Acupuncture Improves Blood Pressure and Hearing Health

A specific combination of acupuncture points, including one on the wrist and two on the ear, significantly lowered blood pressure and improved nervous system balance in adults, according to a new randomized controlled trial. The study, led by researchers Kadek Buja Harditya, Anak Agung Istri Mas Padmiswari, and Ida Ayu Suptika Strisanti, tested a multimodal acupuncture protocol against single-point and sham treatments.

How the Study Tested Acupuncture’s Effect on Blood Pressure

The research team designed a trial to isolate the effects of different acupuncture combinations. They recruited 60 adults aged 20 to 60 and randomly assigned them to one of four groups. The first group received the full multimodal protocol: needling at the Neiguan (PC6) point on the wrist, combined with stimulation of the auricular vagus nerve point and the Er Shen Men point on the ear. The second group received only PC6 acupuncture, and the third only the two ear points. A fourth group received sham acupuncture at non-acupuncture points.

All participants received their assigned treatment twice a week for four weeks. The scientists measured objective physiological outcomes before and after the intervention period. These included systolic and diastolic blood pressure, heart rate, and several heart rate variability (HRV) parameters. HRV is a direct, non-invasive measure of autonomic nervous system function. Metrics like SDNN and RMSSD reflect parasympathetic (rest-and-digest) activity, while the LF/HF ratio indicates the balance between sympathetic (fight-or-flight) and parasympathetic tones.

Data analysis used paired tests to see changes within each group and ANOVA/Kruskal-Wallis tests to compare results between the four groups, with post hoc comparisons to identify where the significant differences lay.

Combination Therapy Outperforms Single-Point and Sham Treatments

The results clearly favored the multimodal approach. The group receiving the combination of PC6 and the two ear points showed the most substantial improvements across all measured parameters.

Most notably, this group experienced an average drop in systolic blood pressure of 12.0 mmHg and in diastolic pressure of 10.0 mmHg. These changes were statistically significant (p < 0.001). Their heart rate variability data told a consistent story: significant increases in SDNN and RMSSD, alongside a decrease in the LF/HF ratio. This pattern indicates a shift toward greater parasympathetic influence and a more balanced, less stressed autonomic state. Heart rate also decreased significantly in this group.

The groups receiving only PC6 or only the auricular points showed moderate, less pronounced improvements. The sham acupuncture group, critically, demonstrated minimal to no change in any of the outcome measures. Statistical analysis confirmed that the between-group differences were significant (p < 0.05), with the combination group’s results standing out as superior.

Connecting Cardiovascular Health to Hearing and Sensory Well-being

This study provides evidence that a specific acupuncture protocol can improve autonomic regulation and lower blood pressure. The authors propose that stimulating PC6 and the auricular vagus nerve point works synergistically to modulate the autonomic nervous system, reducing excessive sympathetic drive—a key contributor to hypertension.

For a readership focused on tinnitus, misophonia, and hyperacusis, these findings intersect with hearing health in important ways. The autonomic nervous system is deeply involved in the stress and emotional responses that characterize conditions like misophonia and hyperacusis. Chronic stress and sympathetic dominance can exacerbate auditory sensitivity and perceptual distress. An intervention that reliably promotes parasympathetic activity and reduces physiological arousal could be a valuable component of a holistic management plan.

Furthermore, cardiovascular health is intrinsically linked to auditory function. Good blood flow is essential for the delicate structures of the inner ear. Research into acupuncture’s role in hearing health often explores its effects on circulation and neural regulation. The protocol used in this study may offer dual benefits, supporting both cardiovascular and auditory systems by addressing a common root in autonomic dysfunction. This aligns with broader exploration into traditional medicine approaches for hearing disorders.

Practical Implications for Integrative Care

The research by Harditya and colleagues points to a practical, non-pharmacological option for supporting blood pressure and nervous system balance. The twice-weekly treatment schedule over four weeks suggests a protocol that is feasible in clinical practice. The clear superiority of the combination therapy over single-point applications provides a specific recipe for acupuncturists to consider when treating patients with hypertension or stress-related autonomic imbalance.

For individuals with hearing conditions complicated by stress and hyperarousal, discussing this evidence with a qualified healthcare provider may open avenues for integrative treatment. It underscores the importance of viewing health interconnectively—where managing cardiovascular stress might positively influence auditory perception and tolerance.

The study, “Multimodal acupuncture therapy improves autonomic function and reduces blood pressure: A randomized controlled trial,” is available in the Journal of Kedokteran Fisioterapi (DOI: 10.37341/jkf.v11i1.499).