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Why
common blood pressure treatments often don't work:
Why
are common blood pressure treatments often ineffective?
Blood pressure treatment is difficult and frustrating because it has
numerous causes, many of them unknown. Any treatment of a
mere symptom or an unproven cause is bound to be hit or miss.
What about
lifestyle?
While it's only common sense to live as healthy a lifestyle as
possible, many people can become frustrated when behavior
changes fail to affect their blood pressure.
The cause and effect relationship needs to be fairly well established
for a lifestyle change to reliably affect blood pressure.
To illustrate this, there are many people who may be overweight or
inactive, smokers or heavy drinkers with a poor diet, or with any
combination of "unhealthy" behaviors, but
nevertheless with normal blood pressure. On the other hand, there are
those with no known risk factors whatsoever who have high blood
pressure.
What
about herbs and supplements?
Many people swear by herbs
and supplements for lower blood pressure and many other purposes.
Hawthorne berry, for example, is often claimed to be effective. And
magnesium can help balance the excess sodium that we get in modern
diets.
Most herbs and supplements are safe when used sensibly but that's not
always the case. Some of them are extremely powerful and no more
natural than other drugs. With that in mind, certain herbs
and supplements seem to work for some people and so it may be
worthwhile to try them carefully.
Is
medication the best treatment?
Until recently, drug treatment - even with all its problems - was the
best bet to control your blood pressure. This is probably because blood
pressure drugs closely target the physiology of hypertension.
Even when the original cause of a person's hypertension may
remain unknown, the physiological result is always a
restriction of blood flow, which increases the
pressure and load on the heart.
The restriction can be caused by a number of things including a buildup
of plaque within the arteries or excess muscle tension, which in effect
compresses the blood vessels.
Various blood pressure medications are designed to target these causes.
There are drugs to clean the gunk out of arteries, others to dilate the
blood vessels and still others to relax the muscles. But the common
goal is to get the blood flowing and drug treatment is relatively
successful because it produces a reliable physical response to make
this happen.
What
are the problems with blood pressure drugs?
Some promoters of natural or alternative treatments advocate the
rejection of conventional medicine. This is totally irresponsible. Drug
treatment is, and will remain, an essential tool in the treatment of
severe and chronic hypertension. It saves lives.
However, drugs do have serious drawbacks. The first problem with
medications is determining the correct type of drug and dosage the each
particular person. There are an increasing number of drug types, each
acting in different ways. Sometimes finding the right one is easy.
Other times it can be a long and frustrating ordeal.
The second problem with drugs is side effects. In general, blood
pressure medications are tolerated
fairly well. But in some cases side effects are serious and even
debilitating.
It therefore makes perfectly good sense to reduce or eliminate drugs
whenever possible. Luckily, therapeutic breathing is an ideal way to do
this.
About therapeutic, or slow, breathing
with music:
What
is slow breathing?
Slow breathing is
a method that slows your breathing to below 10 breaths per
minute and lengthens the exhale phase. Clinical trials prove
that practicing this technique just 10 to 15 minutes a day
will lower your blood pressure.
The studies also reveal that the effects are cumulative and begin to
last throughout the day after 4 to 6 weeks of practicing therapeutic
breathing.
What
is slow breathing with music?
Relaxation is
required for breathing to be effective: the more relaxed the greater
the results. Music has proved to be the best way to achieve the
necessary level of relaxation.
Only Breatheasy uses interactive breathing with real music and is
therefore much better at producing true relaxation.
Why should
I use it?
The average person typically breathes shallowly and quickly at a rate
of 14 to 18 breaths per minute. Breathing more slowly than 10 breath
per minute, for only 15 minutes a day, reduces blood pressure, stress,
and anxiety. Many people also report improved sleeping and
moods.
How
does it lower high blood pressure?
There are at two explanations for the positive effects of slow
breathing on blood pressure. The first is a simple physiological
response: Breathing slowly and deeply relaxes muscle
tension, particularly in the chest area, which allows the blood vessels
to open up and relieve pressure on the heart.
Now there is a new theory proposed by Dr. David Anderson of the
National Institute of Health that has
less to do with relaxation. He believes that how we breathe affects the
way our bodies break down salt. Sodium, of course, is an important
factor in how the body regulates blood pressure.
Both of these no doubt play a role in the way breathing works to lower
blood pressure. The important thing is that it works!
Is
there any evidence that slow breathing works?
Slow breathing has
been proven in at least seven different clinical trials. The
results are published in professional medical journals including the Journal
of Clinical Hypertension, American Journal of
Hypertension, Journal of Human Hypertension,
Hypertension Research, and
Circulation, the Journal of the American Heart Association.
Click the Clinical Proof link to see the actual journal articles as
published on the website of the National Library of Medicine and
National Institutes of Health.
Slow breathing is promoted by leading health organizations including
the Harvard Medical School, the Mayo Clinic and John Hopkins Hospital.
Leading doctors and other health professionals have appeared on every
major TV news network, talk shows and other media programs to
promote this medical breakthrough. Major newspapers and magazines from
around the world have also covered the story.
How
much will it reduce my blood pressure?
Clinical trials have documented reductions of up to 36 points diastolic
and 20 points systolic.
Averages are
difficult to calculate because various degrees of hypertension respond
differently to therapeutic breathing. As you would expect, those with
the highest blood pressure have the most to lose (or rather, to gain!).
At the same time,
those with only mild to moderate hypertension also have a lot to gain.
Even though their reductions will probably be less, it can often be
enough to reverse the problem and avoid medications. (Always consult
your doctor is there is any doubt.)
Breatheasy users have reported reductions of up to 50+ points systolic
and 20+ points diastolic in unsolicited feedback. Such dramatic
results, however, are exceptional and should not be considered typical.
Nevertheless, it shows the great potential of this method.
Can
I do slow breathing while taking blood pressure medication?
Yes. As a completely natural treatment, slow breathing is 100% safe and
compatible with any type of medication.
The research shows that people on blood pressure medication get very
good results with slow breathing.
Can
it help me quit/reduce/avoid blood pressure drugs?
These are all possibilities but you have to use caution. Withdrawal
from blood pressure medication can be dangerous and must be done under
medical supervision.
High dosage/long time use: If
you require high doses or if you've been relying on medication for some
time it's likely that slow breathing will allow you to reduce your
medication. Some users do get results so dramatic as to give up blood
pressure drugs after many years of use, but this is not typical.
Low dosage/short time use: If
you require only low doses or have been on medication a short time
there's a good chance that slow breathing can reduce your blood
pressure enough to withdraw medications. Check with your doctor when
you feel ready for it.
Not on medication: If
your blood pressure is above normal or rising but not yet requiring
medication now is the ideal time to begin slow breathing. It can
definitely help you get control of it and avoid starting drug
treatment. Once started, drug treatment can be difficult to stop.
Does
slow breathing work for everyone?
Nearly everyone can benefit from slow breathing, either directly or
indirectly. Even in the occasional case where it does not have a strong
direct affect on blood pressure, users report extreme satisfaction with
it relaxing and calming effect.
However, no treatment can be 100% effective and for the very few who do
not respond to it (or who are not satisfied for any other reason)
BREATHEASY has an unconditional money-back guarantee.
Can
it cause low blood pressure?
Slow breathing will not reduce blood pressure below normal nor will
it have any effect on people with normal blood pressure.
Does
slow breathing use meditation, self-hypnosis or yoga?
No. The only thing they have in common is an emphasis on relaxation.
Many breathing methods advocate abdominal breathing or complicated
counting procedures. There is nothing mysterious or difficult about
BREATHEASY. You simply relax with the music and follow the
guided breathing in the most natural and comfortable way for you.
Can
I learn to do it on my own?
Yes, it is possible to learn slow breathing on your own,
and you will gradually assimilate with Breatheasy.
People have actually been doing this for years under the name of
biofeedback. Unfortunately, biofeedback is difficult and
time-consuming to learn, which is why it has never gained widespread
use.
Slow breathing is also very difficult to learn unaided because it's
only effective when done in a very relaxed state with minimal conscious
effort.
This may sound easy but it's hard to achieve on your own. When you
focus on your breathing you tend to tense up and this will actually increase your
blood pressure.
Various methods have been developed to overcome this difficulty. The
best results have been achieved using music. Surprisingly, Breatheasy
is the only method to use real music. Others use computer-generated
jingles.
About the Breatheasy System:
What
is the Breatheasy system?
Breatheasy is an audio CD program that uses a patent-pending soundtrack
called Interactive Breathing with Music. It combines guided slow
breathing with some of the most beautiful and relaxing music ever
recorded to gently and gradually guide your breathing into the
therapeutic zone while producing a state of deep relaxation.
Breatheasy is simple, easy to use, affordable and enjoyable.
In fact, enjoyment is one of the keys to its success because it
guarantees you will want to keep coming back for more.
What's more, it's the only program of this type to use real music for
genuine relaxation and enjoyment.
How
does the program work?
The first disk in the BREATHEASY set will slow your breathing from
about 14 breaths per minutes (bpm) down to 7 bpm. The process is so
gradual and relaxing that you will hardly notice.
At the same time, the
program adjusts your breathing pattern to prolong the exhalation phase.
These two changes together produce optimum breathing
for lowering high blood pressure.
The set contains two
additional CDs that run at a constant 7 bpm and provide hours of great
music to choose from for continuing well into the future.
The breathing
pattern will gradually become ingrained and your need for the program
will decrease over time.
What
kind of music does Breatheasy use?
Clearly, not just any music will do. It has to be calming and relaxing
and, above all, slow tempo. It may seem obvious but studies show that
slow tempo music lowers blood pressure while fast music raises it.
Classical adagios and larghettos are often ideal. Breatheasy
Classical is the original program with the finest masterpieces of all
time. Composers include the "greats" such as Beethoven, Bach, Mozart
and Brahms along with a few lesser-known surprises. These are all top
notch performances recorded under license from Naxos, a
leading classical music label.
A second set, Breatheasy Ambient, has recently been added.
This music alone will lower your blood pressure... too bad the effects
won't last without the breathing!
What
is
Silencio Music?
Breatheasy Ambient
with Silencio Music has just been released to add further variety to
the program. Greater choice and variety means more enjoyment and
frequent use.
Ambient is a type of music created specifically for relaxation or
meditation. It is often composed of sounds of nature combined with
simple, relaxing melodies.
When not done well, this type of music can easily become tedious.
Luckily, Silencio Music creates probably the best ambient music
available today. It is designed to actually slow the listener's
heartbeat and synchronize with it to produce the ultimate in relaxation.
This makes it extremely effect for use with Breatheasy. BREATHEASY
Ambient with Silencio Music is a powerful combination
that's hard to beat. In fact, many people are surprised to discover
that they prefer it to Breatheasy Classical.
Does
the soundtrack use subliminal messages?
There are no
subliminal messages or spoken words on the soundtrack. What you hear is
what you get. It contains only music and a synthesized guided
breathing soundtrack.
What
is included in the Breatheasy system?
Each Breatheasy set (Classical and Ambient) includes 3 CDs plus a 16
page step-by-step instruction booklet plus support.
Each CD has five tracks of 15 minutes each. The complete set totals
225 minutes (nearly 4 hours of music).
When you buy Breatheasy you get the best customer support imaginable.
If you have any questions or problems with the
program or any other aspect of blood pressure your I will
answer your concerns promptly and thoroughly.
Some
people breathe differently. How does Breatheasy deal with this?
The program is
carefully designed to accommodate personal differences in breathing
patterns. This is fully explained in the step-by-step instruction
booklet.
How
often will I need to use Breatheasy?
Best results are
obtained using 15 minutes a day, 4 or 5 times a week. You can do it
every day if you wish, but more often than that will probably not
improve results.
The rest of the
time you can simply forget about it. Fifteen minutes a day is all it
takes to produce a lasting reduction in your blood pressure and stress
level.
Will
I have to learn to always breathe in a special way?
No. Other than the 15
minutes with Breatheasy you can forget about it and breathe normally.
Do
I need any special equipment?
Breatheasy CDs are
audio CDs that can be played on any CD player or on any PC with a CD
and sound system.
With the new mp3
download option you can also use Breatheasy on mp3 players for even
greater portability and convenience.
Whichever type of player you use you will get the best
results listening with stereo headphones.
Headphones focus the sound and also help
insulate you from distracting noises.
Headphones can be bought inexpensively from many discount stores,
consumer electronics shops, or on eBay. Even very cheap ones will do
fine just make sure they're stereo!
Most people find the type that wrap around your head on a frame more
comfortable and more effective than the loose earpieces. This is the
type I recommend.
What
happens if I guit using Breatheasy?
You will not continue
getting the benefits if you stop therapeutic breathing but this
does not mean you have to use Breatheasy or any other program forever.
Breatheasy is
designed to gradually teach you the correct breathing pattern
through repetition. The amount of time needed until it becomes
ingrained varies from person to person but it usually takes just a few
months. Once this happens you will be able to practice therapeutic
breathing any time the mood strikes you and however you wish: with your
own music, out in nature, in complete silence...
Just come back to the program now and then for a tune-up to make sure
you keep in sync.
What
else does Breatheasy do?
Instead of side
effects BREATHEASY can provide secondary benefits.
- Reduced stress and anxiety
- On-the-spot relief of panic, severe stress or anxiety
- Calming and reduction of pregnancy-induced hypertension
(also great for the baby!)
- Increased respiratory fitness
- Increased energy due to greater oxygenation of the body
- Helps detoxification (did you know that the respiratory
system accounts for up to 70% of the body's removal of toxins?)
- Helping to control your own blood pressure increases your
self-confidence
What's
so special about Breatheasy compared to similar products?
Breatheasy is simple, enjoyable and affordable. Its music not only
provides genuine relaxation but boosts effectiveness as a powerful
therapeutic tool in its own right. Breatheasy is the only one to use
real music.
Is
it guaranteed?
Your results and total satisfaction are unconditionally guaranteed.
Just return Breatheasy for any reason whatsoever
within 6 months of delivery and I will return your full purchase price.
I'll even pay your return postage!
This amounts to a totally risk-free six
month trial!
How do I order?
You can order Breatheasy any time of the day or not online, by phone
(toll-free within the U.S. and Canada) or by post.
To order online: Simply click the Order Now button at the top of any
page and follow the instructions for secure online payment using any
major credit card via Paypal, the Internet's longest established and
most secure payment processor.
To order by phone: Call toll-free to 1-877-435-1985 from the U.S. or
Canada (00-1-877-435-1985 from other locations - charged at direct
international long-distance rates). If the line is not in service
please leave your phone number and we will return your call promptly.
To order by mail: Send a check or money order for the product option of
your choice to the U.S. address on our Contact page.
ORDER
BREATHEASY TODAY!
You
have nothing to lose but your high blood pressure
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