I've used the machine for just over 8 weeks, but with little or no change in by BP. I'm not giving up! Can you tell me, are benefits primarily the result of correct breathing rhythm or of decreased rate of breathing?

Norman,
The answer is BOTH. To acheive a sustained reduction in your BP, you need to breathe below 10 BPM while following the unique breathing pattern that is guiding you. The exercise is a shorter inhalation followed by a prolonged exhalation. The exhalation is key*. It's important to take in enough air in your inhale (preferably through your nose), and without holding your breath or stutter breathing, exhale gradually (preferably through pursed lips) We recommend this technique because it gives you a better control. It's more important to breath at a truly comfortable rate (MOST people are truly comfortable at 6-8 BPM). Trying to get down to too low of a breathing rate may actually be counter productive because it is more difficult to maintain thatslower breathing rate!
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I have been using the machine every day for about 2 weeks now. Most of the sessions I am in the therapeutic zone for more than 12 minutes. I follow the guiding patterns, usually with a synchronization of better than 90%. I am not trying to achieve the lowest possible breathing rate but I usually end with a rate of 5 BPM or lower. I think I would have more success with my blood pressure if I could keep my breathing rate in the 7-9 BPM range. I guess I don't understand how to control my breathing so the BPM don't get too low.

Any hints on breathing technique or how to use the device more effectively?

Try changing it to a ten minute session. This tip works for many!
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)

I don't know, I can achieve a BPM of below 10 and I don't need Resperate. U breath in for about 4 seconds and expand your diaphram, and then do a prolonged exhale of about 6 seconds. The yoga people do it, it's called pranayama or something?! U don't need a 300 dollar machine to control your breathing!!

Hi billyboy, I don't know if this will help, but here's a suggestion -- don't try to please the music. That is, if resperate is extending the in or out music don't pretend you're still breathing in by raising your chest or stomach when you're not actually taking in air; and similarly when you're breathing out don't continue to draw your chest or stomach down (in) even though you are no longer actually breathing out.

Stick to your actual breathing, relax and know you'll get the hang of it.

Your out-breathing should bring you a feeling of relaxation, that's when you know you've really got it. Try a few breaths achieving this without using the machine, just so you get the feeling.

Angel

Thank You Angel!
I just want to state for the record that Angel is not an InterCure employee, he is simply a RESPeRATE user that understands.
Breathe Easy!
Marguerite (IMG:http://forum.resperate.com/style_emoticons/default/cool.gif)