Blood pressure
Blood pressure is the pressure of the blood exerted on the walls of arteries. Normal values of blood pressure are:
Systolic B/P 120 mm Hg
Diastolic B/P 80 mm Hg in a healthy young adult.
(A) Hypertension (high blood pressure) – blood pressure above the normal values is called hypertension. Any B.P. above 140/90 is high. In a diabetic patient, any B.P. above 130/80 is high.
Types of hypertension :
Type |
Systolic (mmHg) |
Diastolic (mmHg) |
Mild |
140 to 160 |
90 to 100 |
Moderate |
161 to 180 |
101 to 110 |
Severe |
Beyond 180 |
Beyond 110 |
These values are given as a guideline to the readers.
Symptoms of hypertension :
Although it is a silent killer in most cases, no symptoms are produced; following symptoms should alert the individual: • Insomnia (loss of sleep)
• Headache – occipital, vertex, forehead
• Vertigo
• Heaviness in the head.
• Laziness
• Aversion to work
• Unable to exert more
• Irritability
• Depression
• Difficulty in breathing
• Numbness of body parts
• Chest pain.
Acupressure treatment for hypertension:
Du 20, 23
LI 11
St 8, 36
Sp 6 GB 2, 8 20, 41
TW 3, 17
UB 18, 23
Liv 2, 3
K 3
SI 19
Ex 1, 2
Reflex points : pituitary adrenal, brain, kidney.
(B) Hypotension (low blood pressure)
When the blood pressure is below the normal values; it is called hypotension (low blood pressure). Thus any B.P. below 90/60 is considered as low.
Symptoms of low blood pressure:
• Rapid thready pulse
• Weakness
• Headache
• Vertigo
Causes of hypotension:
• Overwork
• Inadequate diet
• Unhealthy diet
• Worry, anxiety
• Tuberculosis
Acupressure treatment for hypotension:
CV 6
St 36
Sp 6
Reflex points : pituitary adrenal, brain, kidney.