Massage therapy is renowned for its diverse health benefits, ranging from pain management to stress reduction. Among these benefits, the potential for massage to lower blood pressure is particularly significant, given the global prevalence of hypertension. This article reviews current scientific literature investigating the impacts of regular, monthly massages on blood pressure.
The Implications of High Blood Pressure
High blood pressure, or hypertension, is a serious health concern associated with numerous complications, including heart disease and stroke (Chobanian et al., 2003). Given these risks, strategies for effectively managing blood pressure are crucial, with lifestyle modifications playing a central role.
Massage Therapy and Blood Pressure
Emerging research suggests that regular massage therapy may have significant impacts on blood pressure. A study conducted by Hernandez-Reif, Field, Krasnegor, & Theakston (2000) found that hypertensive adults who received bi-weekly massages over a month exhibited lower levels of both systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group. This suggests that massage may have a moderating effect on blood pressure, which could be of significant benefit to those managing hypertension. (Read more...)
Massage, Stress, and Blood Pressure
Stress is a well-known contributor to high blood pressure. As previously noted, massage therapy has been associated with decreased stress hormone (cortisol) levels (Field, Hernandez-Reif, Diego, Schanberg, & Kuhn, 2005). Given this, the observed effects of massage on blood pressure may be partly attributable to its stress-reducing effects. (Read more...)
Massage and the Autonomic Nervous System
The autonomic nervous system (ANS), specifically the balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic systems, plays a crucial role in blood pressure regulation. Research by Diego and Field (2009) demonstrated that moderate-pressure massage can stimulate the parasympathetic (rest and digest) response, which aids in lowering blood pressure. This provides further insight into the potential mechanisms through which massage may contribute to blood pressure regulation. (Read more...)
In conclusion, regular, monthly massage appears to hold potential for managing blood pressure, offering a complementary approach to existing treatment strategies. However, more research is needed to establish definitive guidelines on the use of massage for hypertension.
References
- Chobanian, A. V., Bakris, G. L., Black, H. R., Cushman, W. C., Green, L. A., Izzo, J. L., Jr, . . . Roccella, E. J. (2003). Seventh report of the Joint National Committee on Prevention, Detection, Evaluation, and Treatment of High Blood Pressure. Hypertension, 42(6), 1206-1252.
- Diego, M. A., & Field, T. (2009). Moderate pressure massage elicits a parasympathetic nervous system response. International Journal of Neuroscience, 119(5), 630-638.
- Field, T., Hernandez-Reif, M., Diego, M., Schanberg, S., & Kuhn, C. (2005). Cortisol decreases and serotonin and dopamine increase following massage therapy. International Journal of Neuroscience, 115(10), 1397-1413.
- Hernandez-Reif, M., Field, T., Krasnegor, J., & Theakston, H. (2000). High blood pressure and associated symptoms were reduced by massage therapy. Journal of Bodywork and Movement Therapies, 4(1), 31-38.