Snappy newsletters. Simple Facebook sharing. Spirited comments. Sweet features are waiting… GET THEM NOW!

Om My! Meditation Lowers Blood Pressure

Study shows daily time-out may reduce medication needs

By Kate Rockwood,  Newser Staff

Posted Aug 24, 2008 7:05 PM CDT

(Newser) – An Om a day might just keep the blood pressure medication away, reports NPR. Daily meditation helped lower the blood pressure in two-thirds of patients in a recent study who were striking out on the medication front. Participants used the “relaxation response” technique, of sitting quietly for 15 minutes while repeating a word silently. Nitric oxide production increases, opening blood vessels wider and lowering blood pressure.

“You’re pushing the same amount of blood through a bigger pipe,” the lead doctor says. “And that’s what nitric oxide—which all of us make in our body—does in response to relaxation response.” But like anything requiring discipline, the technique's benefits could be short-lived. A year after the study, at least one success story admitted to slacking on his meditation.

Meditation can increase the production of nitric oxide, which in turn can lower blood pressure, a recent study shows.
Meditation can increase the production of nitric oxide, which in turn can lower blood pressure, a recent study shows.   (Index Stock)
Meditation may be one tool, along with diet, exercise and medication, to lower blood pressure.
Meditation may be one tool, along with diet, exercise and medication, to lower blood pressure.   (Getty Images)
« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

It was a foreign concept in terms of my normal practices...You're just letting all your tension go. - Jerome Smith, who reduced his medication through meditation

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow
To report an error on this story, notify our editors.
A snapshot of the day's best news stories.
 
COMMENTS
Be the first to comment on this story.

More Newser Stories

Wait, Salt's Not So Bad Now?

Tylenol's Dangers 'Sneak Up on People'

More Kids Take Grown-up Drugs in Obesity Fight

McCain's 'Real Age' Is 63

Big Bellies Raise Risk of Alzheimer's


NEWS FROM OUR PARTNERS
Other Sites We Like:   24/7 Wall St.   |   Betty Confidential   |   BuzzFeed   |   Cracked   |   Fark   |   Timelines   |   The Frisky   |   Geek Sugar   |   NewsOne