Massage Therapy for High Blood Pressure

High blood pressure (hypertension) is a serious condition that affects about one in three adults, and two-thirds of people over age 65. Hypertension is the pressure of blood as it pumps through the arteries. The more blood your heart pumps and the narrower your arteries are, the higher the blood pressure. Normal blood pressure is defined as an average systolic blood pressure of 120 mm Hg and an average diastolic pressure of 80 mm Hg. Systolic blood pressure measures the pressure in arteries as your heart beats. Diastolic blood pressure measures the pressure between heart beats. Hypertension is defined as an average systolic blood pressure above 140 mm Hg, a diastolic blood pressure above 90 mm Hg, or both.

Hypertension increases the risk of heart disease and stroke, the leading causes of death. It is called the "silent killer" because you usually don't have any symptoms when your blood pressure is too high. Hypertension, high cholesterol, and obesity are the biggest contributors to atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). It is important to talk to your doctor about how to lower your high blood pressure. In some cases, making changes in diet and exercise habits can get blood pressure under control. In other cases, you may need medications.

Acupuncture, Massage and Physical Therapy: Many studies of small numbers of people with hypertension showed a reduction in blood pressure with the use of acupuncture. Massage, likewise, helps people with high blood pressure cope with stress and anxiety. One study reveals that people with high blood pressure who receive regular massage showed reductions in blood pressure and steroid hormones, an indicator of stress. Although more studies are needed to evaluate the long-term safety and effectiveness of massage, people with hypertension who tend to have high levels of stress in their lives benefit from massage therapy.
   

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