Effectiveness of taichong (LR3) acupuncture point on blood pressure in patients with hypertension: A randomized sham control trial

Abstract

BackgroundImmediate effects of acupuncture may be beneficial for reduction in blood pressure among the patients with hypertension, but the available evidence for some acupucunture points is limited. ObjectivesTo evaluate the effectiveness of acupuncture point (Taichong, Liver 3, LR3) in lowering systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) in patients with hypertension (HTN). MethodsNinety patients with HTN attending an outpatient department were included in this randomized clinical trial. Taichong (LR3) was applied to the experimental group (n = 45) and to the first metatarsal (sham acupoint) in the sham control group (n = 45). BP was measured by electronic monitoring before and immediately after (20th min) and 30 min after acupuncture. ResultsThe two groups were similar for demographics and antihypertensive drug use. Mean systolic and diastolic BP in the experimental group decreased at 0, immediately after (20th min), and 30 min after acupuncture (145.0/92.4, 140.4/88.4, 135.7/80.2, and 132.2/78.6 mmHg); no significant changes occurred in the control group. There was a significant difference in systolic and diastolic BP between the experimental and control groups immediately and 30 min after acupuncture (P < 0.05). ConclusionTaichong (LR3) acupuncture point lowered BP in patients with HTN in our study. Taichong(LR3) may be effectively used alongside conventional therapies in the management of HTN. Additional studies are required to validate our findings further, with respect to the optimal dosage required and the frequency of needling.