Heart health is a very personal subject for me. At 50 years old, I had to have open heart surgery due to a congenital heart defect. Throughout my life, I had suspected that I had something wrong with my heart, but when the tests were done, my doctors told me that I had a very healthy heart. I was young and that I probably just had GERD or heartburn.
After I graduated from the National Holistic Institute Massage School, one of my classmates had given me a massage and afterwards, he mentioned that my ankles were swollen and that maybe I had a heart issue. I quickly brushed it off and said, “Oh no, I had been on my feet more, working more and I couldn’t have had a heart issue.” Internally, from my education and what I was feeling, I suspected he was correct. He was.
Heart health is important to your quality of life. The most important behavioral risk factors for heart disease and stroke are unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and harmful alcohol use. The good news is that several studies indicate that massage may be beneficial, both for some of the risk factors of heart disease as well as for treatment for those who have undergone some cardiac procedures. Massage can reduce stress, improve immunological as well as inflammatory parameters and has a positive influence on blood pressure.
Throughout the years of being a massage therapist, I have worked on and helped clients with heart issues or issues that could cause heart issues.
Calming the nervous system can help reduce stress, which can in turn, improve high blood pressure.
Trauma, lack of sleep, PTSD, anxiety, high stress job, poor diet, a sedetary lifestyle—all of these can lead to heart issues.
Massage can be preventative. A regular massage can help with your quality of life and reduce stress, anxiety and blood pressure.
Pertaining to Heart Health, Below are a Few of the Benefits of Massage
- Increases relaxation
- Lower blood pressure
- Decreases stress and anxiety
- Increases mental clarity
- Improves quality of sleep
- Increases energy
- Increased feeling of well-being
Has your doctor told you that you need to bring down your blood pressure? Have you tried regular massage? It is important to understand that regular massages monthly or twice a month will help you get the full benefit of massage, improving your quality. Be good to yourself, be good to your heart!
Self-care is not selfish. Take care of yourself!
Interested in a therapeutic massage, wellness retreats or Acupuncture? Call for an appointment at (520) 639-6987. For more information, visit emptycupwellness.com. We are located at 10132 N. Oracle Road, Suite 160 Tucson, AZ 85704 in the business park just behind the Fairfield Inn.
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