THA's Practice Specialties:
- Classical Five Element Acupuncture
- Nambudripad's Allergy Elimination Technique (N.A.E.T.)
- Pain management
- Women's Health and Gynecological Difficulties: PMS, Infertility and Menopause
Acupuncture and Hypertension
Hypertension affects approximately 60 million people, or about 20% of the adult population in the U.S. It is often referred to as the "silent killer," because nearly one-third of the people with hypertension do not even know they have it.
Hypertension is a disorder characterized primarily by high blood pressure. Some of the other symptoms of high blood pressure are: dizziness, heart palpitations, fatigue, headaches, shortness of breath, and sweating. There are many factors associated with hypertension, including genetics, age, race, long-term stress, obesity, smoking, high salt diet, alcohol abuse and a sedentary lifestyle.
Blood pressure is the force of blood flowing against the walls of our arteries. Measuring blood pressure results in two numbers – systolic pressure and diastolic pressure. Systolic pressure is the pressure generated when the heart contracts and pumps blood through the artery. Diastolic pressure represents the pressure in the vessels when the heart is at rest. The numbers are stated together as “120 over 80”, for example. Medical guidelines state that a normal blood pressure for most adults is less than 120/80. Doctors recommend drug treatment is recommended if your blood pressure is at or above 140/90.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, there is a different view of hypertension. Traditional Chinese Medicine considers the inharmonious condition of a person’s whole system, which can involve the improper function of various bodily systems. Since Oriental medicine views disease as an imbalance within an energetic pathway known as a “meridian” or their associated organs, treatment plans can vary from person to person depending on their specific pattern of imbalance. TCM recognizes several patterns that can lead to high blood pressure. For hypertension, these imbalances are often found within the Liver, Kidney, Heart, and Pericardium. An acupuncturist will use observation, a thorough medical history and an interview with the patient to distinguish what kind of imbalance is present and will then formulate an appropriate treatment plan for the individual. Acupuncture can be both treatment and a preventative method for hypertension.
If you have hypertension, there are things you can do to help yourself, too. Diet and lifestyle changes are often very important in maintaining proper blood pressure. Lowering or eliminating salt intake has been shown to decrease blood pressure as well as adding adequate amounts of potassium, calcium, and magnesium to the diet. It is important to avoid animal fat, eat a healthy diet of fruits, whole grains and vegetables, and avoid coffee, alcohol, and smoking. Weight loss, for those overweight, and regular exercise have also shown to have positive results in lowering blood pressure, as well.
About the Practitioners
Michele and Traci both received their Master of Traditional Oriental Medicine (M.T.O.M.) from Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in San Diego, CA. They are California Licensed Acupuncturists (L.Ac.), and are National Board Certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbology (NCCAOM).
If you are wondering whether acupuncture is right for you, please give Michele and Traci a call at (858) 613-0792. We will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
(858) 613-0792
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