Acupuncture, Lifestyle Changes Lower Blood Pressure

Before we get started on this topic, let me say this: if your doctor has prescribed blood pressure medication for you, you need to take it. No if's, and's or but's. Both acupuncture and lifestyle changes are effective tools to lower blood pressure, but they are not a substitute for medication. If you are diligent with natural methods, you doctor may choose to lower your dosage or discontinue your medication, but it's not a decision you, the patient, are qualified to make.

That said, I was excited to read about this 2007 German study that is the first rigorous, randomized study in the West on blood pressure and acupuncture. It concluded that properly performed acupuncture reduces blood pressure as much as an ACE inhibitor. Reasearchers concluded that the reduction isnot massive, but it is significant.

In addition to regular acupunture, the American Heart Association recommends the following lifestyle changes for individuals diagnosed with high blood pressure:

1. Get Moving - Regular physical activity means a healthier heart, period. Depending on your individual health profile, you may need a specific exercise program. Be sure to check with your doctor.

2. Avoid Alcohol - Limit yourself to one drink a day if you're a woman and two drinks a day if you are a man. Anything more can increase blood pressure.

3. Avoid Salt - This doesn't just mean don't add salt to your food, it mean reading labels and avoiding restaurants. Fresh fruits, fresh veggies and whole grains prepared without salt are excellent choices.

4. Check Your Blood Pressure Often - This will let you know if you've got your pressure under control. If you don't have a machine at home, go to a local pharmacy. There is usually a cuff in the waiting area that you can use free of charge. Write down the results, and report them to your doctor on your next visit.