Can You Rub Out High Blood Pressure?
Finally. An indulgence that may actually be good for you. What is it, you ask? A long, deep massage.
When people with sore muscles received a deep-tissue massage, both their systolic and diastolic blood pressure (BP) numbers dropped several points. Nice.
More Points for Pressure
There's still more research needed in order to figure out if regular massage could reduce high blood pressure long-term. But in this study, people averaged a short-term drop from about 125/76 down to 115/70 -- after just 45 to 60 minutes of deep-tissue work from a licensed bodyworker. Not too shabby. The massage sessions also induced a relaxing 10-point drop in heart rate. Ahhh. Discover how fit your heart is with this quick self-check tool.
What We Know Works
Massage isn't likely to replace lifestyle changes or medications when it comes to managing blood pressure, but what a nice little add-on! Meanwhile, keep your blood pressure healthy with these proven habits:
- Lighten up on salt. Check out these three easy ways to quit salty foods.
- Do a walkabout. Exercise helps your BP. Use this tool to track your walking progress.
- Breathe easy. Find out why breathing correctly can make a big dent in your blood pressure.
Looking for low-sodium eats? Check out this collection of blood-pressure-friendly recipes from EatingWell.
Get six how-to strategies for accurately monitoring your own blood pressure.
RealAge Benefit:
Reducing your blood pressure by losing excess weight can make your RealAge up to 25 years younger.
The effect of deep-tissue massage therapy on blood pressure and heart rate. Kaye, A. D. et al., Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine 2008 Mar;14(2):125-128.
