Yoga and Meditation May Temporarily Lower Blood Pressure, but Long-Term Benefits Are Uncertain, BMJ Study Finds
A recent study published in *BMJ Medicine* suggests that relaxation techniques such as yoga, meditation, and breath control can temporarily reduce blood pressure in individuals with hypertension. Conducted by researchers from the University of Bristol, UK, the study reviewed 182 previously published studies to assess the impact of various stress-reducing methods. While these interventions showed promising short-term effects, the researchers emphasized that their long-term benefits for managing high blood pressure remain unclear, calling for more robust and extended studies to clarify their clinical value.
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a chronic condition that elevates the risk of serious health issues, including heart disease, stroke, and diabetes. Stress is a well-known contributor to hypertension, and while medications are effective, many patients struggle with adherence. This has fueled interest in alternative approaches like relaxation techniques, which aim to mitigate stress and, in turn, lower blood pressure. The *BMJ* study explored a range of methods, including breath control, yoga, tai chi, meditation, biofeedback, muscle relaxation, mindfulness, psychotherapy, and even music, to evaluate their efficacy.
The analysis revealed that most relaxation techniques led to measurable reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure within about three months. Systolic blood pressure, the higher number in a reading, reflects the force of blood against artery walls during heartbeats, while diastolic measures pressure between beats. Among the findings, breath control reduced systolic blood pressure by an average of 6.65 mm Hg, while meditation achieved a slightly greater drop of 7.71 mm Hg. Meditative movements like yoga and tai chi were even more effective, lowering systolic pressure by 9.58 mm Hg. Mindfulness and psychotherapy also showed significant results, reducing systolic values by 9.90 mm Hg and 9.83 mm Hg, respectively.
These short-term reductions suggest that relaxation techniques could offer immediate relief for people with hypertension. The study’s authors noted, “Relaxation or stress management techniques might result in meaningful reductions in blood pressure at up to three months of follow-up.” However, they cautioned that hypertension requires sustained management, typically through long-term medication or lifestyle changes. Interventions that provide only fleeting benefits may not translate to lasting clinical improvements, limiting their practical utility in treating a chronic condition like high blood pressure.
The researchers highlighted the need for more rigorous research to determine whether these techniques can deliver enduring benefits. Many of the reviewed studies were short-term, small-scale, or lacked the design rigor needed to draw definitive conclusions. Longer-duration trials with larger, diverse participant groups are essential to assess whether relaxation methods can serve as reliable tools for hypertension management. Without such evidence, the study suggests that while yoga, meditation, and similar practices may complement existing treatments, they should not replace conventional therapies.
In summary, the *BMJ Medicine* study underscores the potential of relaxation techniques to temporarily ease high blood pressure by reducing stress. However, their role in long-term hypertension management remains uncertain. For now, individuals with high blood pressure should consult healthcare providers to integrate such practices thoughtfully alongside proven treatments, ensuring a balanced approach to managing this serious condition.
