Massage and Your Heart

Each February, many American recognize Heart Health Month. Did you know that massage therapy can help your heart?

Heart disease accounts for one in four deaths in the U.S. Understanding the warning signs and managing symptoms can aid in prevention. According to the American Heart Association, cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of men and women in the United States. The good news is that decades of research show that massage therapy is effective in lowering stress and blood pressure, which are contributors of heart disease.

Massage therapy helps patients with cardiac issues address some of the factors that may be contributing to their condition. Along with doctor-prescribed protocols and medication, massage also helps patients manage some of the side effects of treatment.

Massage can induce states of physical and mental relaxation. This can help alleviate the effects of chronic stress and anxiety on the whole body. Massage also helps to loosen tight muscles and increase blood flow, which improves overall circulation and decreases the chances of stroke-causing clots.

Massage therapy has also been found to alleviate chronic pain, which helps interrupt the brain’s “fight or flight” response. Massage can also effectively reduce anxiety before or after surgical procedures. Recent studies also show that consistent massage therapy can reduce blood pressure and heart rate. High blood pressure and rate are major factors in heart attack risk.

Clients who combine traditional medical treatments with massage techniques experience an increase in energy, physical relaxation, and mental focus. This can help them recover faster from surgical procedures or avoid major cardiovascular events.