High blood pressure is a common heart condition that increases the risk of heart attacks, strokes and other heart diseases. High blood pressure occurs when the heart has to pump out blood with more pressure, either because the arteries are blocked, or when the blood is unable to reach all parts of the body due to other reasons.
Treating and keeping high blood pressure under control is very important. Diet, exercise, and medication are some effective ways to treat hypertension. Acupressure points for high blood pressure have also been popularly used as a treatment method for hypertension.
As per the Ministry of Ayush, India, Acupressure is an ancient healing art. It uses the fingers or any blunted object to press key points called ‘Acu Points’ on the skin surface rhythmically, to stimulate the body’s natural self-curative abilities. When these acupressure points for high BP are pressed, they release muscular tension and promote the circulation of blood to aid healing.
Causes Of High Blood Pressure
Although the precise causes of hypertension are not known, there are numerous factors that play a role in increasing the risk of high blood pressure such as:-
- Smoking
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Being overweight or obese
- Consuming too much salt in the diet
- Chronic stress
- Progressing age
- Genetics
- Family history of hypertension
- Sleep apnea
- Chronic kidney diseases
- Thyroid disorders
What Are The Symptoms Of Hypertension Or High BP?
Hypertension is generally a silent condition. Many people may not even experience any symptoms. It may take years or even decades for the condition to reach levels severe enough that symptoms become obvious. Even then, these symptoms may be attributed to other issues.
Some of the common symptoms of severe hypertension can include:-
- headaches
- shortness of breath
- nosebleeds
- flushing
- dizziness
- chest pain
- visual changes
- blood in the urine
These symptoms certainly require immediate medical attention and may not occur in everyone with hypertension. One of the best ways to know if you have hypertension is to get regular blood pressure readings done. Most medical professionals recommend a blood pressure reading at every appointment.
10 Effective Acupressure Points To Treat Hypertension Or High Blood Pressure
There are certain acupressure points that can be effective to reduce high blood pressure when applied in the right way. Below-mentioned are some of the crucial acupressure points that are known to minimize the problem of hypertension.
1. GB20
This acupressure for high BP point is called the Gallbladder 20 or GB 20. It is found on the points at the base of your skull. Place your hands on both sides of your vertebrae and apply pressure with your thumbs at the back of your head for a minute to treat cases of high BP.
2. GV 20
This acupressure point for hypertension is located on the highest place of the head where all the yang meridians meet. The therapeutic effects of GV20 are usually relief from headache, stroke, dizziness, and anxiety. Acupuncture stimulation of GV 20 and EX-HN 1 with sustained needle-retention works well in lowering blood pressure.
3. LI 11
The large Intestine 11 is a point located at the elbow. The easiest way to locate it is to bend your arm and look for the end of the crease on the outer side of your bent elbow. Large Intestine 11 (LI 11) is believed to be one of the strongest points in the body for clearing heat; whether that heat is related to a sunburn, a fever from a cold or hot flashes just to name a few. LI 11 acts as a great vent for the body to release a little steam whenever it’s needed. Applying this pressure point helps in lowering blood pressure.
4. LI 4
LI4 is the Large Intestine 4 point. This is one of the most important acupressure points for blood pressure that can help in situations of chronic pain and conditions like high blood pressure. The LI4 is located similar to the LV3 point but on the hand. You may find it on the joint between the thumb and the index finger. It can help in treating many other problems like toothache, sinus and skin problems. This acupressure for blood pressure should not be massaged or pressed by pregnant women, as it can induce labour prematurely.
5. ST 36
ST36 is commonly used for gastrointestinal discomfort, nausea and vomiting, and stress and fatigue. You may find this pressure point located four finger widths down from the bottom of your knee cap, along the outer boundary of your shin-bone. If you reach the right place, a muscle should pop out as you move your foot up and down. To apply this acupressure point, you must locate the point, and then apply downward pressure on the muscle, stimulating the area for 4-5 seconds.
6. PC 6
PC6 or Pericardium 6 is one of the vital pressure points to lower blood pressure. The point is located in the middle of the wrist, a little towards your elbow. It can be applied to relieve anxiety, lower blood pressure, reduce motion sickness and asthma symptoms.
7. GB 34
GB34 is located below the outside of the knee, in a tender depression 1 body inch anterior and inferior to the head of the fibula. Fibula is the smaller of the two bones of the lower leg. Application of GB34 is effective for reducing high blood pressure.
8. LV 3
The LV3 or the liver 3 is located in between the two toes, towards the origin of the toes. Massaging or pressing this point can help in various ways such as relieving anxiety, menstrual cramps, and reducing blood pressure.
9. HT 7
It is located on the inner wrist crease towards the little finger side. This point deeply connects with the heart meridian to nourish the spirit and treat all emotional imbalances, and strengthen heart qi and blood. Thus, it plays a crucial role for lowering blood pressure.
10. KD 1
K1 is located on the sole of your foot and is the first point of the Kidney Meridian or the entry point for Qi or the vital energy. It has a downward pull, meaning that activating this point will drain excess energy from the upper part of the body, especially the head and mind, helping you feel relieved.
How Is High Blood Pressure Diagnosed?
High blood pressure is diagnosed with a blood pressure monitor. This is a common test for all doctor visits. A nurse will place a band (cuff) around your arm. The band is attached to a small pump and a meter. He or she will squeeze the pump. It will feel tight around your arm. Then he or she will stop and watch the meter. This provides the nurse with 2 numbers that make up your blood pressure. The top number is your systolic reading (the peak blood pressure when your heart is squeezing blood out). The bottom number is your diastolic reading (the pressure when your heart is filling with blood). You may also hear the doctor or nurse say a blood pressure is “120 over 80.”
Conclusion
The best way to lower blood pressure begins with the changes you make to your lifestyle in order to help lower your blood pressure and reduce your risk of heart disease. Additionally, your doctor may prescribe medicines to reduce your blood pressure.
FAQ’s
1. How can I lower my blood pressure in minutes?
If your blood pressure is elevated, and you want to see an immediate change, you must lie down and take deep breaths. This will help lower your blood pressure within minutes.
2. Does lemon lower BP?
Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, oranges, and lemons are known to have blood-pressure-lowering effects. This is because these fruits are loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that may help keep your heart healthy by reducing heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure.
3. What should I do if my blood pressure is 160 over 100?
If in case your blood pressure is higher than 160/100 mmHg, then three visits to the doctor should be enough. If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg, then five visits are needed before a diagnosis can be made. If your systolic or diastolic blood pressure stays high, then the diagnosis of hypertension can be made.
4. Is Acupressure good for reducing pressure?
A new study suggests that a form of acupuncture may benefit patients with high blood pressure and lower their risk of stroke and heart disease. A form of acupuncture known as Electro acupuncture applies low-intensity electrical pulses through needles inserted at specific points on the body for reducing pressure.
To know more about the acupressure points for lowering blood pressure, you must get in touch with a well-known acupuncture therapist. He/She will guide you through the appropriate steps to apply acupressure therapy in the most appropriate way. However, if the case of blood pressure is severe, you must not hesitate to consult a medical professional. In cases of emergency, medical consultation is highly recommended.
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