Study to Measure Relaxation From Different Types of Focused Breathing Exercises

Focused Breathing Study

Mind-body practices, such as yoga, ta'i chi, mindfulness and biofeedback, commonly use slow breathing techniques to induce physiological and mental relaxation. Medical research suggests that slow breathing techniques induce physiological relaxation. This 6 week study will compare the effects of different types of breathing. The hypothesis is that different breathing techniques produce different physiological and mental changes.

Inclusion Criteria:

• Age 30 to 50 years
• English speaking

Exclusion Criteria:

• Hypertension
• Heart disease: history of coronary artery disease, myocardial infarction, significant valvular disease, or congestive heart failure
• Diabetes
• Renal Disease
• Anxiety Disorder
• Depression
• Other psychiatric conditions including schizophrenia or bipolar disorder
• Attention-deficit-disorder or Attention-deficit-hyperactivity disorder
• Musculoskeletal condition limiting capacity to perform yoga such as chronic lower back pain, chronic neck pain
• Asthma
• Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease
• Obstructive Sleep Apnea
• Smoker
• Currently taking blood pressure medications, oral diabetic medication or insulin
• Current participation in a mind-body practice/program
• Current cancer other than non-melanoma skin cancer
• Regular swimmer
• Plays wind or brass musical instruments