Breathing slowly for 15 minutes 3 or 4 times a week has been found to reduce blood pressure by 9mm without any side effects.  See website of Resperate gadget marketer:

http://www.lifematters.com/resperate.asp?source=google&;camp=resp&kw=resp

"Breathing slowly" in this context means breathing ten times per minute as compared to the usual 14 to 19 times per minute.

If you clicked on the URL shown above, you have learned that a small machine is available for $279 that will help you to breathe slowly.

The alternative is to follow the instructions presented below.  That will cost you nothing at all.


Breathing Slowly

Sit down in a comfortable chair at a time and place where you will not to be disturbed for 15 minutes.

You will need a watch or a clock, a piece of paper and a pencil.

Write down the time shown by the clock.  Add 15 minutes to the number you just wrote down and write down this number.

Take a deep breath and let it out slowly.  Watch the second hand on your timepiece.  When six seconds have passed, suck in your guts to expel as much air as possible from your lungs.

Take a deep breath and repeat.

Keep doing this until the fifteen minutes have passed.

Congratulations.  You have just saved $279.


Notes: 

1.  I have found it helpful to count my heartbeats as a way of keeping time.  My pulse is about 62 beats per minute, so if I count up to about 6 or 7 heartbeats, I don't have to watch the clock so closely.

2.  With practice, I have learned to breathe out for 20 or even 30 seconds (or even more) before I breathe in.  When I am in top form, I can manage the whole 15 minute experience with only 20 to 23 breaths. 

3.  Has slow breathing for 15 minutes a day reduced my blood pressure?  Yes, by about 10mm on each of the two numbers (systolic and diastolic).

4.  I have also used slow breathing, as described above to help me: fall asleep, warm my hands and relieve muscle cramps.

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