High Blood Pressure
Massage Therapy Assists in Lowering Blood Pressure

1 in 3 adults suffers from high blood pressure, also known as hypertension. That leaves many people searching for method for lowering blood pressure. 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

high blood pressure A study done by the Miami based Touch Institute in the 1999 tracked the effects 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 high blood pressure 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 pressed chocolate at Chocolate-For-Health.com.