Hypertension and your health

When your doctor diagnoses you with high blood pressure, the news can be quite frightening. Given that hypertension is associated with deadly heart attacks and strokes, you may become worried about your future health and your family. Unfortunately, you can’t control many factors that contribute to high blood pressure such as age and genetic tendencies, but you can control others. A temporary rise in blood pressure is a normal reaction to physical exertion or intense emotions.

However, if your mood frequently runs hot due to work-related stress, family or relationship issues or general anxiety, your body is constantly releasing hormones that cause your blood pressure to stay at unhealthy levels for extended periods of time. Therapeutic massage can help you break the cycle.

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Therapeutic Massage Can Combat the Silent Killer

Imagine you’re trying to meet a tight work deadline when you receive the unexpected news that your car needs a new transmission, your child has been suspended from school, and your roof is leaking. Moments like that sometimes happen. When they do, you need a way to decompress, and lower your blood pressure before it does permanent damage. A relaxing massage releases built-up tension in muscles, relieves physical pain and produces a release of endorphins that make you feel happier and more content.

A simple change in chemistry initiated by massage can enable you to better cope with life’s challenges. Massage isn’t just about feeling good; scientific studies have proven its remarkable ability to heal. A recent Iranian study found that a 10-minute Swedish massage given three times a week produced a reduction in blood pressure lasting up to 72 hours. Similar studies have shown marked decreases in diastolic and systolic blood pressure and lowered heart rate after massage.

Home Massage Offers Even More Benefits

Enjoying a massage at a local spa is certainly beneficial, but after it’s over, you have to get in your car and fight traffic before you can relax. Since the most relaxing and comforting place you can be is usually your home, why not have your massage there instead? With home massage therapy, you can escape the stress of work, and relax while your skilled massage therapist releases bodily tension and starts the chain reaction that allows your mind and your blood vessels to relax. When used in conjunction with traditional medicine and a healthy lifestyle, massage can help you prevent the many potential complications of hypertension. Don’t let high blood pressure rob you of your health; make home massage part of your wellness routine today.