Acupuncture can help pregnancy-induced hypertension
Another name for pregnancy-induced hypertension is called gestational hypertension and from a medical view occurs after 20 weeks without the presence of protein in the urine. This condition is reasonably common and can affect up to 8% of women. If the condition develops protein in the urine and oedema it can lead to preeclampsia and eclampsia. This is much more serious because it can cause convulsions and will require antenatal care and possible medical inductions.
What causes pregnancy induced hypertension?
The cause of pregnancy-induced hypertension is unknown but there is familial trait and women who are under twenty and over forty years of age are at risk. Some mild swelling is common during pregnancy but sudden facial swelling and weight gain should be regarded as a red flag and the midwife will work in conjunction with a doctor to monitor symptoms.
Acupuncture can help high blood pressure
Research has verified that acupuncture can treat high blood pressure in males and females but there has been no specific research done to date, to ascertain how effective it is in treating gestational hypertension. Having said that, many acupuncturists throughout the world treat pregnant women with hypertension on a regular basis. Debra Betts, PhD, who is a Wellington based acupuncturist and researcher emphasizes in her book, “The Essential Guide to Acupuncture in Pregnancy and Childbirth” that acupuncture should be started as soon as possible upon diagnosis and that positive outcomes are obtainable. Many midwives work in together with registered acupuncturists of the New Zealand Register of Acupuncturists to monitor progress. Blood pressure will be monitored and other tests will reveal if uric acid levels are improving and liver enzymes can be monitored.
Liver, spleen and kidney disharmony can cause high blood pressure
There are a number of causes of elevated blood pressure according to traditional Chinese medicine thought. Patients, whether male or female and females whether pregnant or not, will fit into what is called in Chinese medical terminology, a pattern of disharmony. These patterns of disharmony involve the different organs of the body such as the liver, spleen and kidney. The imbalance can also involve the fluids of the body such as phlegm complicating and blocking normal energy circulation and flow. There can be a whole multitude of other symptoms that may be present or not depending which organs are involved. Analysis of symptoms is done at the initial consultation along with visual examination of the tongue and its coating, as it is important in determining the root cause of the imbalance. For example, a pale tongue may indicate that the supply of blood in the liver is inadequate, affecting general blood circulation and causing high blood pressure. In China, eclampsia is treated with acupuncture and Chinese herbs alongside with medical doctors. In Chinese hospitals, acupuncturists and doctors work hand in hand.
