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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Let’s walk through the key differences between acupressure therapy and reflexology massage therapy so you can head into your next massage appointment with confidence.

What Is Acupressure Therapy?

Acupressure therapy is a technique rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) with a focus on putting pressure on various parts of the body to balance the body’s energy, also referred to as Qi. These various parts are along energy pathways referred to as meridians.¹

The Origins of Acupressure

The origins of acupressure historically take us back from the modern day to the following countries and regions: Egypt, China, and Japan. Despite its ancient origins, there is a universal understanding across all three areas that the body’s energy and pressure points are essential to maintain one’s health and well-being.³

In China, this methodology was linked closely to acupuncture, but instead of needles being utilized, practitioners used manual pressure to stimulate specific points along a body’s meridians. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) points to these meridians as pathways for energy, or Qi, to flow. When this energy is out of balance, it could lead to pain or illness. Acupressure is seen as a method to restore harmony to that flow of energy.¹

Shiatsu is a variant of acupressure coming from Japan that leverages the entire hand and other body parts to apply pressure to specific points on the body. This is typically done through clothing without oils on the body.²

There also is a theory that links the concept of stimulating specific points on the body back to ancient Egypt. Egyptians worked on zone therapy, believing that applying pressure to certain areas of the feet could affect the health of corresponding organs throughout the body.³

How Acupressure Therapy Works:

Following TCM, when the flow of the body’s energy is blocked, it is believed that this can lead to pain or other illnesses. The way that this energy is released is by applying targeted pressure to specific areas along the body such as meridians, using specialized tools, fingers, palms, or elbows.¹

Potential Benefits of Acupressure

Acupressure is something that can be generally applied as an alternative therapy for several conditions. While more research is needed to back up these claims, the research is currently still in early development when it comes to acupressure points. When in doubt, always consult your medical team before booking an acupressure appointment. Here is a short list of some potential benefits of acupressure:

• Postoperative relief¹
• Nausea and vomiting⁴
• Relief after chemotherapy¹
• Improve motion sickness symptoms¹
• Pain¹

What Happens During an Acupressure Session?

During an acupressure session, an acupressure practitioner will apply pressure to certain areas of the body with fingers, palms, elbows, or other tools.  Here is a general outline of what a session could look like for you:¹

At the beginning of your acupressure session, your practitioner will begin by asking you questions about your health, diet, lifestyle, and any known conditions. These answers will guide them in developing a specific plan regarding working on the correct areas of your body.

The environment will be relaxing, much like a spa. Picture dim lighting, calming music, and possibly aromatherapy to create a soothing atmosphere. You’ll remain fully clothed, seated or lying down, while the practitioner uses their fingers, palms, or elbows to apply pressure to specific acupoints. These points are chosen based on the body’s energy pathways to promote healing and balance.

The practitioner will use firm pressure, circular motions, and sometimes tapping to stimulate different acupoints. The session may involve various techniques such as holding or pressing acupoints for several seconds to release energy blockages and relieve pain or tension.

The sessions usually last between 30 to 60 minutes, and many people leave feeling deeply relaxed and rejuvenated. The recommended frequency of sessions depends on your health needs, whether that’s weekly, monthly, or occasionally for maintenance.

After your session, you might experience mild effects like temporary fatigue or emotional release, but these are normal and usually fade quickly as your body adjusts to the treatment.

Acupressure vs Reflexology: What’s the Difference?

The Basics of Reflexology

Reflexology is an alternative therapy that involves applying pressure to specific points on the hands, feet, or ears to promote relaxation and overall wellness. Unlike massage therapy, reflexology focuses on stimulating pressure points rather than manipulating muscles. It is often used as a complementary therapy alongside traditional medical treatments, but reflexologists do not diagnose or treat medical conditions directly.

Comparing Techniques: Acupressure vs. Reflexology

Acupressure and reflexology are not the same. Both are complementary therapies that use targeted pressure for relaxation, but they differ in focus. Acupressure focuses on balancing the body’s energy, like the back and the shoulders. Reflexology massage, on the other hand, focuses more on specific points on the feet, hands, and ears that are believed to correspond to different organs and systems of the body.

Both acupressure and reflexology offer unique approaches to achieving relaxation and improving overall health, making them excellent options for those seeking alternative therapies. Whether you’re looking to balance your body’s energy through acupressure or target reflex points to reduce tension with reflexology, incorporating these therapies into your wellness routine can help reduce stress and promote a sense of calm. At Soothe, we bring the spa experience to you, offering professional and personalized massage services all targeted for your relaxation needs.

Bibliography

1.Stuart A. Acupressure Points and Massage Treatment. WebMD. Published October 31, 2021. https://www.webmd.com/balance/acupressure-points-and-massage-treatment

2.Boyle K, Tee-Melegrito RA. Shiatsu massage: Definition, benefits and techniques. www.medicalnewstoday.com. Published May 10, 2022. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/shiatsu-massage

3.Sergeant R. A Journey through the History and Origins of Reflexology. The Good Zest Company. Published January 4, 2024. Accessed October 25, 2024. https://www.thegoodzestcompany.co.uk/blogs/zesty-news/a-journey-through-the-history-and-origins-of-reflexology

4.Lee A, Fan LT. Stimulation of the wrist acupuncture point P6 for preventing postoperative nausea and vomiting. Lee A, ed. Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews. 2009;11. doi:https://doi.org/10.1002/14651858.cd003281.pub3

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