BP AND BREATHING EXERCISE

by J P S
(Mumbai)

I am 51 years of age having high BP for last 5 years. For last few days, I am doing breathing excercises while walking. I inhale for 3 to 4 steps and exhale 3 to 4 steps. This way I do for 20 to 25 minutes. I do not hold my breath in between. Should I continue?

Answer

You are following the rhythmic breathing while walking and there is nothing wrong with it. It can be a wonderful experience to walk rhythmically. You must concentrate on your breathing while walking as it will increase your self awareness and reduces stress levels. Your aim should be to focus on breathing and forget all our days worries/ tensions. If you enjoy your walk and feel better, please continue.

However, here are few suggestions:

~ You must form a rhythmic pattern, like inhale for 3 steps and exhale for 3 steps.
~ Take a deep breath filling your lungs with more oxygen, take care to keep your walking posture erect.
~ While doing breathing do not stress yourself. If you feel tired, take rest.
~ Do not talk while walking.
~ Inhale through your nose only.

You can practice rhythmic breathing while sitting, lying down or walking.

In addition to rhythmic walking, you must do some yoga asanas and pranayama too. At your age, alom vilom (preferably in padmasana), chandra bhedi pranayama, meditation (aum recitation is the simplest you can do) and then resting in shavasana is the best approach for keeping blood pressure under control. You can focus more on alom vilom and gradually increase the duration of alom vilom up to 20 or 30 minutes.

You must take advice of your doctor also, keeping in view your high blood pressure.


You can share your experience in more detail by writing a comment on this page.

Hope this helps.

Wishing you health and happiness.
Daljit

P.S. I have built this page linked to Yoga FAQ as it was asked here, but later I will move this page to https://www.yoga-for-beginners-a-practical-guide.com/yoga-breathing.html