High Blood Pressure or Hypertension
1 in 3 adults suffers from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. In 90 to 95 percent of cases the causes of hypertension are unknown. Hypertension has no symptoms in its early stages, that's why it is sometimes referred to as the silent killer. During that time it can do damage to your blood vessels, heart and kidneys. That's why it's important to get your blood pressure checked on a regular basis.
Massage and Hypertension
A study done by the Miami based Touch Institute in the 1999 tracked the affects of massage and relaxation exercises on 30 adults with controlled hypertension. In the study some of the participants were given muscle relaxation exercises to perform twice a week for 30 minutes. Other members of the group were massaged twice a week for 30 minutes. At the end of 5 weeks both groups had lower anxiety and depression levels. However, only the massaged group had lower blood pressure levels. They also had lower levels of stress hormones in there bodies.Massage calms the nervous system. This slows the heart rate and causes your blood pressure to lower, but massage is contra-indicated for people who suffer from hypertension because during a massage your circulation is initially increased. This can speed up the rate that medications move through your system. It can also cause problems if you already have bad hypertension. If you have hypertension and want to get massage to help relieve it, you should see your doctor first to find out if it's all right. If approved, get a note from your doctor saying that it's safe for you to receive massage. You can give this to your therapist when you go to your first massage appointment. Want More Info?Massage can help hypertension, and also bad circulation, which is often connected? Learn how circulation and high blood pressure can both be a cause and a symptom of the other. Did you know that dark chocolate can also reduce your blood pressure? This 70% Organic dark chocolate not only helps you feel and sleep better, it may also improve memory, reduce blood pressure, has a low glycemic index,is full of antioxidants and Omega 3, helps with weight loss, is vegan and promotes wellness without drugs. Read more about this amazing 70% dark organic, cold pressedchocolate at Chocolate-For-Health.com.
If you found this information about high blood pressure useful, you might enjoy my ezine, Healthy Times. Subscribe and get this free downloadable guide to self-massage.

Return to Benefits of Massage Therapy
Return from High Blood Pressure/Hypertension to Massage-Therapy-Benefits.net Home
Can't find what you're looking for? Try searching this site.

|