Frequently Asked Questions
About BreatheEasy

Why common blood pressure treatments often don't work:

    Why are common blood pressure treatments often ineffective?
    What about lifestyle?
    What about herbs and supplements?
    Is medication the best treatment?
    What are the potential problems with blood pressure drugs?

About slow breathing with music:

    What is slow breathing?
    What is slow breathing with music?
    Why should I use it?
    How does it lower high blood pressure?
    How can you prove that slow breathing works?
    How much will it reduce my blood pressure?
    Can I do slow breathing while taking blood pressure medication?
    Can it help me quit/reduce/avoid blood pressure drugs?
    Does slow breathing work for everyone?
    Can it cause low blood pressure?
    Does slow breathing use meditation, self-hypnosis or yoga?
    Can I learn to do it on my own?

About the Breatheasy System:

   What is the Breatheasy system?
    How does the program work?
    What kind of music does Breatheasy use?
    What is Silencio Music?
    Does the soundtrack use subliminal messages?
    What is included in the Breatheasy system?
    Some people breathe differently. How does Breatheasy deal with this?
    How often will I need to use Breatheasy?
    Will I have to learn to always breathe in a special way?
    Do I need any special equipment?
    What happens if I guit using Breatheasy?
    What else does Breatheasy do?
    What's so special about Breatheasy compared to similar products?
    Is it guaranteed?
    How do I order?

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.