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High blood pressure affects no small number of people — about 70 million people in the United States have the condition. That means approximately one in every three Americans, or 31.3 percent, has high blood pressure, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, and nearly half of those aren't properly managing it. High blood pressure increases the likelihood of suffering a heart attack, stroke and other serious health conditions, so it's important to get it under control.
Massage therapy is one method to help manage high blood pressure. The treatment can lower both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, according to a medical study described in a pubmed.gov abstract. The study set out to evaluate the effect of Swedish massage to the face, neck, shoulders, and chest on the blood pressure of women with prehypertension.
Fifty women suffering from the condition were divided into control and test groups. The 25 patients in the test group received Swedish massage 10-15 minutes, three times a week for 10 sessions. The control group’s 25 patients also were relaxed but received no massage. Their blood pressure was measured before and after each session. “Findings of the study indicated that massage therapy was a safe, effective, applicable, and cost-effective intervention in controlling blood pressure of the prehypertension women," the study says. "It can be used in health care centers and even at home."
A complementary and alternative medicine therapy, massage has become a mainstream treatment offered in hospitals, medical offices, spas and other wellness centers for the treatment and prevention of a wide range of health conditions, including managing blood pressure.
Some of the many benefits of massage generally include:
- Increasing flexibility
- Managing acute and chronic pain conditions
- Restoring balance
- Reducing stress
A holistic therapy, massage enhances the body’s natural healing abilities. By increasing flexibility and balance, massage can reduce muscular pain, stiffness and tension. It also› promotes relaxation, improves sleeping patterns and increases energy.
Acupuncture & Massage College’s Community Clinic offers acupuncture, massage therapy and herbal medicine for the treatment of a wide range of health conditions as well as for overall wellness. To schedule an appointment call (305) 595-9500. For information about AMC’s Oriental Medicine and Massage Therapy programs ask for Joe Calareso, Admissions Director.
