Protecting your Heart with Acupuncture: Cardiac Health Benefits
- Posted on: May 9 2017
According to the National Institutes of Health, heart disease is the #1 cause of death in both men and women in the United States. Acupuncture can help protect the heart! A study from Peking University’s Department of Nuclear Medicine showed that patients who received Acupuncture significantly benefited in heart health.
Patients with severe atherosclerosis (plaque build up) in the arteries have narrowed space for blood to pass through the vessels. This results in less blood and oxygen flow to the heart, increasing risks for heart attack. Receiving Acupuncture on just two points showed increased blood flow to the heart.
One benefit of more blood flow to the heart is decreased risk of heart attack. The two points used in the 2013 study have been known by Acupuncturists to protect the heart going back thousands of years! In fact, the nomenclature of this powerful point abbreviated as “PC-6” says it all. PC stands for Pericardium and 6 indicates it is the 6th point along the Pericardium channel.
Biologically speaking the Pericardium is a fluid filled sac that surrounds and protects the heart. These ancient practitioners were onto something when they named the channel the according to its heart protecting abilities. The other point used is located on the upper back around the back of the heart. It is possible needling this point on the surface of the back stimulates the nerves coming off of the spinal cord that support the heart’s function.
Other Acupuncture benefits of heart health include lowering blood pressure and increasing blood flow to skeletal muscle. A 2010 study entitled; “Acupuncture improves exercise tolerance of patients with heart failure: a placebo-controlled pilot study.”, says it all. Patients with severe heart failure had increased blood flow to their skeletal muscles which reduced recovery time after exercise. Since this worked for heart failure patients the implications for athletes and patients of Physical Therapy are excellent.
The patients here at Advanced Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation who tend to have the quickest recovery times are those that utilize both the PT and Acupuncture services we offer. In addition to releasing pain, protecting your heart, increasing blood flow, and reducing inflammation, Acupuncture is a great way to wind down from the activity of a PT session and find your restorative inner peace! Feel free to call and schedule a complimentary consultation if you wish to discuss how Acupuncture can benefit your heart health!
By: Josh Solomon L.Ac, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM)
Posted in: Acupuncture
