May is High Blood Pressure Education Month. Massage therapists can use this nationally designated month to inform the public about the benefits of massage to lowering blood pressure.

In the study “The Effect of Deep-Tissue Massage Therapy on Blood Pressure and Heart Rate,” 263 participants volunteered to receive deep-tissue massage to examine its effect on diastolic, systolic and mean arterial blood pressure and heart rate.

Data collected from the completion of the study showed an average systolic pressure reduction of 10.4 millimeters of mercury, a diastolic pressure reduction of 5.3 millimeters of mercury and a mean arterial

pressure reduction of 7.0 millimeters of mercury. Results of the heart-rate data showed an average heart-rate reduction of 10.8 beats per minute.

"[This] study demonstrates a high correlation between deep-tissue massage and reduction in blood pressure and heart rate,” the study’s authors said. “These data are encouraging and positive, representing optimism and a hopeful outlook for future research in this area.”

Related Articles:
• Deep-Tissue Massage Shown to Reduce Blood Pressure and Heart Rate
• Back Massage Increases Cerebral Blood Flow
• Research Exclusive: Massage Boosts Mood, Immune Function and Relaxation
• Moderate-Pressure Massage Increases Relaxation

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