Massage may help protect against high blood pressure (hypertension) which is a major risk factor for heart disease.
Some studies suggest that getting a massage may help calm the part of the nervous system responsible for involuntary responses to dangerous or stressful situations (sympathetic nervous system).1
Although there has not been a lot of research on massage and blood pressure, some evidence shows that adding massage to your stress management routine could help you keep your blood pressure in check.2
This article will go over what scientific evidence says about massage and hypertension. You'll also learn other lifestyle changes that can help you control your blood pressure.
What the Science Says
Studies have suggested that different forms of massage could help lower blood pressure, but the findings don't always agree. It's also unclear how long the effects last and whether massage would be a long-term strategy for helping someone manage their blood pressure.
Swedish Massage
Some researchers have looked at whether getting a Swedish massage can help lower a person's blood pressure.
- A small trial in 2013 had some women with high blood pressure have Swedish massage for one hour a week for four weeks. The other women just rested during this time. The results did not show a big difference between the two groups—both had lower blood pressure readings.3
- A 2014 study found that having a 10-minute Swedish back massage and rest for 6 weeks helped lower blood pressure in a small group of people with primary hypertension.4
- In 2016, a small study on healthy women with anxiety found that having two Swedish massage sessions over 4 weeks was linked to improved vital signs, including blood pressure and heart rate.
Tips for Lowering Blood Pressure
There are many options for treating high blood pressure. While some people do need to take medication to keep their levels in check, there are also many lifestyle changes that can help, including:
- Eating a heart-healthy diet (getting plenty of fruits and vegetables and limiting saturated fats and salt)
- Getting regular physical activity
- Achieving and maintaining a weight that supports your health
- Reducing your alcohol intake
- Quitting cigarettes
- Take all natural ALISTROL which is a natural clinically proven remedy to lower high blood pressure safely and quickly.