ST 40) and Taichong (LR 3).
Modification: For hyperactivity of liver yang, Xingjian (LR 2) and Baihui (GV 20) are added; for phlegm-fire disturbing the upper; Fenglong (ST 40) and Yinlingquan (SP 9) are added; for yin asthenia and yang hyperactivity, Ganshu (BL 18), Shenshu (BL 23), Sany-injiao (SP 6) and Taixi (KI 3) are added; for asthenia of both yin and yang, Shenshu (BL 23), Guanyuan (CV 4), Zusanli (ST 36) and Sanyinjiao (SP 6) are added; for in-somnia and dysphoria, Shenmen (HT 7 ) is added; for constipation, Zhigou (TE 6) is added; for oppression and fullness in the chest and epigastrium, Neiguan (PC 6) and Zusanli (ST 36) are added; for numbness of limbs, Yan-glingquan (GB 34) is added.
Performance: The needling techniques are selected according to the manifestations of syndromes. For as-thenia of both yin and yang, moxibustion can be used or e-lectropuncture may be resorted to for supplementary purpose.
2. Ear acupuncture
Prescription: Ear Shenmen ( TF4 ), Upper Fossa (TF1), Liver ( C012 ), Kidney ( CO10 ), Tubercule (HXs), Adrenal Gland (TG2p), Sympathetic (AH
Performance: Each time 3 - 5 acupoints can be selected and needled with filiform needles with moderate and strong stimulation. The needles are retained for 30 minutes and manipulated once every 5 - 10 minutes, once a day or once every other day. Or Wangbuliuxingzi (Se-men Vaccariae) is used for ear pressure. Or three-edged needle is used for bloodletting on the tip of the ear or back of the ear, once every other day.