Hypertension is a clinical syndrome characterized by elevated systemic arterial blood pressure (systolic blood pressure ≥140 mmHg and/or diastolic blood pressure ≥90 mmHg) and can be accompanied by functional or organic damage to organs such as the heart, brain, and kidneys. Hypertension is the most common chronic disease and the main risk factor for cardiovascular and cerebrovascular diseases. The blood pressure of a normal person fluctuates within a certain range with changes in internal and external environments. In the general population, blood pressure levels gradually increase with age, with a more significant increase in systolic blood pressure. However, after the age of 50, diastolic blood pressure tends to decrease, and pulse pressure increases accordingly. In recent years, there has been increasing understanding of the role of multiple risk factors for cardiovascular disease and organ protection in the heart, brain, and kidneys. The diagnostic criteria for hypertension have also been continuously adjusted. It is currently believed that patients with the same blood pressure level have different risks of developing cardiovascular disease. Therefore, the concept of blood pressure stratification has been introduced, which means that patients with different risks of developing cardiovascular disease should have different appropriate blood pressure levels.
Today, let's take a look at two acupoints for treating hypertension.
Ear Back Groove
The shape of the ear resembles an inverted fetus, and it is not only the organ for collecting sound information in humans, but also has intricate connections with the meridians and organs of the body. Hypertension is often caused by liver yang hyperactivity. By stimulating the acupoints of the liver and gallbladder meridians in the ear, the purpose of clearing the liver and gallbladder, eliminating liver heat, and stabilizing blood pressure can be achieved.
Chinese medicine has found that frequent pressing of the ear back groove helps reduce blood pressure. Therefore, this groove is also known as the "pressure reducing groove." If you feel uncomfortable with high blood pressure, you can massage this acupoint. If you want long-lasting effects, you can also seek external treatment from a doctor. Specifically, take one Wangbuliuxing seed and embed it in the back of the ear with medical adhesive tape, in the concave groove that runs diagonally from the upper inside to the lower outside of the ear. Press the Wangbuliuxing seed regularly. This method has a significant effect on reducing blood pressure.
Yongquan Acupoint
The foot is known as the "second heart" of the human body. There are many acupoints on the feet that are connected to the internal organs. Hypertensive patients often massage their feet and combine it with herbal foot soaks to control blood pressure.
The focus of massage is on the Yongquan acupoint (located at the front part of the foot, one-third of the distance from the tip of the second and third toes to the line connecting the heel). It is important to find tender points during the massage. This is because when the internal organs of the body undergo pathological changes, tenderness will occur in the corresponding reflex zones on both feet. It is recommended to drink warm water within 30 minutes after massage to promote blood circulation and help with detoxification.
Prevention
Hypertension is a preventable and controllable disease. Individuals with blood pressure in the range of 130-139/85-89 mmHg, overweight/obesity, long-term high-salt diet, and excessive alcohol consumption should receive focused intervention and regular health check-ups to actively control risk factors.
For hypertensive patients, regular follow-ups and blood pressure measurements are necessary, with particular attention to the management of morning blood pressure. Active treatment of hypertension (combination of medication and lifestyle interventions) should be carried out to slow down target organ damage, prevent complications of the heart, brain, and kidneys, and reduce disability and mortality rates.
Precautions for Hypertension
1. Exercise
The importance of exercise for hypertension: There is a saying, "When you are young, you exchange health for money; when you are old, you exchange exercise for health." Exercise not only promotes blood circulation and reduces cholesterol production but also strengthens muscles, bones, and joints. Exercise increases appetite, promotes gastrointestinal motility, prevents constipation, and improves sleep. It is best to develop a habit of regular aerobic exercise, as aerobic exercise, like weight loss, can lower blood pressure. Examples of aerobic exercise include walking, jogging, tai chi, cycling, and swimming.
2. Emotional Balance
Psychological manifestations of hypertensive patients include tension, irritability, and emotional instability, which can all contribute to increased blood pressure. Patients can change their behavior patterns, cultivate good adaptability to the natural environment and society, avoid emotional excitement, excessive tension, and anxiety, and remain calm and composed when faced with significant stress. When experiencing significant mental stress, they should find ways to release it, confide in friends or family members, or engage in relaxing and enjoyable leisure activities, focusing on music or immersing themselves in flowers, in order to live in the best state and maintain stable blood pressure.
3. Self-Management
- Regularly measure blood pressure, at least once every 1-2 weeks.
- When treating hypertension, adhere to the "three hearts": confidence, determination, and perseverance. Only by doing so can important organs in the body be protected from damage.
- Take antihypertensive medication as prescribed and do not reduce or stop the medication without authorization. Adjustments should be made under the guidance of a doctor according to the current condition to prevent blood pressure rebound.
- If conditions allow, have a personal blood pressure monitor and learn how to measure blood pressure at home.
- In addition to taking appropriate medication, also pay attention to a balanced lifestyle, proper diet, regular exercise, emotional stability, and sufficient sleep.
- Blood pressure reduction should not be rushed. Blood pressure should be controlled at 140-159 mmHg to reduce the occurrence of cardiovascular and cerebrovascular complications.
