Relaxation and biofeedback techniques in the management of hypertension.

In a controlled trial, 27 patients with systemic hypertension were given training in relaxation and meditation using biofeedback procedures. As a result there was a significant reduction in both systolic and diastolic pressure in 77% of the patients. In 50% of the patients it was also possible to reduce antihypertensive drugs, ranging from 33 to 100%. Six-month follow up results show that the benefit can be maintained for a long term provided the patients practice relaxation regularly. The response is unlikely to be a "placebo effect" in the usual meaning. Its genuine therapeutic value should be exploited and reevaluated on a larger scale.