Book Description

The objective of this clinical review is to summarize studies of the effect of relaxation therapy on blood pressure in normotensive, prehypertensive and hypertensive individuals. Clinical trials conducted in different parts of the world and using various relaxation techniques were used. The review of the literature reveals that relaxation therapy reduces BP. Some techniques have more profound effects compared to others. All studies showed that compared to the control group, which in many studies received health education, the active treatment group or the relaxation therapy group showed a significant reduction in BP. Some studies also showed that the systolic BP was affected more than the diastolic BP. However, all studies were either unclear or unsure of the mechanism of action of the effects of relaxation techniques on the cardiovascular system, especially BP. All 11 current clinical trials reviewed demonstrated that meditation or relaxation techniques had a positive effect on the reduction of blood pressure but should be used as an adjuvant therapy. We conclude that meditation is effective in reducing BP.