Having a healthy heart is a big concern for our body. Regardless of any age, massage therapy can reduce stress, cause relaxation and enhance the feeling of well-being. A great massage can help awake the nerve endings in the skin releasing endorphins which are known as the happy hormones. When the endorphins are released, they can take over the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. This allows the blood to flow more efficiently which helps the blood pressure decrease and the heart rate slows down.
Getting massage on a regular basis can help reduce the risks associated with stress. Stress can cause heart disease, headaches, and much more. Studies have shown that if one is on a regular massage regimen it can help decrease diastolic and systolic blood pressure. Maintaining a healthy blood pressure can contribute to lowering the odds of one having a heart attack. Massage therapy helps contract the muscles and helps push blood towards the heart, easing the heaviness on the heart. Massage offers a drug-free, non threatening approach allowing the body to naturally heal itself. Sometimes massage therapy may move a person’s nervous system from the sympathetic toward the parasympathetic. The sympathetic nervous system is also knows for the fight-or-flight response which is going to up the heart and breathing rate and causes the blood vessels to narrow. The parasympathetic nervous system is known for the resting response. This includes reducing the heart rate and breathing rate and dilates the blood vessels.
Massage therapy is usually done by using the fingers and hands to change the soft tissues of the body, muscles, skin and tendons. Since getting a massage improves circulation, it is going to help flow the essential nutrients and oxygen to the body. The gliding action used in the massage can help calm the effect on nerves which is going to help reduce stress on the heart. For those who do not get out enough to do physical exercise, getting a massage regularly is a great way to keep the health of your body and heart maintained. Getting a massage every week or two is going to help you feel better and reduce your tension and stress. So the next time you’re looking to do something healthy for yourself, try a massage. Your heart will be happy that you did.