Shenmen piercing for blood pressure problems?
High blood pressure is a serious health risk, but it can be managed well with appropriate lifestyle changes and medical treatment. Regular blood pressure measurement and a healthy lifestyle are key to preventing and treating hypertension. If you suspect high blood pressure, see a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment.
But what do you need to know about high blood pressure? How has the Shenmen piercing helped others with blood pressure problems? Find out more from our article!
Let’s talk about high blood pressure
Blood pressure is the force that blood exerts on the walls of the blood vessels as the heart pumps it around the body. High blood pressure (in medical terms, hypertension) is a chronic condition in which blood pressure is persistently higher than normal.
Blood pressure values
Normal blood pressure: Systolic value below 120 mmHg and diastolic value below 80 mmHg.
Elevated blood pressure: Systolic value 120–129 mmHg and diastolic value below 80 mmHg.
Stage 1 hypertension: Systolic value 130–139 mmHg or diastolic value 80–89 mmHg.
Stage 2 hypertension: Systolic value 140 mmHg or higher, or diastolic value 90 mmHg or higher.
Hypertensive crisis: Systolic value 180 mmHg or higher, or diastolic value 120 mmHg or higher. This requires urgent medical care.
Causes and risk factors of high blood pressure
In many cases the exact cause is unknown (primary hypertension), but many factors can contribute to its development:
- Genetic predisposition
- An unhealthy diet, especially high salt intake
- Overweight and obesity
- A sedentary lifestyle
- Excessive alcohol consumption
- Smoking
- Chronic stress
- Ageing
- Certain chronic diseases, such as kidney disease or diabetes
Symptoms of high blood pressure
High blood pressure is often known as a “silent killer” because it remains symptom-free for a long time. However, in more severe cases the following symptoms may appear:
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain
- Visual disturbances
- Nosebleeds
This is how high blood pressure is diagnosed
High blood pressure is usually diagnosed by measuring blood pressure. To confirm the diagnosis, several measurements at different times are needed, and a 24-hour blood pressure monitor may even be required.
Treatment and prevention
High blood pressure can be treated with lifestyle changes and medication. Doctors can prescribe different types of medication to treat high blood pressure, such as diuretics or ACE inhibitors.
However, the greatest emphasis is on lifestyle changes. These can include:
Healthy diet: Eat more fruit, vegetables, wholegrains and low-fat dairy products.
Reducing salt intake: Try to consume less than 5–6 grams of salt a day.
Regular exercise: At least 150 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic exercise a week is recommended.
Weight loss: Maintaining a healthy body weight can reduce blood pressure.
Moderating alcohol consumption: One drink a day for women and two for men is the MAXIMUM.
Quitting smoking: Quitting smoking can significantly improve cardiovascular health.
Stress management: Relaxation techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can help reduce stress.
Possible complications of high blood pressure
Untreated high blood pressure can lead to many serious health problems:
- Heart disease, including heart attack
- Stroke
- Kidney failure
- Loss of vision
- Cardiac arrest
This is how the Shenmen piercing may work for blood pressure problems
A Shenmen piercing is a wellbeing body jewel for which the Shenmen acupuncture point on the ear is pierced.
Stimulating the Shenmen point via the vagus nerve may have an effect on heart function, as it slows the heartbeat. According to our guests’ reports, this method, as a complement to drug therapy, has led to favourable experiences in managing blood pressure problems. However, no scientific research has been done on this so far; the effect is a conclusion based solely on personal experiences.
The American Journal of Chinese Medicine in a 2009 study examined insomnia experienced after stroke and found a connection between pressure on the Shenmen point and heart rate, which suggests that acupuncture of the Shenmen point may reduce heart rate and have a positive effect on sleep quality.
It is important that the Shenmen piercing may be used at most as a complementary treatment, not instead of conventional medical treatment! In treating blood pressure, lifestyle changes and drug treatment are the primary methods.
Our wellbeing piercings do not count as a cure and do not replace medical treatment; the description of their effectiveness is based on our guests’ feedback.
Would you like to try the Shenmen piercing? Book at our studio!
