Hypertension: Complementary and Alternative Treatments

There are many different types of complementary and alternative treatments believed to be effective for treating high blood pressure (hypertension). Scientific evidence indicates that -- in addition to a diet that is low in saturated fat and salt and rich in complex carbohydrates (vegetables, whole grains, legumes, and fruits) -- increased physical activity and regular practice of relaxation techniques such as yoga, Tai Chi, or Qigong should help to lower high blood pressure.

Diet

One of the simplest and most effective ways to lower your blood pressure is to eat a healthy diet, such as the DASH diet. Doctors recommend:

• Eating more fruits, vegetables, and low-fat dairy foods
• Cutting back on foods that are high in saturated fat, cholesterol, and total fat
• Eating more whole grain products, fish, poultry, and nuts
• Eating less red meat and sweets
• Eating foods that are rich in magnesium, potassium, and calcium

Physical Activity

A solid body of evidence shows that men and women of all age groups who are physically active have a decreased risk of developing hypertension. Findings from multiple studies indicate that exercise can lower blood pressure as much as some drugs can. People with mild and moderately elevated blood pressure who exercise 30 to 60 minutes three to four days per week (walking, jogging, cycling or a combination) may be able to significantly decrease their blood pressure.

Breathing and Stress Management

Blood pressure increases when a person is under emotional stress and tension, but whether or not psychological interventions aimed at stress reduction can decrease blood pressure in patients with hypertension is not clear.

Nevertheless, recent studies suggest that ancient relaxation methods that include controlled breathing and gentle physical activity, such as yoga, Qigong, and Tai Chi, are beneficial. People with mild hypertension who practiced these healing techniques daily for two to three months experienced significant decreases in their blood pressure, had lower levels of stress hormones, and were less anxious.

The results of a recent small study suggest that a daily practice of slow breathing (15 minutes a day for 8 weeks) brought about a substantial reduction in blood pressure. However, these findings need to be confirmed in larger and better-designed studies before these ancient healing techniques are recommended as effective non-pharmacological approaches to treating hypertension. Still, possible benefits, coupled with minimal risks, make these gentle practices a worthwhile activity to incorporate into a healthy lifestyle.

Note: It is important that inactive older people or those with chronic health problems be evaluated by their doctor before starting a program of any physical activity, including Tai Chi, Qigong or yoga.

Herbal Therapies

The efficacy and safety of herbal therapies such as Rauwolfia serpentina (snakeroot), Stephania tetrandra (tetrandrine), Panax notoginseng (ginseng) and Crataegus species (hawthorn) for treating hypertension have not been extensively studied. Because of potential health risks associated with these herbs, it is imperative that you inform your doctor if you plan to use or are already using them. This is even more important if these herbs are used in combination with antihypertensive drugs. Some herbs, such as licorice, ephedra (Ma Huang) and yohimbine (from the bark of a West African tree) should not be used by people with hypertension because they can increase blood pressure.