High Blood Pressure Reduced by Massage Therapy

Hypertensive adults who received regular biweekly massage sessions experienced less depression and hostility and showed a decrease in measured stress-hormone levels, according to a recent research study.

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The study titled "High blood pressure and associated symptoms were reduced by massage therapy" was completed in May 1999, and was conducted in conjunction with the Touch Research Institute, the University of Miami School of Medicine and Nova Southeastern University in Florida.

Researchers suggested that future studies be long-term, and examine the effects of massage on individuals who have high levels of stress.

"Longer-term follow-up might also help determine whether the results reflected short-term effects or whether the results would have persisted beyond the treatment sessions," researchers wrote. "If massage therapy can effectively reduce symptoms associated with hypertension, then it might reduce life-threatening complications, such as the risk of stroke or heart attack."