New Age Stress Buster That Reduces High Blood Pressure

Researchers have observed the new mindfulness-based stress reduction (MBSR) technique of reducing high blood pressure or hypertension has some positive changes on patients. MBSR technique builds on recent research findings that a positive attitude towards life, keeping the mind free of too much stress, anxiety and following simple tips to de-stress and relax play a crucial role in curbing high blood pressure.

Traditionally hypertension and high blood pressure are treated with medication, lifestyle changes and diet.

According to a study by the Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine, the new MBSR technique was tried on a sample of about 100 patients aged between 30-60 years with pre-hypertension and high blood pressure, who were not under medication.

These patients were required to go through body scan exercises, meditation and yoga for a period of 45 minutes six days a week. The mindfulness-based stress reduction program also included discussions on stress related topics and assignments to track the patient’s mood and anxiety levels.

The researchers of the MBSR study noticed a considerable reduction in the primary conditions and resulted in a 4.8-mm Hg reduction in systolic blood pressure (SBP) and a 1.9mm Hg reduction in diastolic blood pressure (DBP).

Many more trials must be conducted to further evaluate the effectiveness of the mindfulness-based stress reduction technique, as it could have other applications for multiple maladies. Richard Josephson of Case Western Reserve University’s School of Medicine said, ‘This was one of the first prospective randomized trials of MBSR as a nonpharmocologic treatment option.’

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The findings are recorded in the journal Psychosomatic Medicine.

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Source-Medindia