More and more people are becoming dissatisfied with the risks and side effects associated with conventional medicine and are seeking out more natural medical options and alternative therapies.  Over the past decade more and more research has been done proving that natural medicine and alternative therapies are viable options for many people to pursue.  One disease that a lot of research has been done about is hypertension.  Hypertension or high blood pressure hypertension affects 1 in 4 adults living in American.  A recent study on alternative therapies and hypertension found that chiropractic adjustments can actually lower blood pressure in sufferers.

Hypertension Study Findings

In a study published in the March 2007 edition of The Journal of Hypertension it was found that a one time specialized chiropractic adjustment caused significant improvement with 50 participants suffering from hypertension.

The study was led by George Bakris, MD who is the director of the Hypertension Center at the University of Chicago Medical Center. During the study Bakris and his colleges gave 50 study participants suffering from hypertension a one time specialized chiropractic adjustment to correct a misaligned Atlas vertebra which is located high in the neck. Once the vertebra was aligned correctly the participants showed improvements in their blood pressure that were equal to taking two different blood pressure medications at once.

Dr. Bakris explains that the Atlas vertebra is unlike other because instead of interlocking with other vertebras is relies only upon soft tissue for alignment.  Because of this it is very vulnerable to become displaced and can occur without pain which often allows it to go untreated and undetected.  The study could not explain why a misaligned Atlas vertebra causes hypertension; however, because of the study findings further research is being conducted to find out why.

Natural Treatments for Hypertension

As the study proves, natural and alternative therapies like chiropractic adjustments do make a difference in diseases like hypertension.  As with other diseases, some natural ways to prevent and treat hypertension is to maintain a healthy weight, eat a well balanced diet, exercise consistently, and avoid tobacco products and alcoholic beverages.

We as Americans have fallen into the bad habit of popping a magic pill to solve all our medical problems when that really may not be necessary or the right solution.  Prescription and over the counter medicines do come with some very concerning side effects whereas natural solutions do not.  What many people do not realize is that there are natural supplements available for treatment of hypertension and other diseases.  These natural ingredients have been used successfully by other cultures for thousands of years.

Sources:

http://www.whatsnextnetwork.com/health/index.php/2007/03/18/p5211#more5211