Breath Training Can Be as Effective as Medicine for Reducing Blood Pressure

We often hear about the benefits of strengthening the muscles in our arms and legs, but recent research suggests that working out cardiovascular muscles could have a profound effect on blood pressure, similar to that of medication. Scientists tested the method with a handheld device called PowerBreathe, which creates resistance when users breathe into it, making it harder to inhale and strengthening muscles over time. Doing 30 breaths per day for six weeks lowered participants’ systolic blood pressure by about 9 millimeters of mercury — “the type of reduction you see with a blood pressure drug,” Dr. Michael Joyner told NPR. In an editorial published alongside a previous breath training study, he added: “Taking a deep, resisted, breath offers a new and unconventional way to generate the benefits of exercise and physical activity.” And the method has potential benefits beyond just lowering high blood pressure, researchers say. It can be used to prevent high blood pressure in those who are currently in the normal range, help athletes with endurance, and mimic some of the effects of aerobic exercise for people who may not be able to physically work out.

How to Breath Train