Hypertension

Unknown to the West for centuries, acupuncture is finally making great headway in the American medical system. One of the more recent recognitions it is getting in the U.S. is the ability to successfully treat hypertension.

When looking up studies that measure the success for acupuncture in treating hypertension and its varying side effects, hundreds of studies come up. Although most of these are in Chinese, which points to the need for more acupuncture research in the West, the overwhelming conclusion of the studies is that it can be highly effective.

The primary causes of hypertension are almost all due to lifestyle choices. The most common being, smoking, poor diet, and lack of exercise.  In Chinese medicine, emotions can also play a large part. More specifically, not handling emotions properly. The emotion most often associated with hypertension is frustration, which can show as the increased irritability many with hypertension experience.

Typically in our culture, anger/frustration is seen as negative, and so many stifle the expression of this emotion until it gets to a point that's difficult to control. The outburst that follows suppressed frustration may be the reason that it has a negative stigma, but if we learned to express frustration in a healthy way before it gets to that point--outbursts would become extremely rare. Frustration would also flow naturally, and thereby have a less negative impact on our health.

Frustration is caused by unfulfilled desires or unmet expectations. This concept isn't easy to work on, even when knowing this insight. An easier action that anyone can do that can help reduce frustration in the body in addition to acupuncture is Qi Gong.

Qi gong is an extremely ancient art of healing (it's even older than acupuncture!) and can be done by anyone, anywhere. At its core it is the synergy of one's breath, with gentle movement and intention. Along with Tai Chi it is often called a type of "moving meditation".

If you, or someone you know has hypertension and would like to learn Qi Gong or try acupuncture to reduce frustration, and thereby help your blood pressure, please contact us today. 

Here's a link to one of our patient's testimonials: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_N1nLQKqBoU