Did you know cardiovascular disease is the number one killer of both men and women in the U.S. according to the American Heart Association? No need to stress! Read on to learn how massage can both mellow out your concern and help improve your heart health.

According to the American Heart Association, a high amount of stress, along with many other lifestyle factors such as liberal alcohol consumption, smoking, sedentary activity level, unhealthy weight, and dietary habits, are all contributors to hypertension. After many years of verifiable scientific research, massage therapy has been proven to specifically reduce stress levels both physically and psychologically. The physical manipulation of soft tissues in the body reduces heart rate and lowers blood pressure, which when elevated, are hallmark risk factors for stroke and cardiovascular disease, our number one cause of death here in the U.S.A.

A one-hour Therapeutic Massage or Deep Tissue Massage with a licensed massage therapist significantly decreases cortisol, the stress hormone the body naturally releases to deal with everyday pressures of life. There is also significant evidence to show the body increases oxygen consumption with a massage which helps improve blood flow throughout the body.

Massage helps not only bring down the risk for hypertension, but brings oxygen to all soft tissues of the body, improving the function of all muscles including the heart.

When utilized regularly, people who receive massage show long-term improvements in self-reported levels of stress, muscle tension, and improved heart rates.

Given that it’s February – American Heart Health Awareness Month – how about showing yourself (and your heart) a little love? Just an hour or ninety minutes of your time will help you decompress both mentally and physically to improve your overall health!

To schedule with me, CLICK HERE.

(This blog post was informed by articles from www.heart.org.)