Because the heart and blood pressure systems operate involuntarily, we cannot simply change the rate of our heart beating, or decrease blood pressure automatically. The heart is automated to provide blood to the body. Heart rates and blood pressure levels change according to demands put on the body, as well as the breathing capacity of the lungs and their ability to provide oxygen. These internal rhythms can be impacted in a positive way by doing some simple yoga breathing exercises. Breathing in a calm, regulated fashion can help to lower blood pressures levels on an ongoing basis.
Yoga
Find a quiet place to do your breathing exercises, where you will have total privacy and some time alone. Sitting cross-legged on the floor, place your right hand on your abdomen and your left hand at the base of your rib cage. Breathe in deeply, feeling your chest and abdomen expand. As you exhale slowly through the nose, feel your lungs empty completely. Avoid holding your breath between inhaling and exhaling. Repeat five times. Try to do this exercise at least once a day to regulate your blood pressure.
Breathing Exercise
Sitting cross-legged on the floor again, close your eyes, and hold one nostril closed with the thumb and breathe in deeply. Mentally count to four as you are breathing, visualizing each number as it passes. Release the nostril, then repeat the process with the other nostril. Don't rush through the process, let each number pass in front of you and fade away. Repeat this process three times.
Other Things to Do
In addition to including yoga breathing exercises in your daily routine, try to remember to focus on your breathing throughout the day. Breathe deeply when sitting at your desk, lifting your lungs up and out, filling your chest to capacity, and slowly exhaling. Remember to practice good posture, as this can impact how the diaphragm works in your body.
As always, when dealing with high blood pressure, you need to eliminate those things from your diet that can aggravate it. These include salt, caffeine, and alcohol. Get plenty of exercise, and lose some weight if you are able. All of these practices when combined with deep breathing exercises, should contribute to lowering your blood pressure numbers.
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