Effectiveness of auriculotherapy for uncontrolled mild hypertension

INTERVENTION: Group A (experimental group): The participants received an integrative approach (AT without magnetic pellet pressing plus Western medication). The magnetic pellets used in this study contained an average of 200 gauss/pellet magnetic flux densities, with a diameter of 0.13 cm. No pellet pressing should take place. The total treatment period was 4 weeks. Group B (comparison group): The participants received an integrative approach (AT with magnetic pellet pressing, plus Western medication). Using the same kind of pellets as in Group A, the clients were additionally asked to press the pellets against the acupoints three times daily, with 1 minute for each point until a sensation of distension and warmth was felt. The clients were required to fill out a self‐reported therapy compliance daily record to allow the researcher to monitor the degree of compliance in pellet pressing. CONDITION: Uncontrolled mild hypertension ; Circulatory System ; Essential (primary) hypertension PRIMARY OUTCOME: Mean Arterial Pressure (MAP) was used as the main outcome measure in this study owing to its clinical and physiological significance in both the representation of perfusion pressure and the effect on the calculation of hemodynamic variables. After a 10‐minute rest, the participants blood pressure readings were recorded using the Datascope Electronic Sphygmomanometer at baseline, at weekly visits to the clinic during the 4‐week treatment course, and at 1 month and 2 months following the whole course. Datascope is one of the valid blood pressure measuring devices recently recommended by the European Society of Hypertension for clinical use in hospitals. SECONDARY OUTCOME: Self reported by the participants at the end of the treatment course and included:; 1. Frequency of nocturnal polyuria; 2. Perceived sleep condition; 3. Calmness of mind; 4. Appetite INCLUSION CRITERIA: 1. Borderline‐controlled hypertension was defined in the present study as blood pressure (BP) remaining above 140/90 mmHg even when the patient was on anti‐hypertensive therapy in accordance with the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure (JNC) guideline. 2. Chinese patients with uncontrolled mild hypertension