Acupuncture in the treatment of hypertension: a narrative review

Abstract

Systemic arterial hypertension is a chronic condition with high morbidity and mortality rates, being the main risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. This paper aims to summarize the pathophysiology, diagnosis, and conventional management, as well as review the latest scientific evidence on the use of acupuncture as a complementary treatment for hypertension, including systematic reviews and clinical trials. Recent studies indicate that acupuncture, either alone or combined with antihypertensive medications, significantly reduces blood pressure. Despite promising results, the literature faces methodological limitations, such as heterogeneity in protocols and low study quality. It is concluded that acupuncture, being safe and rarely associated with adverse effects, can be a useful intervention alongside conventional treatment, but it lacks rigorous studies for its large-scale applicability in public health.