Centuries-old Chinese exercise matches some blood pressure drugs in trial

Researchers have found that a simple Chinese exercise practiced for centuries can lower blood pressure nearly as well as some medications.

Baduanjin consists of eight slow movements, gentle breathing and meditation. A session takes about 10 minutes.

In a clinical trial, 216 adults age 40 and older with Stage 1 hypertension performed either baduanjin, self-directed exercise or brisk walking for one year.

Participants who practiced baduanjin five times a week saw lower blood pressure within three months. The reductions were comparable to those produced by some first-line medications, according to the report published by the American College of Cardiology.

Baduanjin also produced results and a safety profile similar to brisk walking after one year.

"Given its simplicity, safety and ease at which one can maintain long-term adherence, baduanjin can be implemented as an effective, accessible and scalable lifestyle intervention for individuals trying to reduce their blood pressure," said senior author Jing Li, M.D., Ph.D.

Dr. Matthew Saybolt, medical director of the Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center’s Structural Heart Disease Program, said he expected brisk walking to produce greater improvement than baduanjin, but the effects were the same. He was not involved in the study.

Dr. Antony Chu, clinical assistant professor at Brown University’s Warren Alpert School of Medicine, said the study applies statistical analysis to practices long common in Eastern medicine.

Chu noted that Western medicine tends to focus on treating problems after they arise, while Eastern approaches emphasize prevention.

Left untreated, high blood pressure raises the risk of stroke, heart attack, atrial fibrillation and congestive heart failure, Saybolt said.

Chu said baduanjin lowers blood pressure by calming the nervous system and reducing stress.

Saybolt said the findings offer hope that people with hypertension may not need to start with medication.

He added that he has long recommended lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise as key treatments.

With the new data on baduanjin, Saybolt said he is more optimistic than ever that low-impact exercise combined with mindfulness can produce real benefits.

Chu said the study shows that meaningful lifestyle changes do not require extreme measures.

"Close the door in your office and just say, ‘I can't be bothered for 10 minutes,’ and just focus on breathing slowly and moving your arms or legs around," he said.