Two aspects of this research are particularly interesting from a Chinese medicine point of view. First, the preliminary research data showing that slow breathing practiced for 15 minutes a day resulted in a 10 – 15 point drop in blood pressure. Second, the researcher postulates that the prolonged effect of the drop in blood pressure is due to a systemic mechanism, specifically the kidney’s excretion of salt.
The first point is probably well known. Meditation, progressive relaxation, and similar exercises can help to drop blood pressure. The second point is interesting because, if shown to be true, illustrates a concrete connection between the kidneys and the lungs – a basic premise in Chinese medicine.
