A new clinical trial reveals that a simple, 10-minute Chinese exercise called Baduanjin can lower blood pressure almost as effectively as some medications.
Researchers studied 216 adults aged 40 and older with Stage 1 hypertension over one year. Participants did either Baduanjin, self-directed exercise, or brisk walking five times a week.
Those who practiced Baduanjin saw reduced blood pressure within three months, with results comparable to first-line medications, according to the study published by the American College of Cardiology.
Baduanjin also showed similar safety and effectiveness to brisk walking at one year. The study's senior author, Dr. Jing Li, called it an accessible and scalable lifestyle intervention.
Dr. Matthew Saybolt of Hackensack Meridian Jersey Shore University Medical Center said he was surprised that low-impact Baduanjin matched the benefits of brisk walking. Dr. Antony Chu of Brown University noted that the practice reduces blood pressure by calming the nervous system and lowering stress.
Untreated high blood pressure raises risks of stroke, heart attack, and heart failure. Both doctors emphasized that Baduanjin offers a realistic, non-pharmaceutical option for managing hypertension.