Is massage bad for low blood pressure?

Author: Mr. Kirk Douglas Sr.  |  Last update: Saturday, September 6, 2025

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.

Can I have a massage if I have low blood pressure?

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.

Under which conditions should not massage?

Turned Away From Massage: Contraindications and Precaution.
  • Open wounds
  • Injuries such as fractures, sprains, or strains in the acute phase
  • Flu, Covid, Colds, or other communicable diseases
  • Rashed, fungal infections, hives, or other skin irritation
  • Blood clots

How do you treat low blood pressure immediately?

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.

Can a massage help lower blood pressure?

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.

Why Low Blood Pressure is Bad (Hypotension)

Where do you massage to lower blood pressure?

Here Are 3 Pressure Points For High Bp
  • Between The Big Toe And Second Toe (LV3) This point is called the LV3 or Liver 3 and is located at the origin of the two toes, the big toe and the second toe. ...
  • Between The Thumb And Index Finger (LI4) This point is called the Large Intestine 4 or LI4. ...
  • Back Of The Neck (GB 20)

Why dizzy after massage?

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.

What is a quick pick me up for low blood pressure?

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.

How do I bring my low blood pressure to normal?

Treatment
  1. Use more salt. Experts usually recommend limiting table salt and foods high in sodium. ...
  2. Drink more water. Fluids increase blood volume and help prevent dehydration, both of which are important in treating hypotension.
  3. Wear compression stockings. ...
  4. Medicines.

What is a dangerously low blood pressure?

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.

When should massage be avoided?

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)

What are 3 instances when massage is not recommended?

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.

What body parts should not be massaged?

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.

When not to get a massage?

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.

Is foot massage good for low blood pressure?

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.

What is the best pressure for massage?

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.

What is the quickest home remedy for low blood pressure?

Healthcare professionals may suggest natural ways and lifestyle changes to raise low blood pressure, including the following options.
  1. Eat more salt. ...
  2. Avoid alcoholic beverages. ...
  3. Discuss medications with a doctor. ...
  4. Cross legs while sitting. ...
  5. Drink water. ...
  6. Eat small meals frequently. ...
  7. Wear compression stockings.

How can I raise my blood pressure asap?

What to try when you need to raise your blood pressure fast
  1. Get low and go slow. ...
  2. Hydrate. ...
  3. Counterpressure. ...
  4. Change into compression garments. ...
  5. Drink some coffee. ...
  6. Chill out. ...
  7. Reduce your stress. ...
  8. When is low blood pressure an emergency?

What are the two worst blood pressure medications?

4 worst blood pressure drugs
  • Beta-Blockers: Limited Efficacy and High Adverse Effects. Efficacy Concerns. ...
  • High-Dose Thiazides: Increased Adverse Effects Without Mortality Benefit. Efficacy Concerns. ...
  • Nonsteroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs): Blood Pressure Elevation. ...
  • Antidepressants: Variable Impact on Blood Pressure.

What should I do immediately in case of low blood pressure?

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.

What is the best drink for low blood pressure?

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.

What do doctors give to lower blood pressure quickly?

Medicines to treat high blood pressure include:
  • Water pills, also called diuretics. These medicines remove extra water and sodium from the body. ...
  • Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors. ...
  • Angiotensin 2 receptor blockers (ARBs). ...
  • Calcium channel blockers. ...
  • Beta blockers. ...
  • Renin inhibitors.

Can massage cause low blood pressure?

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.

Why did I faint during a massage?

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.

Why do I feel unwell after a massage?

After a massage, lactic acid and metabolic waste products can be released into the bloodstream, causing flu-like symptoms and fatigue.

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