High blood pressure can develop over many years without noticeable symptoms. Fifty-eight million Americans, or about 18% to 20% of the US adult population have hypertension, but nearly one-third of people do not even know they have it. This is why hypertension is often called the "silent killer." Only when blood pressure is severe do warning signs appear, such as headaches, dizziness, nose bleeds, and racing or irregular heart beat. High blood pressure is a serious physical disorder; it can cause many health problems, including heart attack, stroke, brain damage, kidney damage and blindness.

Acupuncture and Chinese herbal medicine are playing a very important role in the management of hypertension. Based on the theory of traditional Chinese Medicine, the elevated blood pressure and symptoms are regarded as the superficial aspect of a deeper underlying health condition, so the treatment is not just to eliminate or alleviate the symptoms, but rather treat the underlying cause, and to have a prevention -oriented, holistic approach for hypertension patients. We believe that the partnership between the patient and practitioner is extremely important. 

While the ancient Chinese Medical doctors did not describe hypertension in the same manner we do today, Oriental Medicine theory accounted for the various physiological processes surrounding this condition. In this system of medicine, various physiological relationships exist between each of the internal organs. When these relationships become disharmonious, a variety of disease patterns manifest. By observation of the tongue, palpation of the pulse at the radial artery, and listening to an individuals signs and symptoms, an acupuncturist is able to discern the appropriate pattern diagnosis.Then, the acupuncturist will decide upon a selection of acupuncture points to balance the body.Regular acupuncture treatment can help balance the disharmonies of your body and relieve the symptoms of a variety of diseases. When managing hypertension, it is recommended to receive acupuncture treatments several times per week during the first few weeks.  Once your condition has stabilized, it may be possible to receive treatments less frequently. Acupuncture treatments may help you to avoid or reduce the use of hypertension drugs, under the supervision of your medical doctor. Integrative therapy is becoming increasing popular for individuals who wish to avoid or minimize the long-term effects of drug therapy.

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