Massage is thought to help lower blood pressure by improving circulation. It can also help with improving a number of other vitals, according to recent studies.
Deep abdominal massage is contra-indicated, high blood pressure that is not controlled by medication requires a doctor's note. Low Blood pressure is not contraindicated but extra care is needed.
When you have symptoms from low blood pressure, sit or lie down right away. Then raise your feet above heart level. Severe hypotension caused by shock is a medical emergency.
Long-term studies have shown that a consistent massage program can decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure; decrease salivary and urinary cortisol stress-hormone levels; and lower sources for depression, anxiety and hostility, as well as many other benefits.
This sudden increase in circulation can sometimes lead to feelings of lightheadedness, dizziness, or nausea as the body adjusts to the changes. It is important to stay hydrated before and after a massage session to help support proper circulation and prevent these symptoms.
Drink Caffeine
Beverages like coffee and caffeinated tea cause an increase in heart rate and a temporary spike in blood pressure. This effect is usually short-term, and caffeine intake does not affect everybody's blood pressure the same way.
What is hypotension? Hypotension is abnormally low blood pressure (lower than 90/60 mm Hg). If your blood pressure gets too low, it can cause dizziness, fainting or death. Low blood pressure is not a condition that is usually treated except if it occurs in the elderly or occurs suddenly.
Contagious skin conditions (boils, warts, or herpes) Other skin conditions (burns, rashes, or sores) Circulatory system issues (high blood pressure, varicose veins, or stroke) Digestive system issues (ulcers, irritable bowel syndrome, or colitis)
Certain skin conditions, such as open wounds, burns, rashes, or contagious skin infections (like impetigo or fungal infections), should not be treated with massage. Even non-contagious skin conditions like psoriasis or eczema may be aggravated by massage if not handled carefully.
These are areas of the body where deep, sustained pressure should be avoided because of the structures that lie beneath. Those areas are the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck, suprasternal notch, sternum, axilla, spinal column, umbilical area, inguinal triangle, popliteal fossa, and the antecubital fossa.
Massage therapy is contraindicated (meaning – should not be done) if there is an active infection in the region being massaged. The massage can actually cause the infection to spread. People should also not get a massage if they are currently experiencing a fever.
Foot reflexology involves applying pressure to specific points on the soles of the feet. Some smaller studies suggest it may help reduce anxiety, ease fatigue, and lower blood pressure. There are no large-scale clinical studies that demonstrate the health benefits of reflexology.
Medium pressure can help alleviate muscle pain, improve flexibility, and promote overall well-being. Firm Pressure: Firm pressure involves applying deeper pressure to the muscles and tissues, using more force to release tension and address chronic pain or tightness.
Dressing up: Compression socks, which put light pressure on your legs and feet, can push blood upward and raise your blood pressure. Taking it slow: Avoid standing up too quickly, especially with orthostatic hypotension. That can help you avoid the dizziness and fainting effects of hypotension.
Drink plenty of fluids
This means making sure you drink plenty of water is key to keeping your blood pressure healthy. The NHS recommends drinking six to eight glasses of fluid per day. However, steer clear of caffeine and alcohol as they can make you dehydrated.
Massage causes blood vessels and lymphatic vessels to expand, which accelerates blood flow. This increased blood flow hits blood vessels at a greater force than usual, resulting in a higher blood pressure. This, however, is usually only temporary and, over time, massage is thought to lower blood pressure.
Fainting And Massage Therapy
Most often this is caused by standing up too fast, or standing in one place too long (orthostatic hypotension) which causes a temporary reduction in blood pressure.
After a massage, lactic acid and metabolic waste products can be released into the bloodstream, causing flu-like symptoms and fatigue.