Effect of acupuncture for hypertension and frequency of acupoints

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the efficacy of domestic acupuncture in the treatment of essential hypertension and to summarize the commonly used points. METHODS: CNKI, VIP, CBM, Med-line and other databases were searched by computer. The retrieval time was from January 1, 2007 to October 1, 2012, and all randomized controlled trials of acupuncture treatment for essential hypertension were included. Evaluation of studies meeting the inclusion criteria: A total of 11 randomized controlled trials were included. Meta analysis results show that the most commonly used acupuncture points are Taichong, Quchi, Fengchi, Zusanli. The degree of systolic blood pressure reduction by acupuncture alone was 7mmHg; on the basis of the drug, it was further reduced by 8mmHg. Acupuncture alone reduced the diastolic blood pressure to 3mmHg; based on the drug, it was further reduced by 5mmHg. CONCLUSION: Acupuncture can reduce blood pressure to different degrees without adverse reactions, but there are certain defects in the quality of included studies, and more high-quality studies are needed.