 Prepared by Craig M. Cormack, B.A., R.M.T.
The case presented here represents three
years’ observation of heart, weight, and blood pressure normalization in
an obese 47-year-old woman. Janet M. was treated with a combination of
diet, light exercise, nutritional supplements and various alternative
medical treatments. The observed results warrant communication to others
with similar health concerns. The results include the healing of heart
scarring, a weight drop of 135 pounds, and a blood pressure drop from
180/100 to 120/80. The following information can be adapted to each
individual’s needs and resources.
In September 2004, Janet M. approached a
local gym to start a weight loss program. Her physical condition was too
poor for traditional weight and cardiovascular training. A 47-year-old
mother of four, Janet weighed 350 pounds and had an average blood
pressure of 180/100 (normal reading 120/80). The gym recommended a
regimen of Tai Chi as an alternative to the current methods the gym
uses. Tai Chi is an ancient Chinese martial art and exercise regimen.
Studies have suggested it to be of great benefit to those suffering from
abnormally high blood pressure.1,2,3
She began Tai Chi twice a week. Each class contained two 15-minute
sessions with a 15-minute rest period in between. During this time, a
general practitioner monitored Janet’s physical condition at least once
per month.
Chi Kung was incorporated into her routine after six months. Chi Kung is
a Chinese system of breathing exercises, stances, and movements designed
to help restore health. Many studies have concluded that breathing and
blood pressure are linked and that Chi Kung is beneficial in remedying
high blood pressure.4,5,6
A Doctor of Chinese medicine examined Janet M. and began treating her
with acupuncture once per week. Acupuncture has been shown to lower
blood pressure.7,8
Janet cut out all junk food and colas. She began eating a low-fat, low-carb
diet and cut out sugar. She also switched from dairy products to soya
milk.
Janet could not tolerate high blood pressure medication because of
severe and debilitating side effects; she was seeking an alternative
route to resolve her blood pressure problems. She was encouraged to
speak to her physician about alternative medication and to consider
taking it. Several supplements were chosen and introduced gradually to
Janet. Each supplement add was checked for negative interactions by a
naturopathic doctor as well as by pharmacists.
Initial Nutritional
Supplements - Table 1
| Supplement |
Expected
benefit |
References
|
| Conjugated Linoleic Acid (CLA) |
reduce body fat and
reduce blood pressure |
9,10,11 |
|
Co-Enzyme Q10 |
reduce
blood pressure |
12,13,14,15,16
|
| Garlic |
prevent
hypertension |
17,18
|
|
Folic Acid |
reduce blood
pressure |
19
|
| Whey Protein |
reduce
blood pressure |
20
|
|
Chlorophyll |
reduce
and stabilize blood pressure |
32
|
|
Parsley tea |
diuretic
|
|
During
the first six months Janet practiced Tai
Chi and Chi Kung three times per week
and went to one session of acupuncture
every two weeks. She lost 20 pounds and
her blood pressure lowered to 140/95.
More natural products were added. Each
product was added one week at a time in
the following order. Janet related how
she reacted to each one. Again the
naturopathic doctor was consulted and
possible contraindications were checked
with pharmacists before administration.
Only one product (chromium) was started
and discontinued, when Janet complained
it made her feel angry and aggressive.
Additional Nutritional Supplements
- Table 2
|
Supplement |
Expected
benefit |
References
|
|
Potassium |
reduce
blood pressure |
21,22,23
|
|
Selenium |
protects
the heart |
24
|
|
Magnesium |
reduce
blood pressure |
25
|
|
Calcium |
reduce
blood pressure |
26
|
|
Stevia |
reduce
blood
pressure |
27,28
|
|
Vitamin
C |
cardiovascular
therapy |
29
|
|
Alpha-Lipoic
Acid
(ALA) |
prevents
insulin
resistance,
supports
heart
function,
and
protects
against
aging |
30,31
|
| Apple cider vinegar |
reduce body fat |
35 |
| Chromium (discontinued) |
ameliorates sucrose-induced BP elevations and acts as an antioxidant |
36 |
In the next stage an acupuncture blood pressure reduction machine was incorporated. This machine emits a small electrical current between a pericardium acupoint on the left arm and the two ears.37
Janet initially would self-administer a treatment for 20 minutes every second day. Anecdotal information provided by Janet indicated a sustained, observable reduction in blood pressure when this machine was used.
Another machine was incorporated. Resperate is a biofeedback machine similar in form to a CD player. It helps the patient reduce her blood pressure by regulating breathing. This machine incorporates music in this process.38
A great deal of study has produced evidence that paced, relaxed breathing can lower blood pressure. The Resperate machine helps in that it provides coaching to the patient using its patented Interactive Respiratory Pacing technology.
Janet used a blood pressure monitor and discovered that Resperate worked almost immediately in lowering her blood pressure. When we started her on this machine she used it for two 15 minute periods per day.
In September 2005 Chinese Massotherapy was incorporated into the program. Chinese Massotherapy combines acupressure (finger pressure on acupuncture points) and effleurage (massage strokes). Studies have shown that both massage and acupressure are helpful in reducing blood pressure.33,34
Results
Janet’s physicians have monitored her progress with regular appointments over the last three years and have been very happy with her progress. They have been surprised that someone with her profile could recover a normal blood pressure of 120/80. Janet has lost 135 pounds and is now 215 pounds.
She has been looked after by three different cardiologists in the last three years. One of her cardiologists said that her heart has been healed because the scarring on her heart had completely disappeared. After administering a stress test, another of her cardiologists said that she had the heart of a 25-year-old. Janet has been working out on a regular basis at the gym, doing cardio exercises and light weights since May of 2005.
In this case, where conventional methods could not or would not be used, a multifaceted, integrative approach has proven highly effective. It appears that dramatic heart, weight and blood pressure normalization can be achieved using Tai Chi, Chi Kung, diet change, dietary supplements, Chinese Massotherapy, acupuncture and an exercise program of cardio and weight training. More studies using the above program are warranted based on Janet M.’s remarkable success.
The following tables indicate the frequency of each treatment:
The Beginning of
Treatment (September 2004) - Table 3
| Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday
|
| |
Tai Chi
2x 15 min |
|
Tai Chi
2x 15 min |
|
|
|
Midway (September 2005)
- Table 4
| Monday |
Tuesday |
Wednesday |
Thursday |
Friday |
Saturday |
Sunday |
Supplements
(Tables 1,2) |
Supplements
(Tables 1,2) |
Supplements
(Tables 1,2) |
Supplements
(Tables 1,2) |
Supplements
(Tables 1,2) |
Supplements
(Tables 1,2) |
Supplements
(Tables 1,2) |
Tai Chi
15-20 min |
Tai Chi
15-20 min |
Tai Chi
15-20 min |
Tai Chi
15-20 min |
Tai Chi
15-20 min |
Tai Chi
15-20 min |
Tai Chi
15-20 min |
Chi Kung
20-30 min |
Chi Kung
20-30 min |
Chi Kung
20-30 min |
Chi Kung
20-30 min |
Chi Kung
20-30 min |
Chi Kung
20-30 min |
Chi Kung
20-30 min |
| |
|
Acupuncture
(once per month) |
Acupuncture
(twice per week at beginning) |
|
|
|
Treadmill
30 min |
Chinese
Massage
60 min |
Treadmill
30 min |
Chinese
Massage
60 min |
Treadmill
30 min
|
|
|
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Craig M. Cormack, B.A., R.M.T.
Principal, Rising Tao Integrative Health
Consultant, McGill University Sports Medicine Clinic
President, l'Association de massage chinois
Tuina du Québec
Member, National Association of Naturopaths
Registered Massage Therapist
Senior Instructor, Tai Chi
Master, Reiki and Chi Kung
www.risingtao.ca |
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