Nonpharmacologic Control of Essential Hypertension in Man: A Critical Review of the Experimental Literature

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Abstract
Many nonpharmacologic (behavioral) techniques are being proposed for the therapy of essential hypertension. The research in this area is reviewed and divided roughly into 2 categories: the biofeedback and relaxation methodologies. While feedback can be used to lower blood pressure [BP] during laboratory training sessions, studies designed to alter basal BP levels with biofeedback were not reported. The absence of evidence for such changes through biofeedback limits the usefulness of this technique in hypertension control. The various relaxation methods, such as yoga, transcendental meditation, progressive muscle relaxation and others show more promise. With varying degrees of experimental vigor, many of these techniques were associated with long-lasting changes in BP. The strengths and weaknesses of the various research designs, data and conclusions are discussed, and suggestions for further experimentation are offered.