Real Music Puts Pizzazz
In Blood Pressure
Breathing Method

The conventional method of applying breathing therapy to lower blood pressure uses a device that interacts with the user's breathing and generates tones to regulate it. Ascending tones guide the user to breathe faster and descending tones indicate slower. The objective is to lower the user's respiratory rate into the “therapeutic zone� below 10 breaths per minute for 10 to 15 minutes a day. When done correctly and consistently, the method works. Even more surprisingly, the effects are cumulative and begin to last throughout the day after 4 to 6 weeks practice. The result is a significant and lasting drop in blood pressure. That's how it works in the trials, anyway.

Although these devices do show an encouraging level of success treating tens of thousands of hypertension sufferers, real-life results often fail to measure up to those obtained in clinical trials. There are at least two obvious reasons for this and both indicate limitations in the way method is applied.

The first thing to look at is relaxation, a first requirement for therapeutic breathing to be effective. The more relaxed the user, the better the results. This is where the conventional system using computer-generated tones falls flat. Such devices do not produce true music and, aside from a short-lived novelty factor, do little to promote deep relaxation.

Second, but closely tied to the first point, programs of this type often disappoint under real-life conditions because success depends on consistent use. Participants in trials are usually both motivated and closely monitored. They are often keenly aware of expectations and eager to please. But outside of this artificial situation, interest and discipline can quickly wane resulting in a drop in use and disappointing results. More often than not, the clinical findings are questioned when the real fault lies with human nature. Most of us lack the sheer discipline to carry on doing something repetitive when it lacks an immediate payoff in stimulation or enjoyment.

The solution to both problems may be found in a new approach combining guided breathing with real music. This is the opposite of the conventional method that guides breathing with synthetic tones. Genuine music provides both the relaxation so urgently needed as well as the enjoyment to come back again and again. Only real music composed by a human being with emotional depth and a feeling for melody can do this.

And there's an added bonus in that music is a powerful therapeutic tool in its own right. Numerous studies reveal that music can in fact lower blood pressure, especially in stressful situations. A study at a Japanese hospital found that music lowered systolic pressure by up to 44 points during a catheter insertion (yep, that's stressful!) compared to blood pressure experienced without music.

When combined with breathing, music exerts an even more powerful interactive effect. A study published in the journal Biofeedback and Self-Regulation indicates that music deepens breathing and speeds relaxation. This synergy is further support for claims of the enhanced effectiveness of the new guided breathing with music method.al journal, Heart, reports findings that confirm a common sense guess that music with a slow tempo lowers blood pressure while a fast tempo raises pressure. Many people also find that only music that is emotionally satisfying is effective. Such a quality is hard to define, although classical adagios and larghettos are often ideal. Others find classical music too involving to be relaxing and prefer a more detached style of music such as new age or ambient. Whichever style is preferred, it must be of a slow tempo and gentle to be relaxing and beneficial to breathing and blood pressure.

It's too bad that music's effects on blood pressure are mainly temporary. Perhaps we could all maintain healthy blood pressure by simply walking around with headphones permanently strapped to ourselves. Luckily there's an even better alternative. Music with breathing combines two powerful therapeutic tools, promotes relaxation and enjoyment to ensure frequent use, and can lead to lasting lower blood pressure. And it only takes 15 minutes a day.

Click here to learn more about slow breathing for lower blood pressure and stress relief.