Can massage therapy treat hypertension?
Jan 25, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Zhang Xiuhong
Introduction
Massage can usually help alleviate symptoms caused by hypertension such as dizziness and headache, but it cannot cure hypertension. Since hypertension cannot currently be cured, it can only be managed through daily care or medication, such as limiting high-sodium and high-fat diets, increasing physical activity, and taking antihypertensive medications as directed by a physician. Regular monitoring is necessary during treatment to allow timely adjustments to the treatment plan.
Generally speaking, massage therapy usually cannot cure hypertension completely, but it can help alleviate its symptoms. If discomfort occurs, it is recommended to seek medical attention promptly. The detailed explanation is as follows:
Massage is a form of traditional Chinese physical therapy that can improve local blood circulation and help relax muscles throughout the body. It is commonly used to treat discomfort caused by poor blood circulation, such as joint swelling, numbness, muscle weakness, dizziness, and headaches. Therefore, massage can help relieve symptoms such as dizziness and headaches caused by hypertension to some extent. However, as there is currently no known cure for hypertension, simple massage alone cannot completely cure it.
After being diagnosed with hypertension, patients should strictly limit their intake of high-sodium and high-fat foods. They should also increase physical activity appropriately, such as jogging or brisk walking. Additionally, they should timely take antihypertensive medications, such as enalapril maleate tablets, compound captopril tablets, or valsartan tablets, under the guidance of a physician.
Regardless of the situation, massage should always be performed according to a physician's instructions to avoid self-administered treatment. It is also important to regularly monitor blood pressure so that treatment plans can be adjusted promptly according to fluctuations in blood pressure levels.
