It is known that hypertension can be caused by stress. That is why we are advised to include a little relaxation time in our daily routine. How effective is relaxation in lowering high blood pressure?

I have investigated this by conducting my own (unscientific) experiment on deep relaxation. The results were amazing.

Different types of relaxation.

There are two types of relaxation:

1. active relaxation; and
2. passive relaxation.

When we talk about relaxation, we usually think of passive relaxation, such as listening to quiet music, enjoying the beautiful scenery around us, or simply quieting our mind for a while. The most mentally disciplined among us might meditate. These methods can lower high blood pressure.

A round of golf or a game of tennis can be considered active relaxation, but they do not necessarily have the same effect as passive relaxation.

My experiment

A couple of weeks ago, I decided to listen to Glenn Harrold’s “A Guided Meditation” that had been gathering dust on the shelf since 2003. It brought me to a very deep level of mental and physical relaxation. I happened to have my home digital blood pressure monitor near me. The guided meditation lasted about half an hour, at the end of which, on a whim, I decided to measure my systolic and diastolic pressures.

I measured these pressures again four hours later.

The results surprised me. My morning readings were 140/93 with a pulse of 70. Those readings increased a bit from what they normally are, but are nevertheless considered normal for a person my age.

After listening to “A Guided Meditation,” my readings were 127/80 with a pulse of 63. Encouraged by this, I repeated the experiment for the next six days. Then I went on to listen to the CD “Paul McKenna’s Deep Relaxation”, which I listened to every day for a week. Coincidentally, this CD had also been gathering dust on the shelves since 2003.

The results

It should be noted that:

1. neither “A Guided Meditation” nor “Deep Relaxation by Paul McKenna” claim to reduce hypertension; and
2. These programs are not comparable products.

However, they both significantly lowered my systolic and diastolic pressures, but by different amounts:

• “A guided meditation” consistently resulted in blood pressure readings in the 11-13 point range below the measurements I took at the beginning of the day. The effect was still noticeable, although reduced, after four hours.
• Whereas, “Paul McKenna’s Deep Relaxation” consistently resulted in blood pressure readings in the range 5 to 7 points lower than the measurements I took earlier in the day. The effect could not be measured after four hours.

I do not claim to have used scientific methodology. Also, the results were specific to me, so my results should be considered anecdotal evidence. However, both sets of results are very good. The beneficial effects of deep relaxation lasted for about four hours.

conclusion

This rough piece of science confirms that deep relaxation is an effective way to eliminate physical and mental stress, thereby reducing hypertension. Both “A Guided Meditation” and “Deep Relaxation by Paul McKenna” worked for me. Although the benefits only last a few hours, it is worth it as it complements the other methods used to lower my high blood pressure.