Mind/Body Medicine for High Blood Pressure

For people whose hypertension is triggered or exacerbated by emotional stress and tension, mind/body medicine can be an effective treatment. Research has shown that several mind/body therapies have the power to decrease high blood pressure, sometimes by as much as 10 mm Hg.
Biofeedback training, which instructs people to alter certain involuntary functions of the body, is particularly recommended for people with hypertension. It involves using sensors to hook a patient up to a biofeedback monitor, which reveals the levels of heart rate, muscle tension, body temperature, or other functions. Using this information, the patient is taught to change one or more of these levels. Relaxation techniques and guided imagery exercises are usually part of the instruction.

One of two training types are typically used to treat hypertension: electromyograph biofeedback, which measures muscle tension (on the forehead, for example), and thermal biofeedback, which measures body temperature. A study at the Medical College of Ohio showed that patients who used diuretics and biofeedback were five times more likely to lower their high blood pressure than patients who only used drugs.

Other helpful mind/body therapies include:
Spirituality -- Researchers have discovered links to fostering a religious commitment and reduced hypertension.
Meditation -- Researchers have also shown daily meditation to lower hypertension.
Hypnotherapy -- Hypnotic trances can relieve tension.
Yoga -- Poses and breathing exercises are effective stress busters.
Here's a sample relaxation breathing exercise that might be helpful in relieving stress:
Sit or lie down in a comfortable position. Wear loose, nonrestrictive clothing.
Close your eyes. Begin breathing slowly and deeply.

When exhaling, imagine tension effortlessly flowing out of your body.
As you inhale, picture yourself filling your body with fresh air and energy.
Continue the slow, deep breathing for as long as you are comfortable.
When you are ready, slowly return to your normal rate and rhythm of breathing.

Herbal Medicine for High Blood Pressure
Herbs hold a great deal of promise in preventing and treating high blood pressure and other heart conditions, and they have few or no side effects. Herbs have the ability to dilate vessels to increase circulation, regulate the heart rate, and encourage urination (to remove water), among other functions.

Commonly used herbs include:
cayenne to stimulate the flow of blood and reduce blood cholesterol levels
garlic to widen blood vessels, lower blood cholesterol levels, and decrease blood clotting
ginkgo to increase blood flow and dilate blood vessels
hawthorn berries also to expand blood vessels
Other High Blood Pressure Therapies
Acupuncture for High Blood Pressure -- A series of treatments, often on the heart meridian, can lower blood pressure, with the results lasting for months or years.

Bodywork for High Blood Pressure -- Massage is effective in relieving stress and tension.
Detoxification, Fasting, and Colon Therapy for High Blood Pressure -- Short, supervised fasts or juice diets and daily sauna treatments may be effective.
Homeopathy for High Blood Pressure -- Specific remedies must be tailored to the individual.
Osteopathy for High Blood Pressure -- Manipulations and other treatments can relieve muscle tension and improve posture and breathing.

Qigong for High Blood Pressure -- This traditional Chinese technique also enhances breathing and posture; it also improves blood circulation and clears the mind.