Is It OK To Get A Massage With High Blood Pressure?

by | Last updated on January 24, 2024

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Patients with high blood pressure who are not on medication should rethink this hands-on therapy method. “Because

getting a massage will increase your blood flow

,” Young explained, “that increase in a patient with already high blood pressure could cause problems.” And cancer patients should be especially cautious.

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What type of massage is good for high blood pressure?


Deep Tissue Massage Therapy

Benefits For Blood Pressure. Massage therapy is known for having many benefits, including reducing symptoms of high blood pressure. Studies have shown that it can positively affect your sympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for raising blood pressure when you are stressed.

When should you not get a massage?

  • Fever. Anytime you have a fever, whether from a cold, the flu or some other infection, you should not get a massage. …
  • Contagious Diseases. …
  • Blood Clots. …
  • Pregnancy. …
  • Kidney Conditions or Liver Conditions. …
  • Cancer. …
  • Inflammation. …
  • Uncontrolled Hypertension.

Can a deep tissue massage cause high blood pressure?

One of the many benefits of a deep tissue massage—

it can lower your blood pressure

! Studies show that the pressure that a deep tissue massage offers has a positive effect on systolic, diastolic, and mean arterial blood pressure.

Is foot massage good for high blood pressure?

Foot massage intervention was

significantly effective in lowering blood pressure

, both systolic and diastolic. This reduction was higher than a study by Ju et al. that found a significant decrease in blood pressure by 15 mmHg for systolic and 4 mmHg for diastolic.

Does neck massage lower blood pressure?

F or many of us, it is the best way to unwind after a hard day’s work. But scientists believe a regular neck massage could also prove a life-saver.

It can lower blood pressure and reduce the

risk of stroke and heart disease, research suggests.

Who should not take massage?

“There are times when getting a massage is not advised: When someone has an

active fever

, inflammation due to injury, overly high blood pressure, infectious disease, skin conditions such as impetigo, active herpes or boils, varicose veins, hernia, skin cancers or all cancers where radiation or chemotherapy are involved …

Is high blood pressure a contraindication for massage?

Patients with high blood pressure who are not on medication should rethink this hands-on therapy method. “Because getting a

massage will increase your blood flow

,” Young explained, “that increase in a patient with already high blood pressure could cause problems.” And cancer patients should be especially cautious.

Are there any risks associated with massage?

Risks of massage


Burns or healing wounds

.

Deep vein thrombosis

.

Infections

.

Broken bones

(fractures)

How can I bring my blood pressure down immediately?

  1. Exercise most days of the week. Exercise is the most effective way to lower your blood pressure. …
  2. Consume a low-sodium diet. Too much sodium (or salt) causes blood pressure to rise. …
  3. Limit alcohol intake to no more than 1 to 2 drinks per day. …
  4. Make stress reduction a priority.

What part of the foot do you rub for high blood pressure?

The area of the feet in which the heart reflex is located is right under your big toes while

the kidney’s reflex point is right at the center of each foot

. Reflexologists target these areas, and others, to help treat high blood pressure and prevent the health risks that come with it.

What part of the body do you massage to lower blood pressure?

GV 20 (Governing Vessel 20 or “Hundred Convergences”) is a

pressure point on the top of your head

. You can find it in the middle of your head by imagining a line going from ear to ear. You can massage or press this point to lower blood pressure, treat dizziness, or just to feel more rested.

How can I settle my high blood pressure?

  1. Lose extra pounds and watch your waistline. Blood pressure often increases as weight increases. …
  2. Exercise regularly. …
  3. Eat a healthy diet. …
  4. Reduce sodium in your diet. …
  5. Limit the amount of alcohol you drink. …
  6. Quit smoking. …
  7. Cut back on caffeine. …
  8. Reduce your stress.

What is the best drink to drink for high blood pressure?

10 best drinks for lowering blood pressure


Pomegranate juice

.

Banana smoothie

in low-fat yogurt or skim milk. Low fat or skim milk. Vegetable juices, such as tomato juice, beetroot juice, and pumpkin juice.

How do you know if you have good blood pressure?

  1. normal blood pressure is considered to be between 90/60mmHg and 120/80mmHg.
  2. high blood pressure is considered to be 140/90mmHg or higher.
  3. low blood pressure is considered to be 90/60mmHg or lower.

How do you treat neck hypertension?

  1. Apply ice for the first few days. …
  2. Take OTC pain relievers, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
  3. Take a few days off from sports, activities that aggravate your symptoms, and heavy lifting. …
  4. Exercise your neck every day. …
  5. Use good posture.

What is included in a Swedish massage?

A Swedish-style massage primarily involves

long, soft, kneading strokes to release tension from the deepest muscles of your body

. While releasing tension from the surface layers of muscles, this method uses light, tapping, rhythmic strokes.

What conditions does massage treat?

  • Anxiety and depression.
  • Fatigue.
  • Headaches and migraines.
  • Pain, including muscle tension, back, shoulder and neck pain.
  • Repetitive stress injuries.

What should you not do before a massage?

  • Drink. Water, yes, but alcohol is a real no-no. …
  • Sunbathe. This is tough to avoid on vacation, but experts recommend spending the day-of your massage out of direct sunlight to help prevent sunburn. …
  • Feel ill. …
  • Self-groom. …
  • Shower.

Can a stroke patient get a massage?

Stroke patients may experience various symptoms in affected areas due to changes in circulation.

Massage may improve circulation and reduce

these symptoms, such as limbs feeling cold.

When massage can be performed but not over the contraindicated areas?

  • Varicose veins.
  • Undiagnosed lumps or bumps.
  • Pregnancy.
  • Bruising.
  • Cuts.
  • Abrasions.
  • Sunburn.
  • Undiagnosed pain.

Is daily massage harmful?

National Institutes of Health say massages

reduce stress

, promote relaxation and improve moods. Just a few minutes of gentle everyday massage is enough and can make more of a difference than one hour every few weeks.

How often should you get massages?

It is recommended to be getting massaged

at least once every three weeks

(or every two) to help aid in healthy tissue repair and reduce pain felt from the intensive workouts that the body is going through. Massage will also help with the accumulation of work-related stress.

Can massage dislodge a blood clot?

A thrombosis is a blood clot. It can be lodged in a vein-DVT (deep vein thrombosis).

Massage is contraindicated because it may dislodge the clot

which could send it through the circulation where it could lodge in the lungs causing a pulmonary embolism-a life threatening condition.

Should I lie down if my blood pressure is high?

Christopher Winter, says that

sleeping on the left side

is the best sleeping position for high blood pressure because it relieves pressure on blood vessels that return blood to the heart.

Can drinking lots of water lower blood pressure?

Keeping well hydrated by drinking

six to eight glasses of water daily

(even more if working in hot and humid conditions) is beneficial for the blood pressure. Keeping well hydrated by drinking six to eight glasses of water daily (even more if working in hot and humid conditions) is beneficial for the blood pressure.

What should I do if my blood pressure is 160 over 100?

If your blood pressure is very high—higher than 160/100, or when either number is higher—you don’t have a decision to make. You definitely

need medicine to lower your blood pressure

.

What exercises should you avoid with high blood pressure?

Exercises that may not be the best for those with high blood pressure include anything that is very intensive for short periods of time such as

weightlifting or sprinting

.

Which finger do you press for blood pressure?

Place the fingers on the inside of the wrist to locate the pulse. Now, take two fingers (

preferably index and middle fingers

) and place them just below the wrist creases on the thumb side of the hand. A strong pulse felt at the wrist correlates to the systolic blood pressure of at least 80 mmHg.

Does walking lower blood pressure immediately?

Ten minutes of brisk or moderate walking three times a day

Exercise lowers blood pressure by reducing blood vessel stiffness so blood can flow more easily. The effects of exercise are

most noticeable during and immediately after a workout

. Lowered blood pressure can be most significant right after you work out.

How can I lower my blood pressure in 5 minutes?

If your blood pressure is elevated and you want to see an immediate change,

lie down and take deep breaths

. This is how you lower your blood pressure within minutes, helping to slow your heart rate and decrease your blood pressure. When you feel stress, hormones are released that constrict your blood vessels.

Do bananas lower blood pressure quickly?

Potassium reduces the effect of sodium on the body. Hence, eating

bananas lower blood pressure due to their high potassium content

.

Do bananas lower blood pressure?

But you might not know that a banana a day keeps high blood pressure at bay. This fruit is packed full of potassium — an

important blood pressure-lowering mineral

. Potassium helps balance sodium in the body. The more potassium you eat, the more sodium your body gets rid of.

Which fruit is good for high blood pressure?

1. Citrus fruits. Citrus fruits, including

grapefruit, oranges, and lemons

, may have powerful blood-pressure-lowering effects. They’re loaded with vitamins, minerals, and plant compounds that may help keep your heart healthy by reducing heart disease risk factors like high blood pressure ( 4 ).

James Park
Author
James Park
Dr. James Park is a medical doctor and health expert with a focus on disease prevention and wellness. He has written several publications on nutrition and fitness, and has been featured in various health magazines. Dr. Park's evidence-based approach to health will help you make informed decisions about your well-being.