Acupuncture and Acupressure for High Blood Pressure

Gentle support for managing your blood pressure

Acupuncture and acupressure come from Traditional Chinese Medicine and are now being studied scientifically. They don't replace medical treatment, but they can help relax your body and may positively influence the regulation of blood pressure.

Acupuncture – Treatment by trained professionals

Acupuncture is performed by specially trained practitioners. Thin needles are placed at precisely defined points on the body. Studies show acupuncture can lower blood pressure slightly but measurably. The effect is particularly noticeable when acupuncture is used in addition to an existing drug therapy. Many people mainly benefit from its relaxing effect, especially when stress, inner restlessness, or tension play a role. Acupuncture cannot replace medication, but for many patients it is a useful complement.

Acupressure – what you can do yourself

Acupressure uses the same points as acupuncture but without needles. The points are pressed or gently massaged with the fingers. That makes acupressure especially suitable for regular use at home. Scientific studies show that regular acupressure can slightly reduce blood pressure. The effect is not strong, but it is meaningful, particularly because the method is very well tolerated. Acupressure works mainly by reducing stress, calming the nervous system, and promoting relaxation.

How acupuncture and acupressure work

From a medical perspective, acupuncture and acupressure influence the autonomic (vegetative) nervous system. This system controls, among other things, heart rate, vessel tone and stress reactions. By targeting and stimulating certain points, the body's stress activity can be dampened and relaxation promoted. Even small reductions in blood pressure can, over the long term, help lower the risk of cardiovascular disease.

Self-acupressure in everyday life

You don't need any tools for self-acupressure. A quiet environment and a few minutes of time are important. Press the acupressure point with your thumb or index finger so the pressure is noticeable but comfortable. Breathe calmly while doing so. A commonly used point to support high blood pressure is Pericardium 6 (PC6). It is located on the inside of the forearm, about three finger widths below the wrist crease, between two tendons. This point is associated with relaxation, stress reduction and a calming effect on the heart and circulation. Daily use of about ten minutes on each side is usually sufficient.

Summary

Acupuncture and acupressure do not cause quick or large drops in blood pressure, but they can have small, measurable effects. They do not replace drug therapy. When used correctly, they are a useful complement to a holistic blood pressure treatment plan that includes medical care, a healthy lifestyle and regular monitoring.

Sources

Flachskampf FA et al., Circulation, 2007
Lee H et al., Annals of Internal Medicine, 2009
Zhao XF et al., PLOS One, 2015 Gao J et al., European Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing, 2019
World Health Organization (WHO): Acupuncture – Review of Clinical Trials

This article comes from BloodPressureDB – the leading app since 2011 that helps hundreds of thousands of people monitor their blood pressure every day. Our content is based on carefully researched, evidence-based information and is continuously updated (as of 12/2025).

Author Sabine Croci is a certified medical assistant with many years of experience in internal medicine and cardiology practices as well as in outpatient care. Since 2015 she has led the editorial team at BloodPressureDB. With additional qualifications as a paramedic, first responder, and training in various therapy and emergency areas, she provides well-founded, practical, and reliably reviewed information.