Though acupuncture has been utilized for its health benefits since ancient times, it is only now once again gaining public prominence. For years, believers of acupuncture have insisted that the treatment efficiently curbs everything from stress to chronic pain, but researchers have struggled to find a way to scientifically quantify such benefits. Now, as of July 2016, a new study has confirmed that acupuncture can indeed lower blood pressure. This data is sure to spur more affirmative research regarding acupuncture, so here is what you need to know!
The Basics of Acupuncture
Acupuncture was developed by the ancient Chinese as a system of pricking the skin or tissue with needles in order to treat a variety of physical, mental, and emotional conditions. According to traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture targets specific points located on the body that, when triggered, releases a flow of energy and stimulates the body’s healing process in order to bring everything back into balance. Western science explains this in terms of stimulating nerves, muscles, and connective tissue to activate the body’s natural painkillers and blood flow.
The Uses of Acupuncture
The World Health Organization (WHO) has approved acupuncture for the treatment of 28 different conditions, including tension headaches, nausea, depression, allergies, arthritis, hypertension, and more. It is becoming such a popular method of treatment because there are very few side effects when performed safely, and acupuncture often provides benefits for people who do not respond to medications. It is believed that acupuncture before and after surgery can significantly reduce pain and recovery time.
Most Recent Study
A recent study evaluated the role of acupuncture in controlling hypertension, an issue that affects about one billion people around the world. One-third of all Americans struggle from hypertension in the form of high blood pressure, and some people need as many as four medications to control the dangers of high blood pressure.
The study took 65 people with mild to moderately high blood pressure and divided them into two groups. One received acupuncture specific to high blood pressure and the other received acupuncture for a different purpose. After one month, patients in the first group experienced a significant drop in blood pressure and other chemical levels associated with hypertension. With 70 percent of the active test group demonstrating positive responses to acupuncture, the proof is there.