In The News

Individuals with high blood pressure find that they experience a drop in their blood pressure that can last up to a month and a half when they practice acupuncture. This groundbreaking research was the result of over a decade of information and reported by the Susan Samueli Center for Integrative Medicine.

This is the first study that has scientifically confirmed acupuncture has some benefit in treating mild to moderate hypertension. Regular use can help you control blood pressure and lessen the risk of stroke and heart disease.

According to Dr. John Longhurst, a University of California, Irvine cardiologist and former director of the Samueli Center, "By using Western scientific rigor to validate an ancient Eastern therapy, we feel we have integrated Chinese and Western medicine and provided a beneficial guideline for treating a disease that affects millions in the U.S."

Source: http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2015/08/150819120750.htm

Daily Health Tip

Acupuncture is an ancient Chinese medicine which has significant positive benefits to reduce depression, improve weight loss, relieve stress, improve your memory, reduce your blood pressure, and improve your sleep.

Acupuncture has very few side effects and is relatively safe except in a few circumstances.

1. Acupuncture can stimulate labor, so it is not safe for pregnant women.

2. People who are taking blood thinners may experience more bleeding.

3. A poorly prepared acupuncturist may accidentally pierce a bodily organ, like the lungs or liver.

4. If the acupuncture you are receiving involves using mild electrical stimulation it can interfere with a pacemaker.

5. If the needles are not sterilized as they should be, you may get an infection.

Making Changes

If you are looking for an acupuncturist in your area try searching the American Association of Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine website where you can enter your zip code and find acupuncturists in your area.

Source: http://www.aaaomonline.org/search/custom.asp?id=320

If you’d like to try something a little less invasive first, acupressure is based on the same concept as acupuncture, but instead uses pressure points to accomplish some of the same results.  Because there are no needles the risk of infection, bleeding, accidentally piercing an organ and interference with a pacemaker will not be a problem.

Acupressure is a safe alternative and can have some of the same benefits as acupuncture. AND, acupressure is something you can learn and do at home.

Have a wonderful day!

Your Healthy Life America Team