The journal of alternative and complementary medicine : research on paradigm, practice, and policy
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J Altern Complement Med · Jul 2009
Randomized Controlled TrialEffect of slow- and fast-breathing exercises on autonomic functions in patients with essential hypertension.
Breathing exercises practiced in various forms of meditations such as yoga may influence autonomic functions. This may be the basis of therapeutic benefit to hypertensive patients. ⋯ Both types of breathing exercises benefit patients with hypertension. However, improvement in both the sympathetic and parasympathetic reactivity may be the mechanism that is associated in those practicing the slow-breathing exercise.