Acupuncture for High Blood Pressure.
High blood pressure (hypertension) and cardiovascular disease has become the most important preventable risk factor for premature deaths worldwide. A normal blood pressure level is around 120/80 mmHg.
Having a high blood pressure increases the risk of heart attacks, stroke, congestive heart failure, kidney failure and erectile dysfunction. More than 90% of high blood pressure cases are categorised as "primary hypertension" which means there is no clear diagnosable cause according to western medicine.
Studies have shown that both acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine may be beneficial as an adjunct therapy for high blood pressure.
What does the research say?
The following insights are obtained from systematic reviews and analysis of clinical trials investigating the efficacy of Chinese medicine and acupuncture for high blood pressure.
2023 Biomedical Reports
Consuming a honey-based gel, such as 'Bear Strength honey gel,' led to a notable reduction in diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, with gender-specific improvements in redox status among healthy adults.
The study included 20 healthy participants (10 men, 10 women) who incorporated 70g of 'Bear Strength honey gel' into their daily diet for 14 days. Physiological parameters (weight, height, BMI, body fat, waist-to-hip ratio, resting heart rate, and blood pressure) and hematological data were evaluated before and after consumption. Redox biomarkers, including Glutathione (GSH), catalase (CAT), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), protein carbonyls (PCARBS), and thiobarbituric reactive substances (TBARS), were measured.
Post-consumption, the honey-based gel showed a significant decrease in diastolic and mean arterial blood pressure, particularly in women. However, no significant changes were observed in other physiological or hematological variables. Notably, GSH levels increased in both genders, TAC increased universally, and TBARS levels decreased in the total group and women. PCARBS levels decreased exclusively in the women's group. These findings highlight the honey-based gel's potential positive impact on blood pressure and redox status, emphasizing gender-specific effects in healthy adults.
Evaluation of the effects of a honey‑based gel on blood redox biomarkers and the physiological profile of healthy adults: A pilot study Patouna A, Sevdalis P, Papanikolaou K, Kourti M, Skaperda Z, Jamurtas A, Kouretas D
2022 Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products
Consumption of broccoli sprouts significantly lowers blood pressure, potentially due to properties of sulforaphane.
The research pulled from ten clinical trials studying human subjects' cardiometabolic health in relation to broccoli sprout supplementation. The literature used for this systematic review and meta-analysis was compiled from research found on Pubmed and Scopus up until June 2022, the range of studies spanned from 2004 to 2019. To create a valid comparison, seven of the clinical trials contained control groups.
Discussing the results, it was found that the intake of broccoli sprouts brought significant reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressures. In addition, minor changes in blood lipid biomarkers were also tracked when compared to their baseline levels. These results confirmed the vegetable's hypotensive properties and brought attention to the potential sulforaphane-dependent effects it holds, thus underlining broccoli sprouts' value in managing cardiometabolic diseases.
Beneficial Effects of Sulforaphane-Yielding Broccoli Sprout on Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis Houshialsadat Z, Mirmiran P, Zare-Javid A, Bahadoran Z, Houghton C
2020 Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
The study shows the promising potential of Suan Zao Ren as a multi-effect traditional Chinese medicine derived from the seeds of Ziziphus Jujuba.
The methodology of the research was primarily a comprehensive literature review of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen (aka Suan Zao Ren). The team explored the botanical characteristics, traditional uses, pharmacology, and discovered compounds in the seeds of Ziziphus Jujuba.
In regards to the results of the review, more than 150 compounds were identified in Ziziphi Spinosae Semen. These compounds, which mainly include terpenoids, flavonoids and others, show various biological activities. It was found that the seeds are particularly prominent in having sedative and hypnotic effects. Other properties discovered include antitumor potential, improvement to learning and memory, anti-inflammatory, antioxidative, anti-aging, alongside lower blood pressure and lipid levels. Traditional usage of the seeds for the treatment of insomnia, forgetfulness, headaches and dizziness were confirmed by the review.
Botanical and Traditional Uses and Phytochemical, Pharmacological, Pharmacokinetic, and Toxicological Characteristics of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen: A Review Su-Rong He, Chong-Bo Zhao, Jing-Xia Zhang, Jing Wang, Bo Wu, Chun-Jie Wu,
2019 Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
Synbiotic pomegranate juice daily consumption for 8 weeks enhances metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and blood pressure outcomes in females with Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome.
In this double-blind randomised study over 8 weeks, participants were given 300ml/day of either plain pomegranate juice, a synbiotic beverage, a synbiotic pomegranate juice, or a placebo beverage. Biochemical measures such as lipid profile, total antioxidant capacity, malondialdehyde, and high sensitivity C-reactive protein, as well as blood pressure were evaluated at the start and the end of the trial.
Participants who consumed pomegranate juice, the synbiotic beverage or the synbiotic pomegranate juice saw positive changes in their lipid profiles, oxidative stress markers, inflammation indicators and blood pressure levels. Specifically, total cholesterol was lower for those who consumed the synbiotic beverage, while bad cholesterol (LDL-c) was reduced in the synbiotic and synbiotic pomegranate juice groups, and good cholesterol levels (HDL-c) were increased in the plain pomegranate juice and the synbiotic pomegranate juice groups. As for oxidative stress and inflammation, malondialdehyde was lower and total antioxidant capacity was increased in the pomegranate juice and synbiotic pomegranate juice groups. High sensitivity C-reactive protein decreased in the pomegranate juice group. Blood pressure was lower among those who consumed both the synbiotic pomegranate juice and plain pomegranate juice compared to those who had the placebo.
The effect of synbiotics pomegranate juice on cardiovascular risk factors in PCOS patients: a randomized, triple-blinded, controlled trial Esmaeilinezhad Z, Barati-Boldaji R, Brett NR, de Zepetnek JOT, Bellissimo N, Babajafari S, Sohrabi Z
2019 Nutrients
Daily consumption of tart cherry juice for 12 weeks showed anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties which may reduce blood pressure and lower LDL cholesterol in older adults.
In the randomized-controlled clinical trial conducted, 37 participants aged between 65 and 80 were given either 480 mL of tart cherry juice or a control drink to consume daily for a span of 12 weeks. Blood biomarkers linked to inflammation and oxidative stress were analyzed both at the start and after the 12 weeks intervention.
Post the intervention period, levels of several inflammation and oxidative stress blood biomarkers in the tart cherry juice group observed notable differences compared to the control group. Particularly, a perceivable elevation in DNA repair activity coupled with a reduced mean c-reactive protein level was seen. Furthermore, a significant group effect was seen in plasma levels of c-reactive protein and malondialdehyde, with a slightly less significant effect observed for oxidized low-density lipoprotein. Post- intervention plasma levels showed a decreasing trend, with c-reactive protein, malondialdehyde, and oxidized low-density lipoprotein falling by 25%, 3%, and 11% respectively compared to the baseline values.
Effects of Tart Cherry Juice on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Older Adults Chai S, Davis K, Zhang Z, Zha L, Kirschner K
2019 Frontiers in Pharmacology
Pu-erh tea's ability to lower blood pressure is primarily due to theabrownins and caffeine, which cause vasodilation irrespective of the endothelium.
For the research methodology, researchers used pu-erh tea aqueous extract to analyze its effects on rat thoracic aortas previously tightened by Phenylephrine or KCl. They observed the isometric tension and intracellular calcium to gauge the direct effects of the tea. The aqueous tea extract was separated into different fractions using organic solvents to identify the specific active components. They assessed the impact these had on the arteries.
The results demonstrated that the vessels relaxed in response to the pu-erh tea extract, irrespective of whether the endothelium was removed or preincubated with potassium channel blockers. Furthermore, the contractibility of the vessels induced by Phenylephrine or CaCl under different conditions was reduced. There was also a decrease in the KCl-induced increase of intracellular calcium in rat aortic smooth muscle cells. Among the different components, researchers found that the chloroform precipitate of the pu-erh tea extract resulted in the strongest vasodilation. Theabrownins, a major part of this precipitate, and caffeine were identified as the active components causing vasodilation in an endothelium-independent manner.
Pu-Erh Tea Relaxes the Thoracic Aorta of Rats by Reducing Intracellular Calcium Luo Dan, Chen Xuejiao, Zhu Xu, Liu Shuang, Li Jie, Xu Jianping, Zhao Jinhua, Ji Xu
2019 Journal of Sleep Research
Acupuncture therapy does not impact the severity of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, blood pressure, or quality of life in hypertensive patients.
The study examined the effects of acupuncture on blood pressure and Obstructive Sleep Apnea severity in hypertensive patients. These patients, all suffering from mild to moderate Obstructive Sleep Apnea, were randomly divided into two groups, one of which received acupuncture treatment while the other received sham-acupuncture treatment, essentially a placebo. Each patient's condition was assessed before and after ten acupuncture sessions, relying on measures such as polysomnography, around-the-clock blood pressure monitoring, and a life quality survey.
A total of 44 patients completed the study, the group covering both genders, with an average age of 57 years, and a diverse range of body mass indices and apnea-hypopnea indices. It's important to note that there were no distinguishable differences observed in the apnea-hypopnea index, daytime or nighttime blood pressure, or life quality between the group that received genuine acupuncture treatment and the group that received the placebo treatment.
Effects of acupuncture on obstructive sleep apnea severity, blood pressure control and quality of life in patients with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial Silva MVFP, Lustosa TC, Arai VJ, Couto Patriota TLG, Lira MPF, Linsâ€Filho OL, Chalegre ST, B.B.A.S. K, Secundo IV, Pedrosa RP
Consult with our practitioners for personalised care and advice.
Although well-conducted clinical research can help members of the public to make better-informed decisions about their healthcare, we cannot claim that any particular treatment may be effective for any individual person.
When you consult with our Chinese medicine practitioners, you'll receive personalised advice and treatment based on your symptoms and Chinese medicine diagnosis.
Scientific References
Browse our collection of scientific clinical research on acupuncture for high blood pressure.
It includes recent and reputable papers published by peer-reviewed journals within the last 10 years.
2023, Mar 21
Evaluation of the effects of a honey‑based gel on blood redox biomarkers and the physiological profile of healthy adults: A pilot study
Biomedical Reports
Results revealed that the honey‑based gel decreased the diastolic and mean arterial BP, especially in women, without affecting the rest of the physiological and hematological variables. The findings of the present study indicate that the consumption of the natural honey-based gel results in significant changes in BP and indices of the redox status, that are more evident in women.
Patouna A, Sevdalis P, Papanikolaou K, Kourti M, Skaperda Z, Jamurtas A, Kouretas D Full Article
2022, Oct 18
Beneficial Effects of Sulforaphane-Yielding Broccoli Sprout on Cardiometabolic Health: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Jundishapur Journal of Natural Pharmaceutical Products
The study concludes that the dietary intake of broccoli sprouts significantly reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressures, and showed marginal changes in blood lipid biomarkers, confirming the hypotensive properties and potential sulforaphane-dependent effects of broccoli sprouts.
Houshialsadat Z, Mirmiran P, Zare-Javid A, Bahadoran Z, Houghton C Full Article
2020, Jul 10
Botanical and Traditional Uses and Phytochemical, Pharmacological, Pharmacokinetic, and Toxicological Characteristics of Ziziphi Spinosae Semen: A Review
Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine
This article reflected the chemical components of red date with its high efficacy to produce antioxidant effects. Therefore suggests it to be highly effective in improving learning and memory, anti-inflammation, blood pressure and lipid lowering, antiaging, and even antitumor.
Su-Rong He, Chong-Bo Zhao, Jing-Xia Zhang, Jing Wang, Bo Wu, Chun-Jie Wu, Full Article
2019, Dec 11
The effect of synbiotics pomegranate juice on cardiovascular risk factors in PCOS patients: a randomized, triple-blinded, controlled trial
Journal of Endocrinological Investigation
Consuming synbiotic pomegranate juice for 8 weeks improved metabolic, oxidative, inflammatory, and blood pressure outcomes in females with PCOS.
Esmaeilinezhad Z, Barati-Boldaji R, Brett NR, de Zepetnek JOT, Bellissimo N, Babajafari S, Sohrabi Z Full Article
2019, Jan 22
Effects of Tart Cherry Juice on Biomarkers of Inflammation and Oxidative Stress in Older Adults
Nutrients
The present study suggests that the ability of tart cherry juice to reduce systolic BP and LDL cholesterol, in part, may be due to its anti-oxidative and anti-inflammatory properties.
Chai S, Davis K, Zhang Z, Zha L, Kirschner K Full Article
2019, Dec 28
Pu-Erh Tea Relaxes the Thoracic Aorta of Rats by Reducing Intracellular Calcium
Frontiers in Pharmacology
In conclusion, theabrownins and caffeine should be the two main active components in pu-erh tea. Pu-erh aqueous extract vasodilated arteries in an endothelium-independent manner, which might partly be attributed to the decrease in extracellular Ca2+ influx. Moreover, our study provided data on the potential mechanism of the hypotensive actions of pu-erh tea, which might improve our understanding of the effect of pu-erh tea on the prevention and treatment of hypertension.
Luo Dan, Chen Xuejiao, Zhu Xu, Liu Shuang, Li Jie, Xu Jianping, Zhao Jinhua, Ji Xu Full Article
2019, Dec 23
Effects of acupuncture on obstructive sleep apnea severity, blood pressure control and quality of life in patients with hypertension: A randomized controlled trial
Journal of Sleep Research
A short course of acupuncture in hypertensive patients under effective antihypertensive treatment with mild to moderate OSA did not reduce OSA severity, or daytime or nocturnal BP, and did not improve quality of life.
Silva MVFP, Lustosa TC, Arai VJ, Couto Patriota TLG, Lira MPF, Linsâ€Filho OL, Chalegre ST, B.B.A.S. K, Secundo IV, Pedrosa RP Full Article
“It is by virtue of the twelve channels that human life exists, that disease arises, that human beings can be treated and illness cured. The twelve channels are where beginners start and masters end.” The Classic of Acupuncture
Circa 1st Century BCE