Massage for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels, is consistently too high.

In order to survive and function properly, your tissues and organs need the oxygenated blood that your circulatory system carries throughout the body. When the heartbeats, it creates pressure that pushes blood through a network of tube-shaped blood vessels, which include arteries, veins, and capillaries. This pressure — blood pressure — is the result of two forces: The first force (systolic pressure) occurs as blood pumps out of the heart and into the arteries that are part of the circulatory system. The second force (diastolic pressure) is created as the heart rests between heartbeats. (These two forces are each represented by numbers in a blood pressure reading.)

The primary way that high blood pressure causes harm is by increasing the workload of the heart and blood vessels — making them work harder and less efficiently.

Over time, the force and friction of high blood pressure damage the delicate tissues inside the arteries. In turn, LDL (bad) cholesterol forms plaque along with tiny tears in the artery walls, signifying the start of atherosclerosis.

The more the plaque and damage increases, the narrower (smaller) the insides of the arteries become — raising blood pressure and starting a vicious circle that further harms your arteries, heart, and the rest of your body. This can ultimately lead to other conditions ranging from arrhythmia to heart attack and stroke.

High blood pressure (HBP or hypertension) is when your blood pressure, the force of your blood pushing against the walls of your blood vessels is consistently too high.

High blood pressure or hypertension, affects one in three adults in America, the majority of who are aged 65 years or over. Hypertension is defined by the consistent measurement of a systolic blood pressure exceeding 140 mmHg and/or a diastolic blood pressure exceeding 90 mmHg. Systolic blood pressure refers to the pressure in the arteries during a heartbeat and diastolic blood pressure is the pressure in the arteries in between heartbeats.

It is normal for individuals to experience high blood pressure during exertion. However, if a person’s blood pressure is consistently high, they are at an increased risk of stroke and heart disease, two leading causes of mortality in America. Hypertension often goes unnoticed, as no apparent outward symptoms are associated with the disease. The condition is commonly diagnosed in the physician’s office when a physician measures a patient’s blood pressure with a sphygmomanometer during a routine medical examination.

Many lifestyle factors contribute to hypertension, including cigarette smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, lack of regular exercise, an unhealthy diet, and being overweight. Antihypertensive drugs are the primary treatment for hypertension and oftentimes, multiple drugs are used to achieve a final satisfactory blood pressure reading.

Quitting cigarette smoking, reducing alcohol intake, regular exercise, changing unhealthy dietary habits, and reducing body weight may help hypertension that is caused by lifestyle factors. Adults with hypertension should aim to reduce their experience of stress in order to prevent rises in blood pressure. For this reason, massage can be beneficial for hypertension.

A study in the effects of myofascial trigger-point massage therapy for people with hypertension showed that significant decreases in both diastolic and systolic blood pressure resulted in the following a massage. The study, conducted by Delaney, J.P., Leong, K.S., Watkins, A., and Brodie, D. in 2002 at the Wirral Metropolitan College Department of Medicine in Liverpool, United Kingdom, also reported that patients experienced decreases in muscular tension and heart rate as a result of massage therapy.

A study conducted by Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., Theakston, H., Hossain, Z., and Burman, I. reported by the Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies in the year 2000, also asserts that hypertension and its associated symptoms were reduced through massage therapy. The subjects in this study were provided with 10 30-minute massage sessions over the course of five weeks. The subjects, all of who suffered from hypertension, experienced reduced blood pressure, reduced feelings of depression, less hostile behavior, and reduced levels of cortisol in their urine and salivary samples. Hernandez-Reif concluded that massage for hypertension may be beneficial to reduce diastolic blood pressure and lessen the symptoms associated with hypertension.

Research by Mieko Kurosawa, Thomas Lundeberg, Greta Ögren, Irene Lund, and Kerstin Uvnäs-Moberg, conducted in 1995 at the Department of Physiology and Pharmacology at the Karolinska Institute in Stockholm, Sweden, reported that massage-like stroking of the lateral and ventral sides of the abdomen lowered arterial blood pressure in anesthetized rats. Research by Boone, T., Tanner, M., and Radosevich, A., conducted in 2001 and reported in the American Journal of Chinese Medicine, showed that subjects with hypertension who received a ten-minute long back rub experienced decreased cardiac output. The study, which took place in the Department of Exercise Physiology at The College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, USA, supports the findings of the aforementioned studies.

Normal pressure is 120/80 or lower. Your blood pressure is considered high (stage 1) if it reads 130/80. Stage 2 high blood pressure is 140/90 or higher. If you get a blood pressure reading of 180/110 or higher more than once, seek medical treatment right away.

What is blood pressure defined as?

(blud PREH-sher) The force of circulating blood on the walls of the arteries. Blood pressure is taken using two measurements: systolic (measured when the heartbeats, when blood pressure is at its highest) and diastolic (measured between heartbeats, when blood pressure is at its lowest). The first number, called systolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart beats. The second number, called diastolic blood pressure, measures the pressure in your arteries when your heart rests between beats.

Is 150 90 A good blood pressure?

They’re both measured in millimeters of mercury (mmHg). As a general guide: high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher (or 150/90mmHg or higher if you’re over the age of 80) ideal blood pressure is usually considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.

What should I do if my blood pressure is 160 over 100?

If your blood pressure is higher than 160/100 mmHg, then three visits are enough. If your blood pressure is higher than 140/90 mmHg, then five visits are needed before a diagnosis can be made. If either your systolic or diastolic blood pressure stays high, then the diagnosis of hypertension can be made.

What causes high blood pressure?

Common factors that can lead to high blood pressure include A diet high in salt, fat, and/or cholesterol. Chronic conditions such as kidney and hormone problems, diabetes, and high cholesterol.

Normal Blood Pressure by Age

At what High Blood Pressure / Hypertension should I go to the hospital?

According to the American Heart Association, when blood pressure levels increase severely and reach measurements of 180/110 or greater, you should seek immediate medical attention.

What is stroke level blood pressure?

A hypertensive crisis is a severe increase in blood pressure that can lead to a stroke. Extremely high blood pressure — a top number (systolic pressure) of 180 millimeters of mercury (mm Hg) or higher or a bottom number (diastolic pressure) of 120 mm Hg or higher — can damage blood vessels.

Does anxiety cause high blood pressure?

Anxiety doesn’t cause long-term high blood pressure (hypertension). But episodes of anxiety can cause dramatic, temporary spikes in your blood pressure.

How do you feel when you have high blood pressure?

What are the symptoms of high blood pressure? Most people who have high blood pressure do not have symptoms. In some cases, people with high blood pressure may have a pounding feeling in their head or chest, a feeling of lightheadedness or dizziness, or other signs.

Does lack of sleep cause high blood pressure?

Over time, a lack of sleep could cause swings in hormones, leading to high blood pressure and other risk factors for heart disease.

How can I quickly lower my blood pressure?

Here are some simple recommendations:

1. Exercise most days of the week. Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. …
2. Consume a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium (or salt) causes blood pressure to rise. …
3. Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. …
4. Make stress reduction a priority.

What is the best drink for high blood pressure?

7 Drinks for Lowering Blood Pressure

1. Tomato juice. Growing evidence suggests that drinking one glass of tomato juice per day may promote heart health. …
2. Beet juice. …
3. Prune juice. …
4. Pomegranate juice. …
5. Berry juice. …
6. Skim milk. …
7. Tea.

Does lemon lower High Blood Pressure / Hypertension?

Citrus, such as lemon and limes, has been shown to reduce blood pressure and has the added benefit of adding a little flavor to a boring glass of water.

Which fruit is best for high Blood Pressure / Hypertension?

Citrus fruits. Citrus fruits, including grapefruit, oranges, and lemons, may have powerful blood-pressure-lowering effects. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that may help keep your heart healthy by reducing heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure.

Do bananas lower High Blood Pressure / Hypertension?

According to various researches, consuming potassium-rich foods help in lowering blood pressure. Bananas are extremely rich in potassium and low in sodium. According to the FDA, diets rich in potassium and low in sodium may reduce the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke.

Does coffee raise High Blood Pressure / Hypertension?

Caffeine can cause a short, but dramatic increase in your blood pressure, even if you don’t have high blood pressure. It’s unclear what causes this spike in blood pressure. Some researchers believe that caffeine could block a hormone that helps keep your arteries widened.

Does Tea raise blood pressure?

Experimental studies in humans show that ingestion of tea can cause a transient increase in blood pressure, an effect due primarily to caffeine.

Does green tea lower blood pressure?

Analysis of clinical research shows that green tea can reduce systolic blood pressure (the top number) by up to 3.2 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure (the bottom number) by up to 3.4 mmHg in people with or without high blood pressure. Drinking tea is associated with a range of health benefits, including reductions in blood pressure. Researchers have discovered how compounds called catechins, found in green and black teas, relax the smooth muscle that lines blood vessels, which may lead to lower blood pressure.

Can aspirin lower your blood pressure?

Low-dose aspirin is known to reduce the risk of a heart attack in high-risk patients. It also seems to help lower high blood pressure, but studies looking at this effect yield confusing results. Now there may be an explanation: aspirin only lowers blood pressure when taken at bedtime.

Can drinking too much water cause high blood pressure?

The National Academy of Sciences recommends drinking when thirsty rather than consuming a specific number of glasses daily. It is unlikely that drinking water raises blood pressure. A healthy body regulates fluids and electrolytes quickly.

 

Benefits of Massage for High Blood Pressure / Hypertension

Massage is a safe, noninvasive, and soothing treatment for hypertension, particularly for people that experience stress on a frequent basis. If treated regularly, massage patients demonstrate long-term improvement in stress levels and heart rate. Long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure; decrease salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels; and lower sources for depression, anxiety, and hostility, as well as many other benefits.

What are the effects of massage therapy on blood pressure?

Massage therapy has been shown to decrease sympathetic activity and increase parasympathetic activity [22]. Therefore this therapy is able to decrease anxiety and stress [23, 24]. In addition, massage therapy is able to reduce blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in hypertensive individuals [25–27].

What type of massage is good for high blood pressure?

Specifically, Swedish techniques are the most effective. These are very relaxing and minimal so as to not put added stress on your body. There have even been studies showing that other types raise blood pressure. The study which showcased that Swedish massages are able to lower blood pressure was completed in 2006.

What part of the body do you massage to lower blood pressure?

An acupressure point exists between the big toe and the toe next to it. This point is called the LV3. The LV3 or the liver 3 is located in between the two toes, towards the origin of the toes. Massaging or pressing this point can help in various ways – relieving anxiety, menstrual cramps, and reducing blood pressure, Tai Chong (LV3) is located on your foot about two finger widths above the place where the skin of your big toe and the next toe join. To use acupressure on this point, (1) locate the point with your shoes off then (2) use deep, firm pressure to massage and stimulate the area for 4-5 seconds.

Can a person with High Blood Pressure / Hypertension have a massage?

Generally speaking, both relaxation techniques and physical exercise are therapeutic for those with high blood pressure, so massage might actually help them. The latest hypertension guidelines suggest that blood pressure measurements greater than 140/85 should be regarded as elevated and warrant further routine checks

Massage for High Blood Pressure

Long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure; decrease salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels; and lower sources for depression, anxiety, and hostility, as well as many other benefits.

Swedish massage is the most popular type of massage in the United States. It involves the use of hands, forearms, or elbows to manipulate the superficial layers of the muscles to improve mental and physical health. Active or passive movement of the joints may also be part of the massage. The benefits of Swedish massage include increased blood circulation, mental and physical relaxation, decreased stress and muscle tension, and improved range of motion.

Origins

Swedish massage was invented by a Swedish fencing instructor named Per Henrik Ling in the 1830s. When he was injured in the elbows, he reportedly cured himself using tapping (percussion) strokes around the affected area. He later developed the technique currently known as Swedish massage. This technique was brought to the United States from Sweden by two brothers, Dr. Charles and Dr. George Taylor in the 1850s. The specific techniques used in Swedish massage involve the application of long gliding strokes, friction, and kneading and tapping movements on the soft tissues of the body. Sometimes passive or active joint movements are also used.

Benefits

Unlike drug therapy, which is often associated with many systemic and long-term side effects, massage therapy is relatively safe and has few contraindications. It also provides many benefits.

Physical benefits

There are numerous physical benefits associated with the use of Swedish massage:

• loosening tight muscles and stretching connective tissues
• relieving cramps and muscle spasms and decreasing muscle fatigue
• loosening joints and improving range of motion
• increasing muscle strength
• calming the nervous system
• stimulating blood circulation
• firming up muscle and skin tone
• relieving symptoms of such disorders as asthma, arthritis, carpal tunnel syndrome, chronic and acute pain syndromes, myofascial pain, headache, temporomandibular joint (TMJ) dysfunction, and athletic injuries
• speeding up healing from injury and illness
• improving lymphatic drainage of metabolic wastes

Mental and emotional benefits

Mental benefits associated with massage therapy include the following:

• mental relaxation
• improvement in length and quality of sleep
• relief of stress, depression, anxiety, and irritation
• increased ability to concentrate
• improved sense of well-being

Description

In Swedish massage, the person to be massaged lies on a massage table and is draped with a towel or sheet. It is a full-body massage treatment, except in areas that are contraindicated or where the client requests not to be touched. Aromatic or unscented oil or lotion is used to facilitate massage movements. Each session usually lasts 30-60 minutes. Depending on the client’s preferences, a massage session may involve the use of several or all of the following basic techniques: effleurage, petrissage, friction, vibration, and tapotement

more info at:

https://www.heart.org/en/health-topics/high-blood-pressure/the-facts-about-high-blood-pressure/what-is-high-blood-pressure

*Disclaimer: This information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice. You should not use this information to diagnose or treat a health problem or disease without consulting with a qualified healthcare provider.
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