High blood pressure - this breathing exercise is ‘one of most effective’ for hypertension
HIGH blood pressure risk could be lowered by making small diet or exercise changes. Hypertension symptoms could be prevented by doing this breathing exercise, which is “one of the most effective natural remedies for high blood pressure”.
High blood pressure: NHS doctor explains causes
High blood pressure affects more than 25 per cent of UK adults.
The condition, which is also known as hypertension, puts extra pressure on blood vessels and vital organs.
Some diet or lifestyle changes could help to lower blood pressure, or prevent hypertension symptoms.
Breathing exercises are a great way to stimulate blood pressure receptors, according to nutritionist Dr Sarah Brewer.
Deep breathing for just one minute could lower blood pressure by as much as 9.6/3mmHg, she said.
Related articles
High blood pressure: Breathing exercise for hypertension symptoms
“Breathing exercises are one of the most effective natural remedies for high blood pressure,” said Brewer, on her website MyLowerBloodPressure.com.
“Breathing exercises tap into your body’s own control systems, stimulating blood pressure receptors in the chest wall and activating nerve reflexes that lower a high blood pressure, and slow your heart rate.
“The net result is a significant reduction in high blood pressure.”
This breathing exercise, which is called ‘ocean breath’ boosts focus and promotes control over blood pressure, claimed the nutritionist.
It includes making small huffing sounds, so it may be best to do it in the privacy of your own home.
The exercise begins by sitting cross-legged on the floor. Breathe deeply in and out of your mouth.
“Now start to make a soft, whispering, ‘haaaaahhhh’ noise as you breathe out, by slightly constricting the back of your throat – almost as if you want to fog up a window,” said Brewer.
“Do this several times on your out breath.
“Once you are comfortable doing this, start making a similar noise when breathing in so your breathing sounds like the in and out susurrations of the ocean.”
Keep doing the exercise for a few minutes, all the while imagining your blood pressure lowering.
High blood pressure doesn’t cause any symptoms, said the NHS, so it’s difficult to know whether someone has the condition.
But if someone has extremely high blood pressure, it could cause chest pain, severe headaches, or difficult breathing.
Hypertension increases the risk of some deadly conditions, including heart attacks and stroke.
All UK adults over the age of 40 should check their blood pressure at least every five years.
Speak to a GP or pharmacist to have blood pressure checked.
