Acupuncture for primary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials

Clinical Snapshot

Key Findings

• P Value: Not reported in abstract

• Effect Size: SBP: -6.73 mmHg; DBP: -6.59 mmHg

• Primary Outcome: Systolic and diastolic blood pressure reduction

• Nnt Or Sensitivity: Clinical significance uncertain due to high heterogeneity and small study numbers

• Confidence Interval: SBP: 95% CI -8.84 to -4.62; DBP: 95% CI -9.42 to -3.76

Clinical Application

Limited by lack of standardised protocols and considerable variation in treatment parameters Not currently supported by RACGP guidelines; would require integration with conventional antihypertensive therapy under medical supervision Adults with primary hypertension seeking complementary therapy options

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: This systematic review and meta-analysis evaluated the efficacy and safety of acupuncture for primary hypertension, based on randomised controlled trials (RCTs) published between 2015 and 2024. METHODS: We searched seven major databases for RCTs comparing acupuncture to control interventions. The primary outcomes were changes in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP). Meta-analyses utilised random-effects models, and the Cochrane Risk of Bias tool assessed study quality. RESULTS: Seven RCTs (n = 812) were included. Acupuncture was associated with lower SBP [mean differences (MD) = -6.73 mmHg, 95% confidence interval (CI): -8.84 to -4.62] and DBP (MD = -6.59 mmHg, 95% CI: -9.42 to -3.76). Heterogeneity was substantial for SBP (I2 = 73.3%) and considerable for DBP (I2 = 90.9%). Notably, the SBP analysis included seven studies, whereas the DBP analysis included six studies, and the similar absolute pooled reductions should be interpreted cautiously, given the small and not fully overlapping study sets. Exploratory subgroup analyses suggested blood pressure reductions across several acupuncture modalities, though each subgroup contained very few studies. Adverse-event reporting was limited and inconsistent across studies. Formal tests for publication bias were underpowered given the small number of included studies. CONCLUSIONS: Acupuncture may have blood pressure-lowering effects in patients with primary hypertension, but the evidence is limited by substantial heterogeneity, a small number of studies and considerable variation in intervention type and exposure. Larger, well-designed, multi-centre RCTs with standardised protocols and longer follow-up are needed to confirm these findings and establish optimal treatment parameters. High blood pressure (hypertension) is a major health concern worldwide. Acupuncture, a component of traditional Chinese medicine, has been used to manage blood pressure, but evidence of its effectiveness remains limited. This review examined seven recent randomised controlled trials involving 812 participants to assess whether acupuncture reduces blood pressure in people with primary hypertension. The findings suggest that acupuncture may reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure; however, the included studies were few and varied considerably in the type of acupuncture used, the number of treatment sessions (ranging from a single session to 60 sessions over 12 weeks) and the populations studied. Reported side effects were minor, such as temporary pain at the needle site, though safety reporting was incomplete. Therefore, while the results are encouraging, they are not definitive. Further large-scale, rigorously designed trials are needed before firm conclusions can be drawn about the role of acupuncture in hypertension management.

References

1. 1.Li, Z. H., Gao, H. W., Shen, F. F., Lu, Y., & Chen, W. (2026). Acupuncture for primary hypertension: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. Blood Pressure. https://doi.org/10.1080/08037051.2026.2654103