Massage Therapy And Stroke-Producing Stress

The BBC released news today that coping well with stress can reduce the chances of having a stroke.

The year-long University of Cambridge study published in the journal Stroke , was based on observations of more than 20,000 people.

The study found that people who take a positive, and calm approach to stress, lowered their risk of stroke by 24%.

The study also showed a link that people who manage stress well, also lead healthy lifestyles. They don’t smoke, have a low alcohol consumption rate, and get plenty of exercise – all factors of general wellness.

Stress manifests itself in many ways, some of which are high blood pressure. Massage Therapy is a good preventive measure and a great alternative to drugs.

An increasing number of research studies reported by the American Massage Therapy Association show massage reduces palpitations, heart rate, lowers blood pressure, increases blood circulation and lymph flow, relaxes muscles, and improves range of motion, amongst other many benefits.

At the University of Miami School of Medicine's Touch Research Institute, researchers have found that massage is helpful in decreasing blood pressure in people with hypertension.

Experts say a great way to combat stress is Swedish massage. This is a gentle, relaxing massage developed in 1812, which uses long strokes, kneading and friction techniques. Typically a sheet is draped over a person, and oils might also be slathered on the body. Swedish massage is the foundation for other types of Western massage, including sports, deep tissue and aromatherapy.

For office stress, look to specific help.

David Palmer, co-developer of the first massage chair, say that if chair massage is used preventively, it will help maintain a homeostatic balance that prevents upper neck stiffness and improve circulation.