Researchers have carried out a systematic review of trials which have investigated the benefits of acupuncture for high blood pressure which is not secondary to any other medical condition (essential hypertension). Twenty trials were included, of which three were judged to be relatively rigorous in their design and general quality.
Overall, acupuncture was found to have significant effects on blood pressure compared to controls. In the rigorous trials in particular, acupuncture plus standard drug treatment, resulted in significantly lower blood pressure than sham control acupuncture plus drugs.
(Acupuncture for Essential Hypertension. Altern Ther Health Med March-April 2010.)