Chinese herbal fomentation at the Yongquan point (K1): a potential hypotensive regimen.

Objective: The goal of this research was to assess the adequacy of blood pressure (BP) control by applying Chinese herbal fomentation (a type of thermotherapy) at the Yongquan point (K1).

Methods: A total of 102 patients with hypertension, ages 39-55, were included in this study. After a baseline examination, each enrolled patient participated in one session per day lasting 24 hours for 3 continuous days, during which the Yongquan point (K1) on both sides of the body were fomented (given thermotherapy) with a mixture of Chinese herbs. In addition, 24-hour ambulatory BP (ABP) monitoring (ABPM) was repeated at baseline and on the day after the therapy.

Results: Patients had significantly lower daytime systolic and diastolic BP post-treatment. There were no significant changes in 24-hour, or night-time systolic BP (SBP), diastolic BP (DBP), or mean arterial BP, and in pulse pressure after therapy. The rate of adverse events was 0.98% in these patients.

Conclusions: The regimen sustained SBP and DBP control during the day for the majority of patients. This study suggested that a Chinese herbal fomentated at the Yongquan point (K1) of both sides of the body has some hypotensive potential.