Bristol acupuncture, tui na and nutrition  



Home

Acupuncture
Tui Na Massage
Nutritional Therapy
Qi Gong
Nourishing Life
Other Techniques

Conditions Treated
Locations & Prices
Courses & Events

About Neil
Testimonials
Shop
Blog
FAQ

Contact




 

High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (or 'hypertension') is a condition in which the blood in your arteries is above the recommended pressure of 140/90. The first figure is called the systolic pressure and it is the pressure in the arteries when the heart beats (pumps) and the second figure is the diastolic pressure, which is the pressure in your arteries when the heart is at rest (between beats.)

If your blood pressure is higher than 160 (systolic) and/or 100 (diastolic) your doctor will definitely offer you medication to lower it. Between 140/90 and 160/100 is still high, but considered acceptable for some people. Below 140/90 is good.

A high blood pressure increases your risk of developing heart disease, a stroke, and other serious conditions. Contributing factors to high blood pressure are smoking, an unhealthy diet, being overweight, high cholesterol, diabetes, and family history. Blood pressure also rises with age.

There are normally no symptoms of high blood pressure until it gets very high (around 180/110) when symptoms can include nosebleeds, blurred vision, headaches, nausea, dizziness and palpitations.

Medications to treat high blood pressure include ACE-inhibitors, calcium channel blockers, diuretics and beta-blockers. All have potential side effects such as dizziness, tiredness, weakness, skin rashes, nightmares and impotence.

Treatment for high blood pressure with Chinese Medicine

There are a number of 'patterns of disharmony' in the Chinese medical framework that can lead to high blood pressure. The Liver and Kidneys may be involved and frequently the condition is related to stress. An integrated treatment approach of acupuncture and/or tui na, nutrition and lifestyle modifications have excellent effects. A number of clinical studies have also shown the benefits of acupuncture in treating high blood pressure.

Acupuncture and tui na can help to relax the body and mind and regulate and strengthen the organs. Gentle exercise and qi gong breathing exercises are important ways you can help yourself at home, and dietary alterations can back up the effect of other treatments and help to keep the blood pressure down in the long term.

Depending on your general health and personal preferences we can come to a treatment plan which includes as many of these strands of treatment as required. For many people Tui Na massage is useful to reduce stress and regulate the system through acupressure, and learning relaxation and breathing exercises helps them to maintain calm between treatments.

For more information, or to book your 15 minute free consultation, just call or email

 


Home- Acupuncture - Tui Na Massage - Chinese Nutrition - Qi Gong
Moxa, Cupping & Gua Sha - Conditions Treated - Locations & Prices
Courses & Events - About Neil - Testimonials - Shop - FAQ - Contact