Acupuncture & HypertensionAcupuncture Therapy and Hypertension

Inclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects from 45 to 75 years of age
2. Clinically diagnosed with mild to moderate hypertension and ON or OFF medication (Office SBP > 140 mmHg and < 160 mmHg Or ABPM average SBP > 130 mmHg and < 145 mmHg), and
3. No significant ECG change reflecting ischemia (i.e. ST elevation or depression) at rest will be recruited to participate in this study.

Exclusion Criteria:

1. Subjects will be excluded if pregnant or nursing.
2. Subjects will be excluded if they have coronary disease (by history or on ECG screening), conduction abnormalities on ECG consistent with left bundle branch block, cardiac arrhythmias associated with low blood pressure (<90 mmHg), peripheral vascular disease, orthopedic disease, diabetic neuropathy or severe hypertension (BP >170 mmHg systolic or >110 mmHg diastolic), or any other physical or psychological illness.
3. Those with known sensitivity to any topical preparations or strong reactions to medical dressings and skin tapes also will be excluded.
4. Inability our or unwillingness of individual to give written informed consent.