According to researchers from the UCI Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine, regular electroacupuncture treatment can lower hypertension. This is due to the release of opioids that help to control blood pressure.
UCI cardiology researcher Zhi-Ling Guo found that in rats, reduced blood pressure lasted for at least three days after electroacupuncture. This was due to an increased gene expression of enkephalins, a major opioid peptide created by the body.
Hypertension is widely experienced across the world and has many serious consequences, including stroke and heart attacks. This study has shown that novel treatment—with limited side effects—is available, allowing for greater control, prevention and management of this major health issue.
The same team of researchers previously reported that when treated with acupuncture at certain wrist locations, patients experienced drops in their blood pressure. This new study demonstrates that repetitive electroacupuncture lowers blood pressure in hypertension and has long-lasting effects.
