Home / Health / Mind-Body Practice Rivals BP Meds and Walking
Mind-Body Practice Rivals BP Meds and Walking
19 Feb
Summary
- Ancient Chinese practice Baduanjin is as effective as medication for lowering blood pressure.
- The eight-movement sequence combines slow movement, deep breathing, and meditation.
- Study participants showed reduced blood pressure comparable to medication and brisk walking.
A study published on February 18, 2026, reveals that Baduanjin, an ancient Chinese mind-body practice, can effectively lower blood pressure, matching the results of medication and brisk walking.
This widely practiced eight-movement sequence involves slow, structured movements, deep breathing, and meditation. Participants with high blood pressure who practiced Baduanjin for 15 minutes twice daily experienced a reduction of about 3 points in their 24-hour average systolic blood pressure and 5 points in doctor's office readings.
These results are comparable to landmark drug trials but achieved without the cost or side effects associated with medication. Baduanjin's benefits also significantly surpassed those of a self-directed exercise group, highlighting its unique efficacy. The practice, also known as qigong, has been performed in China for over 800 years.
Researchers emphasized Baduanjin's simplicity, safety, and ease of long-term adherence, making it a scalable lifestyle intervention. This ancient, low-cost approach has been validated through high-quality randomized research, offering a compelling alternative for individuals seeking to manage their blood pressure.
