I have noticed that when my blood pressure spikes I have symptoms of gastric disturbances, like burping, acid and stress. I am trying to ascertain if the spikes are gastric related, stress related or even possibly heart related. My heart does beat faster during this spiking period however there are no other signs of heart problem - no irregular beats, just an anxious feeling. I know if I see my dr again he's going to throw at me a beta blocker, but I feel that taking one for occasional bouts is not for me as betas and me are not a good fit. This morning I took 2 mg of Xanax and that solved the nervous feeling but the blood pressure is elevated to about 140 / 90. I am also taking Magnesium which I do feel helps for the most part. 250 mg Max Ox. Is there anything else I could do. Oh, yes, I also take 600 mg Kyolic Garlic and assorted and sundry vitamins/antioxidants. Would you think blood pressure meds are warranted. Sorry for the questions to you all, but as most of you have discovered, drs are notorious for over medicating and since I cannot take medications well I am trying to figure this one out on my own. Hopefully not to my demise.......!:)

You are right not to take excessive medication. Do the following breathing exercises and monitor your BP and weight.
The Yoga Pranayam (breathing exercises) are:

Bhastrika - Take a long deep breath into the lungs(chest not tummy) via the nose and then completely breathe out through the nose.

Kapalbhati -(Do it before eating) Push air forcefully out through the nose about once per second. Stomach will itself go in(contract in). The breathing in will happen automatically. Establish a rhythm and do for maximum of 30 minutes. Not for pregnant women. Seriously ill people do it gently.

Anulom Vilom - Deep Breath-in through left nostril keeping right nostril closed
then - Breath-out through right nostril keeping left nostril closed
then -Deep Breath-in through right nostril keeping left nostril closed
then - Breath-out through left nostril keeping right nostril closed
and repeat this cycle for 30 minutes maximum.

Tips : Breathe into lungs not into stomach. Do not hurry. Do it slowly. Rest whenever needed (in any pranayam).Can be done in sitting position, standing or lying in bed(if bed-bound).Keep tissues handy, as a lot of mucous from lungs will be coming through the nose.Monitor blood results to see the improvement. Within a week weight loss will be noticed(only if overweight).

Pranayam is about getting more oxygen into the lungs and sending it around the body via blood to aid in body repair. With extra oxygen more platelets and red blood cells are formed to build up the immune system.Extra fat is burned to reduce weight. All this happens naturally without side-effects.People with all types of ailments including incurable ones will benefit. This has been practised by sages, but has been simplified and brought to the masses by Ramdev.
You will notice the benefits within days.
If you are short of time - start with Anulom vilom and when you benefit, do the other pranayams. Let me know how you get on and do ask questions.