5 Best Acupressure Points for High Blood Pressure

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Acupressure has been well known for decades as an alternative healing practice that promotes health and wellness. What exactly is acupressure and how does it work? Can it help manage chronic medical conditions such as high blood pressure? Yes! Let’s find out the best acupressure points for high blood pressure.

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What are Acupressure and Acupressure Points?

Acupressure is a well known ancient healing practice that has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This popular practice promotes relaxation and wellness and is also beneficial in treating various health problems, including pain and headache. 

 

In acupressure, skilled therapists use their thumbs, fingers, elbows, feet, or special devices to apply pressure on specific body points known as acupressure points. Massaging the right acupressure points may benefit your overall health by releasing muscle tension, promoting blood circulation, and resolving symptoms such as pain and discomfort. 

How Does Acupressure Work?

Acupressure is based on the Traditional Chinese Medicine practice of acupuncture

According to acupressure, certain invisible pathways of vital energy (known as qi or chi’i) flow throughout your body and are called meridians. These are the same energy meridians and points targeted by acupuncture. 12 meridians are believed to connect your organs or networks of organs, organising a system of communication throughout your body. The meridians begin at your fingertips, link to your brain, and then connect to an organ associated with a certain meridian. 

According to this theory, when one of these meridians is blocked or out of balance, it results in illness. By stimulating the acupressure points that lie along these meridians, you can restore the energy flow throughout your body and improve the functioning of specific organs. 

The acupressure points that are chosen will depend on your symptoms. Therefore, the points chosen to relieve high blood pressure will be different from the points that are chosen for other conditions. 

Acupressure is an alternative medicine technique. Hence, it may be effective for some individuals, and may not benefit others. 

How Does Acupressure Benefit High Blood Pressure?

Hypertension or high blood pressure is a chronic condition where your blood pressure (the force exerted by blood on the walls of your blood vessels) is constantly high (≥ 140/90 mm Hg). When combined with medication and lifestyle changes, acupressure may be effective in maintaining healthy blood pressure levels. 

To manage high blood pressure, the acupressure points focus on stimulating the function of your heart and kidneys as they play a major role in maintaining healthy blood pressure.

Acupressure also helps in enhancing the functioning of your blood vessels, improving blood circulation, and regulating your heart rate. It may thus help bring down your blood pressure and lower the risk of any related complications such as heart diseases.

Acupressure Points for High BP

Let’s have a look at 5 high BP acupressure points.

  • Liver 3 (LV3)

This point lies on your foot, between the big toe and second toe. If you run your finger along the space between the two toes you will find a dip where the metatarsals meet. Press down on the point lightly with your index and middle finger. Use a gentle circular motion over the point for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

  • Large Intestine (LI4)

It is an easily reachable point on your hand. This point is located on the natural curve between your thumb and index finger. Use the thumb of the other hand to apply pressure on this point. You can use a pulsating movement and continue the motion for about 2 minutes. 

  • Gall Bladder 20 (GB20)

This point is also called the “Wind Pool”. It is located on the two points at the back of your neck, just under the skull base. To apply pressure to this point, you can grasp your head with both hands and allow your thumbs to fall into the point. Apply medium pressure for about one minute. Keep your hands steady and do not involve any other motion.

  • Pericardium 6 (PC6)

PC6 (Inner Gate) is a pressure point that is located on the inner side of your wrist. To find the point easily, you can place three fingers across your wrist starting at the wrist crease and then place your thumb just below your three fingers. To activate this point, apply mild pressure with your thumb for about 30 seconds to 2 minutes. Repeat on the other wrist. 

  • Governing Vessel 20 (GV20)

GV20 (Hundred Convergences) is a pressure point that is found on the top of your head in line with the tips of your ears. It can be found in the middle of your head by imagining a line going from ear to ear. You can massage or press this point using your thumb for 1 to 2 minutes to lower your blood pressure levels.

What are the Precautions to Take When Performing Acupressure?

Acupressure is generally a safe practice and does not have any side effects. However, those who are suffering from chronic conditions such as heart diseases, arthritis, or cancer should consult their doctor before opting for acupressure. 

Pregnant women should also take their doctor’s advice before performing acupressure therapy. Further, make sure that the practitioner you are consulting is licensed and certified. 

Practising acupressure with the right technique and choosing the right acupressure points can give you results. 

Keep the following points in mind while performing acupressure:

  • Avoid heavy meals an hour before or after performing acupressure. 
  • Make sure you get adequate rest after an acupressure session, as this will help your body relax.
  • Avoid smoking or the consumption of alcohol on the days you undergo the therapy.
  • Make sure that you do not avoid any medications prescribed by your doctor while undergoing acupressure sessions as it should only be considered as an alternative therapy and not a replacement to your prescribed treatment methods. 

Don’t Have Time To Read?

  • Acupressure is a well known ancient healing practice that has its roots in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). This practice promotes relaxation of muscle tension, improved blood circulation, and resolution of symptoms such as pain and discomfort. 
  • In acupressure, skilled therapists use their thumbs, fingers, elbows, feet, or special devices to apply pressure on specific body points known as acupressure points. By stimulating these points that lie along channels of energy flowing through your body, it is possible to improve the symptoms of various health conditions.
  • To manage high blood pressure, the acupressure points focus on stimulating the function of your heart and kidneys, as they play a major role in blood circulation. 
  • Acupressure may help in enhancing the functioning of your blood vessels, improving circulation, and regulating your heart rate. It thus may help bring down your blood pressure and lower the risk of any related complications such as heart diseases.
  • The acupressure points that are used to manage hypertension include Liver 3 (LV3), Large Intestine 4 (LI 4), Gall Bladder 20 (GB20), Pericardium 6 (PC6), and Governing Vessel 20 (GV20).
  • Avoid heavy meals an hour before or after performing acupressure, take adequate rest after each session, avoid smoking and alcohol consumption on the days of therapy, and do not discontinue any medications prescribed by your doctor while undergoing acupressure sessions.
  • Use the Phable Care App to consult India’s leading cardiologists, order medicines, book lab tests, integrate BP monitors and other devices to get real-time remote care from the comfort of your home. Also, check out our Hypertension Management Program which provides ‎360º care. Let’s treat high blood pressure problems together.

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Friendly Asked Questions

Where are the acupressure points for high blood pressure?

The major acupressure points that are used to manage high blood pressure include Liver 3 (LV3), Large Intestine 4 (LI 4), Gall Bladder 20 (GB20), Pericardium 6 (PC6), and Governing Vessel 20 (GV20).
-LV3 lies on your foot, between the big toe and second toe.
-LI4 lies in the natural curve between your thumb and index finger.
-GB20 is located on the two points at the back of your neck, under the skull base.
-PC6 is located on the inner side of your wrist.
-GV20 is found on the top of your head.

Can acupressure lower BP?

Acupressure is an ancient practice that focuses on certain points that lie along invisible pathways of vital energy (known as qi or chi’i) in the body. Stimulating these points may help in enhancing the functioning of your blood vessels, improving blood circulation, and regulating your heart rate. Thus, acupressure may help in bringing down your blood pressure and lower the risk of any related complications such as heart diseases.

Can acupressure cure high blood pressure?

High blood pressure is a chronic condition that cannot be cured. Lifestyle changes and specific medications can help you maintain a healthy blood pressure level. Acupressure is an alternative therapy that can be practised alongside taking your medications and making the lifestyle changes recommended by your doctor. It should not be used as a replacement for your primary treatment methods. 

What are the risks of acupressure?

Acupressure is generally safe and painless. However, in some cases, you may experience pain or bruises where too much pressure is applied over the points. It is essential that you consult a certified practitioner for acupressure therapy, in order to follow the right technique and avoid any unwanted side effects. 

Can acupressure be done daily?

Acupressure can be performed 3 to 4 times every day. You can apply pressure to each point for 1 to 2 minutes at a time. Make sure that you consult a certified therapist, choose the correct points, and apply gentle pressure in order to avoid any unwanted side effects. Following the right technique and being regular can help you reap maximum benefits from acupressure therapy.