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Arm baths have long been recommended for temporarily elevated blood pressure / A study at the University Center for Naturopathy is now scientifically testing whether this method works reliably / Test subjects wanted

Note: Sufficient test subjects could be found for the study.

Sudden fluctuations in blood pressure are usually very unpleasant for those affected and can lead to dizziness, headaches and cardiological problems. In order to get acutely high blood pressure levels under control as quickly as possible, arm baths have long been recommended in naturopathy. Scientists at the Center for Naturopathy at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg are investigating whether this method works reliably. In order to verify the results of a successful study conducted in 2021, they are currently looking for people with elevated blood pressure levels who would like to take part. The time required is around two hours twice a week.

"It is very valuable for those affected if they can do something themselves in the situation to lower their blood pressure quickly. Arm baths could be a reliable, quickly effective and self-applicable measure without side effects for acutely elevated blood pressure," says Prof. Dr. Roman Huber, Head of the Center for Naturopathy at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. If blood pressure levels are permanently high or deteriorate rapidly, those affected should definitely seek help from a GP or cardiologist.

Course of the study

In the study, thermoneutral arm baths are compared with warm arm baths: After a short period of rest, the test subjects are randomly assigned to receive either a thermoneutral or a warm arm bath first, which lasts five minutes. Blood pressure, pulse and skin temperature are measured before and up to 90 minutes after the arm bath. One week later, the other arm bath is carried out with otherwise identical procedures. The study takes place at the University Center for Naturopathy at the Medical Center - University of Freiburg. The test subjects must be over 18 years old and have elevated blood pressure values.