Deep Breathing and Meditaion Improve Blood Pressure

High blood pressure is a common problem that is responsive to natural treatment without the use of medication. Because high blood pressure is often a function of tension and stress, reducing or controlling them is important in maintaining good health.

Slow, deep breathing is the easiest and quickest way to lower blood pressure. A combination of breathing techniques described in http://hubpages.com/hub/Relaxation-Technique-to-Relieve-Stress and visualization or meditation may reduce the need for medication or increase the effectiveness of it. Several studies have found the meditation to be superior to relaxation combined with biofeedback.

To test this, take blood pressure readings for a week; then take a new set after using the breathing technique daily.  If the readings improve, there is reason to continue and try to refine the techniques for even more improvement.

Some studies have not found the relaxation to be helpful; however, it is not harmful, and it may be beneficial in other ways such as muscle tightness, soreness, or cramping.

Meditation is considered to be very helpful in lowering blood pressure.  Some people concentrate on a sound to help clear the mind.  Christian meditation may use a word, a phrase, or a scripture verse for concentration to relieve the mind of distracting thoughts or images.  Words such as peace, joy, or faith repeated may be held in the thoughts and allow the reality of them to fill the mind and thought while continuing to breathe slowly and deeply. 

The practice should last at least ten minutes daily.  More is better.  It is good to practice the breathing and meditation after exercise or after a time of study or mental activity. 

Other problems that may benefit from deep breathing and meditation or relaxation include pain, anxiety, headache, and depression.  At the end of the meditation or relaxation, a few minutes of visualization of the desired outcome is helpful.  Picture life without the pain, anger, depression, or medical problems.  Note changes and record improvement.  This is a personal experiment, and only the subject knows the result.