In one study (2) at the Human College of
Traditional Chinese Medicine , Chansha, 40 patients with arteriosclerosis induced angina
pectoris were assessed during and after acupuncture treatments. After only one treatment,
15 patients' angina pectoris were significantly alleviated both in degree and area, and
after 7 treatments 63% of the patients' angina pectoris were not only significantly
alleviated both in extent and area, but also in frequency and duration of attack.
Furthermore, the time from the beginning of exercise to the anginal attack in the patients
receiving acupuncture was longer than that in non-acupuncture group. The time from the end
of exercise to the disappearance of angina pectoris in acupuncture group was also shorter
than that in the other group.
Other studies have also concluded that
acupuncture provides "significant improvement" in CAD patients(3). Research at
the Shanghai Medical University in China revealed that early treatment (ie. in the first
three weeks) of acupuncture produces over 90% improvement whereas treatment commenced
after three weeks gives 71% improvement rate. It is therefore important to seek early
treatment whenever possible (4).
In another study (5),this time in Sweden,
21 patients were treated with acupuncture. The patients had all had at least five anginal
attacks per week in spite of intensive conventional medical treatment. Acupuncture was
given three times per week which led to a 40% reduction in the number of anginal attacks
per week and the patients' performance before onset of pain during exercise test increased
significantly. All the patients completed a life quality questionnaire which confirmed
that they all felt better as a result of the acupuncture treatment and the report
concluded that acupuncture was beneficial effect for patients with even severe,
intensively treated angina pectoris.
(1) Acupuncture for cardiovascular
disorders. Smith FW Jr Cardiopet, Inc., Floral Park, New York.Probl Vet Med Mar 1992, 4
(1) p125-31.
(2) [Metrological analysis for efficacy of acupuncture on angina pectoris] Zhou
XQ; Liu
JXHuman College of Traditional Chinese Medicine, Changsha. Chung Kuo Chung Hsi I Chieh Ho
Tsa Chih (CHINA) Apr 1993, 13 (4) p212-4,196
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Aromatherapy
& Arteriosclerosis
The therapeutic massage alone can reduce blood pressure by
up to 40 points and when combined with selected essential oils as in an aromatherapy
treatment, it becomes an excellent aid in countering the effects of stress, inducing
relaxation and improving the blood circulation without putting additional strain on the
heart. It helps the flow of blood through the veins and also stimulates the nerves which
control the blood vessels. It has the added benefit of relaxing tense muscles and tight
connective tissues which may have been constricting blood vessels, thus enabling blood to
flow more freely. It is for this reason that soothing massage helps reduce emotional
tension, it
Victorian Cardiologist, Sir Lauder
Brunton, wrote that: "in cases of
cardiac disease, massage allows other treatments to be carried out more easily than it
would otherwise be, for it removes the feeling of weariness and irritability, fidgetiness
and unrest. The appetite increases and the spirits become brighter." (2)
It should also be noted that aromatherapy massage has been
shown to be an excellent treatment for headaches which are commonly associated with high
blood pressure, post-stroke and other cardiovascular conditions.
IMPORTANT NOTE: Do not take any oils internally or use on
babies under 18 months. Essential oils are very potent and it is therefore always
advisable to consult a qualified aromatherapist before using any essential oils, and
especially when pregnant or breastfeeding.
(1) Massage Therapy AJ Jackson (Optima)
(2) The Complete Book of Massage - Clare Maxwell-Hudson (Dorling Kindersley)
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Yoga
& Meditation
& Arteriosclerosis
