High Blood Pressure
‘Acupuncture cuts blood pressure’; ‘Acupuncture really works for high blood pressure’, these statements were made in articles shown on BBC news and in the Guardian newspaper. Acupuncture has a relatively specific effect on the control of blood pressure.
- Block beta-acceptor of sympathetic nerve and adjust adrenaline-angiotensin system
- Regulate endothelium-derived vasoconstrictors and vasodilators, decrease vascular peripheral resistance
- Relax the nervous system and soothe stress, produce a calming and tranquilizing action, and increase self-confidence
- Trigger the body to produce endorphins, serotonin and other neurotransmitters --- the body’s natural pain-relieving and “feel-good” chemicals
- Reduce the blood cholesterol, blood sugar and blood viscosity, and help with weight loss
Diabetes
Scientifically conducted clinical tests in the past 12 years have indicated that acupuncture can help diabetes in the following ways:
- Regulate insulin production and blood glucose content; lower the release of pancreatic glucagon
- Attenuate symptoms of polyphagia (the urge to eat too much), polydipsia (excessive thirst) and polyuria (excessive passage of urine)
- Increase microcirculation and myocardial contractility, exert antiatherogenic, antioxidant and immune-modulating effects
- Reduce the blood cholesterol, blood viscosity and blood pressure, help lose weight
- Enhance blood outflow and decrease vascular peripheral resistance, improve nerve conduction, relieve diabetic neuropathy and nephropathy
IBS
The British Acupuncture Council summarises how acupuncture may be beneficial for IBS. Research has shown that acupuncture can relieve abdominal pain, regulate the motility and sensitivity of the digestive tract, raise the sensory threshold to bowel pain and distention, adjust the parasympathetic nervous system, reduce anxiety and depression, significantly improve the symptoms of bloating, constipation, diarrhoea, heart burn and food sensitivities.
Asthma
The World Health Organisation has identified that acupuncture helps asthma. Acupuncture can alter the physiologic processes associated with asthma attack by decreasing concentrations of SIgA, IgA and IgE, strengthen the function of the lungs, improve the immune system and inhibit the allergic reactions.
