With that, can a massage lower blood pressure? In short, it can help. Natural wellness methods such as massage therapy have shown benefits in studies for managing high blood pressure. We break down how that works if you’re experiencing high blood pressure or low blood pressure, and what to look out for in a massage session to make it effective for you.

What is High Blood Pressure and Why Does it Matter?

High blood pressure, also known as hypertension, occurs when your blood pressure remains consistently higher than normal. While your blood pressure typically fluctuates throughout the day based on your activities, this designation is applied when your blood pressure measures consistently above what is normal and proportional to your daily activities.

Having blood pressure measured consistently above that normal baseline may result in a diagnosis of this condition, as the higher your blood pressure levels are, the more risk you have for other health problems, such as heart disease, heart attack, and stroke.

The Science Behind Massage and Blood Pressure

There are a multitude of studies that exist currently confirming that massage therapy can decrease your heart rate, reduce cortisol levels, and lower your blood pressure. Where the criticisms lay, however, is in the quantity of time that one may experience the positive effects of massage therapy when it comes to lowering blood pressure. It should be noted that stress and high blood pressure go beyond stress, and include a multitude of other factors, such as white coat hypertension, job stress, social environment, race, and emotional distress. Research shows that massage therapy can help reduce both systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels. 

There are two blood pressure numbers in a blood pressure reading, referring to the systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels respectively. Systolic blood pressure measures the force of blood being pushed out of the heart during contraction and is the first number you see in a blood pressure level reading. Diastolic blood pressure, on the other hand, reflects the pressure in the arteries when the heart is at rest and filling with blood, which represents the second number. A common “normal” reading would look like 120/80 mm Hg, with 120 being the systolic pressure and 80 representing the diastolic pressure.

So, how can a massage lower blood pressure? A massage can reduce cortisol, which is a stress hormone, and boost your endorphins, promoting relaxation. Massages can improve your blood’s circulation, aiding the cardiovascular system in its work of moving your blood throughout your body. It also stimulates the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing heart rate and inducing calm.

Types of Massages for Managing Blood Pressure

1. Swedish Massage

A Swedish massage is an excellent choice for those who are looking to manage or lower their blood pressure. It offers a gentle yet effective way to reduce stress and promote relaxation. By improving blood circulation and encouraging the body’s relaxation response, Swedish massages help ease tension that can contribute to hypertension.

For a deeper relaxing experience, consider incorporating aromatherapy into your Swedish massage session. Aromatherapy uses essential oil scents to deepen your relaxation by creating a multi-sensory experience that supports your overall physiological well-being. Whether it’s your essential oil scents that you are providing or going with an enhancement option such as what Soothe offers with massage packages, you have additional options to deepen your relaxation. 

2. Reflexology Massage

Reflexology massage is another powerful wellness option for individuals looking to manage or lower their blood pressure. This specialized technique targets specific pressure points in your feet, hands, or ears to promote overall well-being. It aims to alleviate stress and improve circulation, leaving the recipient feeling balanced and revitalized​.

For a deeper relaxing experience, consider incorporating aromatherapy into your Reflexology massage. The calming properties of aromatherapy help you create a multi-sensory experience that supports your physiological well-being. With Soothe, you can experience the transformative effects of reflexology wherever you are, whenever you want, to meet your needs for relaxation and health.

Precautions of Low Blood Pressure Massages

While massage therapy offers many benefits to those with hypertension, individuals with low blood pressure should take certain precautions. Consulting your medical team before booking a wellness experience such as a massage is necessary to understand your options, as different types of massage can have different effects on the body. It’s common for massage recipients to feel a bit lightheaded after a massage, as most methods of massage can lower your blood pressure in the immediate term. 

To ensure a safe and comfortable experience, communication is key, and you should communicate any pertinent information to your massage therapist before the session. Therapists may adjust techniques to be gentler and avoid prolonged exposure that could cause your blood pressure to drop further. Staying hydrated before, during, and after your session may also help mitigate any potential side effects.

Find Your Relaxation With Soothe

With Soothe, our licensed therapists tailor each session to your unique needs to ensure a safe and comfortable experience. Whether you’re managing a massage with high blood pressure or low blood pressure, our Swedish and Reflexology massage options offer a relaxing and restorative approach to support your overall health goals.

Book a massage appointment easily in any way, anywhere, anytime, to suit your needs with Soothe.

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