Reaching the ideal breathing rate of less than 10 breaths per minute for 15 minutes, 3 or 4 times a week using breathing exercises, has been proven to lower blood pressure. That works out at roughly breathing in and exhaling once every 6 seconds.
It sounds easy enough, but controlled breathing while relaxed proves otherwise, and does it really work?
A device called ResPerate has the backing of the FDA and can now be sold without a prescription.
Some doctors as well as the manufacturer recommend staying on medication and using the device in a combination of therapies for high blood pressure, while others say it only works for some and not others.
If you suffer from stress and anxiety in particular, then this device may be the answer you are looking for. You can use it in the office, or when you return home after a stressful days work. Sit down for 10-15 minutes and enjoy breathing to the theme tune that is programed especially for you. The voice that accompanies the musical breathing pulses, soothingly guides you along on what to do next.
This machine is easy to use too and safe for any age, male or female whether you are taking medication or not.
There has been a few folks saying that you can do breathing exercises without this device, but further investigation leads me to believe that without a structured therapeutic exercise, it is difficult to breath effortless using this pattern of breathing to produce the desired effect of relaxed blood vessel muscles.
You may be interested to know that even if you have uncontrolled blood pressure and are taking 2 or 3 meds, the device may help you reduce significantly. The proof has been published by the American Journal of Hypertension.
How to Use ResPerate
You place the censor around your waist or chest, put the headphones on and switch on. The computerized central unit will analyze your own breathing pattern and compile a melody of specific notes for you to breathe along to. You then synchronize your breathing to the tones as you are guided along to gradually reach the ideal breathing rate of 10 or less breaths per minute.
How does this lower your blood pressure? By relaxing the muscles surrounding the blood vessels, they dilate and allow the blood to flow more freely.
Is it for you? You will only know if you try it out.