Have you ever felt the weight of stress bearing down? That ache in your shoulder, that pounding in your head? High blood pressure can catch up with you, and it’s an insidious one, but a killer one at that. If a natural remedy for lowering those readings is your quest, then massage can be your answer.
I know it can sometimes be a challenge to manage blood pressure. Perhaps you’re exercising, eating a healthy diet, and taking your medications. What if, in addition, a relaxing, pleasurable, and healthy option existed? Let’s learn a little about how massage can naturally lower blood pressure.
How Massage Helps Lower Blood Pressure
When stress is running the show, blood pressure rises. Your heart must work harder, and your body stays tense. That’s where massage enters the picture. It relaxes your muscles, improves circulation, and calms the mind. The best part? It feels amazing.
- Reduces Stress and Anxiety
One of the primary reasons for high blood pressure is stress. Your body reacts by releasing stress hormones like cortisol and adrenaline. These hormones make your heart beat more quickly, increasing your blood pressure.
A good massage releases tension, lowers your cortisol, and quiets your body down. As you settle in and allow for those soft touches, your heart rate drops and your blood pressure comes down. It’s not about relaxing – it’s about having a healthy heart.
- Enhances Blood Flow
Poor circulation can make your heart labor harder, increasing your blood pressure. Massage encourages blood flow, and with it, your organs have easier access to oxygen and nutrients.
As your muscles relax, blood can travel more freely. This reduces tension in your heart and lowers blood pressure naturally. Regular massage therapy sessions can make a considerable difference in the context of blood flow within your body.
- Activates Parasympathetic Nervous System
Your nervous system has two branches: sympathetic and parasympathetic. When you are in a state of tension, your sympathetic system enters, raising your heart rate and blood pressure.
Massage activates your parasympathetic nervous system, which is your “rest and digest” state. This state brings your heart rate and blood pressure down and quiets your nervous system. It’s a kind of reset button for your body.
Best Types of Massage for Blood Pressure
All massages are not the same. Some are intense, while others are gentle and relaxing. Below are the top massages for lowering blood pressure.
- Swedish Massage
If you want to relax fully, then Swedish massage is the best. It uses long, flowing strokes, gentle kneading, and tapping in a rhythmic motion to reduce stress and improve circulation. It’s one of the best for lowering blood pressure naturally.
- Deep Tissue Massage
Do you have tension in your body? Deep tissue massage works with deeper layers of muscles to break down tension that’s accumulated over a long period of time. Because it’s deeper, it releases tension and brings about blood flow, both of which lower blood pressure.
- Reflexology
Reflexology is aimed at pressure points on your feet, hands, and ears. These points correspond to different organs of your body. Massaging these points can normalize your blood pressure and improve general health.
- Aromatherapy Massage
Adding essential oils to a massage therapy session induces a state of calm and relaxation. Lavender, camomile, and ylang-ylang oils have a calming effect and can effectively maintain blood pressure and manage tension.
How Often Should You Get a Massage?
Massage is not a quick fix. It takes consistency to get the benefits. A session once or twice weekly will keep blood pressure levels low, and even a short session will be helpful if done on a consistent basis.
If weekly sessions are not an option, don’t worry about it. Even a monthly massage can ease your body and lessen your level of tension. Most importantly, pay attention to your body and act according to your feelings.
Other Natural Ways to Lower Blood Pressure
Massage works best when supplemented with a healthy routine. There are a few healthy habits that will serve to maintain your blood pressure:
- Exercise Regularly: Walking, swimming, and yoga can naturally lower blood pressure.
- Eat a healthy diet: Consume more fruits, vegetables, and whole-grain foods.
- Reduce Salt Consumption: High salt consumption raises blood pressure.
- Practice Deep Breathing: Breathing slowly and deeply will calm your nervous system.
- Stay Hydrated: Staying hydrated helps your blood to flow well.
Maintaining your blood pressure doesn’t have to be a chore. Massage is a healthy, enjoyable way of supporting your heart health. It quiets your body, promotes circulation, and helps ease tension. Never tried it? Well, now is a perfect time. Your body will appreciate it.
FAQs About Massage for Blood Pressure
- How soon can one expect blood pressure to drop with massage?
Massage relaxes at once, but the long-term benefit comes with repeat sessions. Most will have lowered blood pressure after a series of sessions a week. Consistency is key. One session can ease symptoms temporarily, but repeat sessions allow for a person to maintain a lowered blood pressure level over a period of time.
- Is massage safe for a patient with high blood pressure?
Yes, massage is safe, but be sure to have a conversation with your massage therapist. In the case of high blood pressure or a medical problem, have a conversation with your doctor first about starting massage therapy. Gentle to moderate pressure is best, for deep tissue work will probably be too powerful for many individuals.
- Can I massage myself at home for blood pressure?
Absolutely! Self-massage can be effective, and when combined with deep breathing, can even work. Massaging your shoulder, your feet, and your neck softly can ease tension and stimulate circulation. Reflexology, such as at the sole of your foot, can even stimulate blood pressure maintenance.
- Which essential oils are best to reduce blood pressure when massage is given?
Lavender, chamomile, ylang-ylang, and frankincense oils combine harmoniously. All four oils have a relaxing and anti-stress quality, and can naturally lower blood pressure naturally. Having them in a massage session maximizes the relaxing effect and reaps additional dividends for one’s health.
- Can massage therapy supplant drugs for high blood pressure?
Massage is a great complementary therapy but not a replacement for medication that your doctor prescribes. In case your blood pressure is high, follow your doctor’s orders at all times. Massage can harmonize with your therapy schedule in terms of relaxing tension and improving circulation, but use it in coordination with other medical advice.
