Are you struggling with your blood pressure? Sometimes blood pressure struggle is genetic. And sometimes, it can come as a health effect of a lifestyle choice.
That’s why it’s important to educate yourself on risk and prevention. This often starts with learning how to breathe properly. After all, deep and even breathing can mentally and physically have serious benefits.
But can breathing exercises lower blood pressure? Let’s take a look.
Understanding Blood Pressure
Blood pressure is the force of blood against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps it around your body. It is typically measured using two numbers. These are systolic pressure when the heart contracts, and diastolic pressure when the heart relaxes.
Normal blood pressure is around 120/80 mmHg. Meanwhile, high blood pressure is usually considered as consistently having readings of 130/80 mmHg or higher.
The Connection Between Breathing and Blood Pressure
Believe it or not, the way we breathe can influence our blood pressure. When we feel stressed or anxious, our breathing tends to become shallow and fast.
This can trigger our body’s stress response. This in turn, can lead to an increase in heart rate and blood pressure.
But slow, deep, and controlled breathing can activate our body’s relaxation response. This potentially leads to a decrease in blood pressure. Simply put, our blood pressure can be directly affected by our respiratory system.
Breathing Exercises and Blood Pressure
Now, you should know the link between breathing and blood pressure. So what’s next? Let’s explore breathing techniques that can potentially help lower blood pressure.
Deep Breathing Technique
Deep breathing involves taking slow, deep breaths, filling your lungs, and exhaling slowly. This technique can activate the relaxation response and reduce stress. This may, in turn, help lower blood pressure.
Diaphragmatic Breathing
Diaphragmatic breathing is also known as belly breathing. This breathing exercise focuses on engaging the diaphragm to breathe deeply.
This technique can help decrease the heart rate and promote relaxation. This can potentially contribute to blood pressure reduction.
Alternate Nostril Breathing
This breathing exercise involves breathing through one nostril at a time. All while blocking the other nostril. It’s believed to balance the nervous system. It also has the potential to positively impact blood pressure.
Guided Visualization With Breathing
Combining breathing exercises with guided visuals or meditation can create a calming effect. This reduces stress and potentially assists in managing blood pressure.
Mindfulness Meditation
Mindfulness meditation means focusing on what’s happening right now. You should learn to do this exercise without thinking about other things.
It can help our heart get healthier and might lower blood pressure. So, by being present and calm, we can take care of our hearts better.
Breathing Exercises Lower Blood Pressure
So can breathing exercises lower blood pressure? The short answer is yes. Breathing exercises can help lower our blood pressure.
By taking focusing on our breathing, we can gradually reduce our stress levels and blood pressure. Try out different breathing exercises today and experience the health benefits for yourself.
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