Acupuncture for Cardiovascular Problems
Acupuncture Improves Cardiovascular Problems
The cardiovascular system consists of the heart and corresponding blood vessels. They are responsible for carrying nutrients and oxygen to the tissues and removing carbon dioxide and other waste. When our system is not functioning well, it can be due to the following:
- High blood pressure
- High cholesterol
- Poor circulation
- Palpitations
- Angina –chest pain due to reduced flow of blood to the heart muscle
- Atrial fibrillation – an irregular heart rhythm
- Anemia— a deficiency of red blood cells or of hemoglobin in the blood
- Edema—excess watery fluid in cavities or tissues of the body that cause inflammation and swelling
Other symptoms and conditions include hypertension, coronary heart disease, heart attacks, congenital heart disease and congestive heart failure.
According to the Heart and Stroke Foundation, heart disease and stroke continue to be the second leading cause of death in Canada and a leading cause of disability. This is responsible for about 66,000 deaths each year.
Acupuncture’s Role in Cardiovascular Health
Acupuncture pinpoints the specific risks put toward a person’s cardiovascular health, by addressing the following:
- High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure is the key component in the risk of strokes, heart attacks, and kidney disease.
How it works: The opioids released in the process of acupuncture decrease the heart’s need for oxygen by increasing blood flow. This helps to lower blood pressure.
- Smoking
The majority of smokers have poor cardiovascular health as a result of long-term smoking. Smoking increases the risk of day-to-day symptoms like respiratory problems, throat issues, and various kinds of cancers. Acupuncture assists those who want to quit smoking by managing withdrawal symptoms through a technique called auricular acupuncture.
How it works: The theory behind this suggests that acu-points on the ear affect the autonomic and central nervous system. They stimulate the nervous system to not only suppress cigarette cravings but also create a response of relaxation and to combat irritability that arises from withdrawal.
- Weight Issues and Obesity
Being overweight can lead to many problems associated with cardiovascular health. High blood pressure, heart failure, coronary artery disease, heart disease and diabetes are all related symptoms. Acupuncture can be used to control appetite, manage overeating and calm anxiety in the same way it is used to curb cigarette cravings. It can also assist in nutrient absorption which subsequently increases energy.
How it works: Acupuncture works from the metabolic level by stimulating the endocrine system to regulate not only the metabolism but other functions of the body associated with the function of the kidney or the spleen. The majority of cravings come from an internal imbalance. By cultivating a balance, a person can experience health and this is powerful in motivating a person to take an active role in maintaining their weight and gaining control over their health.
- Stress Management
Stress, emotional, and psychological problemsiscan be directly correlated with increased cardiovascular risk factors as high blood pressure, chest pain, irregular heartbeats, and heart disease. It also strongly affects our digestion and sleep patterns. Acupuncture can stimulate a relaxed response to reduce anxiety and stress and to improve mental health.
How it works: Blood hormone levels secreted by the hypothalamus, the pituitary gland, and the adrenal gland – known as the (HPA) axis, measure “fight of flight” responses in the sympathetic nervous system pathway. Acupuncture blocks the chronic stress-induced elevations by cultivating the relaxing opioids as a response.
- Sleep
Sleep deprivation and poor sleep is linked to an increased risk of high blood pressure, heart failure and heart attacks, strokes, atherosclerosis – a disease of the arteries where the inner walls of the arteries are filled with plaque – and diabetes. Acupuncture seeks to remedy this “disharmony” that is the underlying cause of disturbed sleep. Often enough, poor mental and physical health is the cause of bad sleep. Acupuncture addresses all factors related to bad sleep habits.
How it works: Acupuncture addresses two meridians – one that regulates the circadian rhythms along with the timing and duration of sleep, while the other supports the depth and quality of sleep. When these two meridians synchronize as a response to the release of acupuncture-induced opioids, the quality of sleep is optimized and the sleep-wake cycle has the ability to return to a normal state allowing symptoms to fade away naturally. This balance in Traditional Chinese Medicine is referred to as the Yin and Yang.
As you can see, the chance to improve your cardiovascular health is within your grasp. Take it upon yourself to make an appointment to cultivate a true balance in your body. Acupuncture treatment will not only make a difference to your current symptoms, but it will also act as a preventative health measure.
Get started today.