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Ancient Exercise Lowers Blood Pressure Without Drugs
19 Feb
Summary
- Baduanjin exercise group showed significantly lower systolic blood pressure.
- The ancient exercise's effect rivals landmark drug trial results.
- It offers a scalable, low-cost prevention method for communities.

A recent study published in the Journal of the American College of Cardiology (JACC) highlights the remarkable health benefits of Baduanjin, an ancient Chinese exercise. The findings indicate that this practice can effectively lower blood pressure.
After 12 weeks, participants who practiced Baduanjin experienced a significant reduction in their 24-hour average systolic blood pressure. This positive outcome was observed when compared to individuals who engaged in self-directed exercise or brisk walking.
According to JACC editor-in-chief Harlan Krumholz, the observed effect of Baduanjin is comparable to outcomes from major drug trials. Crucially, these benefits were achieved without the need for medication, associated costs, or potential side effects, making it highly scalable for community-based health initiatives.




