Acupuncture and High Blood Pressure

Dr. H.S. Lee of the Republic of Korea did extensive research on the effects of acupuncture on water metabolism and high blood pressure. Applying manual acupuncture on UB15 (1.5 inches lateral to the midline of the spine at the T5 level) decreased plasma levels of aldosterone (a chemical stimulating the body to retain more water and sodium), whereas acupuncture on the UB23 (1.5 inches lateral to the midline of the spine at the L2 level) decreased plasma renin activity (a chemical simulating blood vessels to constrict in order to increase blood pressure). Both points helped lower blood pressure. These results suggest that acupuncture on specific meridian points may have site-specific regulatory effects on hormone levels and that the meridian points, UB23 and UB15, are associated with the regulation of body fluids and of electrolyte balance to optimize the blood pressure level...