Does massage help circulation? | Live Science
Does massage promote blood circulation? Every second of every day, your circulatory system works hard to deliver oxygen and nutrients to every part of your body. Therefore, keeping your circulation in check is crucial to your health and well-being.
There are many lifestyle factors that can make blood flow as efficient as possible. Physical activity, healthy eating and reducing stress are important. But many therapists claim that the massage also has a great effect on our circulation. However, the evidence behind this claim is somewhat mixed. This could be partly because there are many massage techniques and multiple ways to measure blood flow. Classic manual treatments are also likely to yield different results than those using tools like the best massage gun.
Here we clarify whether a massage can actually help our circulation and what else you can do to boost your blood circulation.
Does massage promote blood circulation?
Massage therapy can have a positive effect on the circulation, at least in the short term.
“There are two main types of circulation in the body – blood flow circulation and lymph flow circulation,” says Dr. Giuseppe Aragona, general practitioner at OnlinePrescriptionDoctor. “When a person has poor circulation, they often experience swelling, tightness, tension, and pain that can be relieved with massage therapy. The pressure exerted by the massage actually helps move blood through congested areas and also allows new blood to flow in once certain areas are unblocked. This is done through different massage techniques with different pressures.”
A Study 2020 found that a five-minute manual leg massage can significantly increase blood flow not only in the affected limb but also in surrounding areas. A Study 2010 came to a similar result. The researchers measured the mean skin temperature of 17 healthy volunteers who underwent a 20-minute neck and shoulder massage. In most cases, the increase in blood flow to the treated and adjacent areas persists long after treatment is complete.
However, it becomes more complicated when it comes to the long-term effects of massage therapy. How good your circulation is depends largely on the overall performance of your cardiovascular system. blood pressure can be used as a good indicator of healthy cardiorespiratory capacity several studies This shows that high blood pressure can significantly damage blood vessels and consequently restrict blood flow.
Researchers have studied massage therapy as a possible way to lower high blood pressure. But, most studies found that the impact is moderate at best.
It is also discussed whether these results are directly due to the exerted physical tension or rather to the indirect influence on the nervous system. Massage can be a very relaxing experience, especially when it involves human touch. When your stress levels drop, your heart rate and blood pressure also drop.
Can massagers promote blood circulation?
Automated massage can be performed by machines or devices capable of generating vibrations of a specific frequency and strength. It also does not require the presence of a licensed therapist and can be safely administered in most conditions.
Overall, evidence suggests that massage tools can be quite effective at improving peripheral blood flow — near the skin’s surface and areas where tension has been directly applied — but may not have similar effects for the larger veins and arteries in our bodies .
What are the signs of poor circulation?
Good blood circulation ensures that all systems in our body function properly. If your circulation worsens, you may not notice tingling or numbness in your limbs, muscle pain, cramps, lack of energy, thinning hair, and increasingly cold hands and feet.
It should be noted that poor circulation is not a disease in itself, but rather a symptom of other health conditions. For example, people with chronically cold hands and feet can suffer from Raynaud’s disease – a condition that causes the small arteries in the limbs to narrow, especially when it’s cold or stressful. In this case, certain medications may be necessary.
How can you improve your circulation?
Being more physically active is one of the most effective ways to improve your circulation. Aerobic forms of exercise such as running, swimming or cycling are particularly well suited to improving the health of your cardiovascular system. But any movement that can get you warm and out of breath can stimulate your blood flow and trigger needed changes.
Diet is another important factor. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean protein, and omega-3 fatty acids reduces the risk of developing serious cardiovascular disease.
Quitting smoking is another positive lifestyle change. Smoking is a major contributor to the formation of fatty deposits in artery walls, which can restrict or even block free blood flow.
Manage and maintain your stress levels sleep hygiene can also make a big difference to your circulatory system. Severe and chronic stress can greatly increase your blood pressure and cause serious heart problems that can adversely affect your circulation.
Does massage help circulation? | Live Science Source link Does massage help circulation? | Live Science
