A short word or two about massage therapy & hypertension…
One of the major causes contributing to the increase of cardiovascular disease in the world is the rise of hypertension. This is not limited to heart disease alone. It can also increase the risk of brain and kidney diseases. Hypertension is considered an important issue in public health and risk of death all over the world, particularly in developed countries like the United States. 1 in 3 adults in the US suffer from hypertension (approximately 50 million people).
“Well, what is Hypertension…and what causes it?” one may ask. Also known as high blood pressure, it is a condition where the blood vessels have persistent raised pressure. The blood vessels carry oxygenated blood from the heart to all the parts of the body. Every heartbeat pumps blood into the vessels. Blood pressure is created by the force of blood pressing against the arterial walls as it is being pumped. The more pressure, the harder the heart has to work.
In answer to the second question, ‘What causes it?’, high blood pressure can be caused by a number of things, such as consuming excessive amounts of sodium, above-moderate alcohol use, lack of exercise, and chronic stress. These are several examples of common causalities that can lead to developing hypertension.
Massage therapy is a safe, applicable, supportive, and cost-effective way to help control high blood pressure or hypertension. It can be integrated with the lifestyle changes that are typically made to mitigate symptoms of high BP. Studies have shown that massage can help calm the nervous system’s involuntary responses to stressful or dangerous situations. Massage mobilizes skin, muscle tissue, and connective tissue (fascia), stimulating a relaxation response from the central nervous system resulting in decreased blood pressure and heart rate.
Please consult your doctor before incorporating massage therapy to help manage your hypertension, especially if you are not currently being treated. If you are being treated, it’s important to ensure there are no contraindications with any current medications being taken before proceeding.