Stress and anxiety have a direct impact on one’s health and wellbeing, and blood pressure is no exception. A recent study published in the British Medical Journal (BMJ) has found that relaxing techniques such as yoga, meditation and breath control can help lower blood pressure levels in the short term.
- Yoga
- Meditation
- Breath control
- Biofeedback
- Muscle relaxation
- Music
These techniques have been found to provide short-term benefits, but the long-term benefits of these relaxing methods are still unclear. The study, conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol, UK, analyzed 182 previously published studies to determine the effectiveness of these relaxing mechanisms on blood pressure.
| Relaxing Technique | Systolic Blood Pressure Reduction (mmHg) | Diastolic Blood Pressure Reduction (mmHg) |
|---|---|---|
| Breath Control | 6.65 | 4.19 |
| Meditation | 7.71 | 4.83 |
| Tai Chi | 9.58 | 5.31 |
| Mindfulness | 9.90 | 5.31 |
| Psychotherapy | 9.83 | 4.95 |
The researchers concluded that while these relaxing techniques may provide short-term benefits, they may not be clinically useful for treating high blood pressure, which is a chronic condition. “Relaxation and stress management techniques might have beneficial short-term effects on blood pressure for people with hypertension, but the effectiveness of these interventions is still uncertain,” the study found. The study’s findings suggest that interventions that are used for a brief period or provide only short-term benefits are unlikely to be clinically useful for treating high blood pressure.
“The results of our systematic review and network meta-analysis indicate that relaxation or stress management techniques might result in meaningful reductions in blood pressure at up to three months of follow-up,” the researchers said. “However, hypertension is a chronic condition likely to require long-term drug treatments or behavioural changes. As such, interventions that are used for a brief period, or provide only short-term benefits, are unlikely to be clinically useful.”
Stress has a significant impact on one’s blood pressure, and managing stress is crucial for maintaining good health. While the benefits of relaxing techniques are clear, more rigorous and longer duration studies are needed to confirm the long-term effects of these techniques on blood pressure.
Hypertension, also known as high blood pressure, is a chronic condition that increases the risk of heart disease, stroke and diabetes.
A chronic condition is a persistent condition that persists over a long period, often requiring ongoing treatment and management. The researchers noted that while these relaxing techniques may provide short-term benefits, they are unlikely to be clinically useful for treating high blood pressure, which is a chronic condition. “Interventions that are used for a brief period or provide only short-term benefits are unlikely to be clinically useful for treating high blood pressure,” the researchers said. The long-term benefits of these relaxing methods are still unclear, and more research is needed to determine their effectiveness. While drugs for treating high blood pressure are available, adherence to taking these drugs is often poor, thereby generating interest in alternative approaches such as relaxation techniques to reduce stress. Stress management techniques may also be used to treat other conditions, such as anxiety and depression. The effective use of these techniques requires a good understanding of their benefits and limitations. In conclusion, while relaxing techniques such as yoga, meditation and breath control can help lower blood pressure levels in the short term, the long-term benefits of these techniques are still unclear. Further research is needed to determine their effectiveness and to confirm their use as a treatment option for high blood pressure. More research is required to fully understand the benefits and limitations of relaxing techniques for treating high blood pressure.
