Most of the complementary therapies offer advice for sufferers of high blood pressure. Stress reduction is an obvious target for the therapies, but there are many that are more specific in their aims.
Royal jelly is reputed to lower high blood pressure, and can be taken in many forms on a daily basis. Garlic and onions reduce cholesterol, which has been linked to high blood pressure, and hawthorn berries and rosemary can help to lessen oedema. Yellow dock can he taken as a tea to stimulate kidney function. Uva ursi and com silk are good natural diuretics, aiding kidney function. Passionflowers calm, and dandelion leaves provide calcium and potassium which therapists say vitalise the kidneys and reduce oedema. Raspberry leaf has a similar effect.
Acupuncture can help, as can acupressure and reflexology, to cause the body to relax, and to stimulate the body’s ability to work efficiently. In pregnancy, acupuncture can help with pre-eclampsia but only in conjunction with orthodox medicine. Homoeopathy has remedies too numerous to mention; because high blood pressure can be caused by any number of things, it is best to consult a homoeopath who can diagnose and treat your specific causes.
A clinical nutritionist is likely to suggest you reduce sugar, animal fats, and red meats; the reduction of salt, as previously mentioned, has been recognised as having some effect in the fight against high blood pressure. Tea, coffee and alcohol should be kept to a minimum, while grains, fibre and fresh fruit and vegetables should be increased in your diet. Vitamin B3 (Niacin) can control blood pressure, but only under the supervision of your GP. Omega-3 oils and calcium can also be supplemented.
Massage with oils thought to decrease blood pressure is an option; try soothing oils like lavender, marjoram, melissa or neroli. Vapourisation and bathing with a few drops of the oils in your bath water are also useful. Camomile, bergamot, rose and frankincense can invigorate and rejuvenate, and some have anti-depressant qualities. Fennel and lemon cleanse and detoxify.
Bach flower remedies are directed not towards the blood pressure, hut at the irritability which may be causing the underlying stress. Vervain is used for strain; impatiens for impatience and irritability; agrimony for those who hide worries behind a brave face. Oak and elm are for anyone who feels overwhelmed.
A good exercise programme can keep you fit, which helps to reduce high blood pressure. As well as being an exercise T’ai Chi is also a mechanism for relaxation: relaxation therapies themselves can also help in high blood pressure. Reflexology reduces stress, and stimulates the circulatory system.
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