High Blood Pressure: Acupressure Points & Self-Care

High blood pressure (hypertension) is blood pressure that stays at or above 130/80 mm Hg over time. It usually has no warning signs or symptoms, and many people do not know they have it. It increases the risk of heart disease and stroke.

Traditional use: in TCM, points such as GB-20, LR-3 and KI-3 are traditionally used as part of regular, ongoing care for high blood pressure. What research says: a 2018 Cochrane review of acupuncture found no evidence of a lasting blood-pressure-lowering effect, and called short-term effects uncertain because the evidence is of very low quality. We found no review of acupressure on these body points.

Recognizing Symptoms

Physical Symptoms

  • Usually none: checking your blood pressure is the only way to know

Primary Points for High Blood Pressure

Select a point to learn more.

Additional Support Points

Select a point to learn more.

Self-Care Acupressure Routines

Relaxation Routine (7-10 minutes)

  1. ESSENTIAL: Continue taking prescribed blood pressure medications as directed by your doctor
  2. Practice this routine daily, preferably same time each day, in a quiet environment
  3. Begin with 5 minutes of slow, deep breathing
  4. Press GB-20 upward toward the skull, with moderate pressure, for 2 minutes
  5. Apply steady pressure to LR-3 for 1 minute each foot
  6. Press KI-3 gently for 1 minute each ankle
  7. Optional: add PC-6 for 1 minute each arm
  8. Optional: SP-6, if not pregnant
  9. Monitor blood pressure regularly and report changes to your healthcare provider

Everyday Considerations

Lifestyle

  • Everyday habits: Regular exercise, a healthy diet with less sodium (salt) and alcohol, not smoking, a healthy weight and managing stress help keep readings in range. Some people also need medicine.

Important

  • Medicine: Acupressure does not replace blood pressure medicine. Never stop or change it without your doctor.

Pregnancy

  • Traditionally avoided during pregnancy: SP-6. Skip this point if you are or may be pregnant.

When to Seek Medical Care

Medicine

  • Never stop or change blood pressure medicine without your doctor