Listen up, folks. It’s time to talk about something very serious. Cardiovascular disease is the leading killer of both men and women in the United States. It is responsible for about 1 of every 3 deaths among Americans. As a nation, we celebrate Heart Month in February, but it is important to pay attention to signs and symptoms of heart disease throughout the year. 
Our hearts are the hub of the cardiovascular system. It’s essential to keep this muscle healthy because it keeps you alive! Ladies, it is particularly important for you to pay close attention to your body because your symptoms likely don’t look the same as men’s.
It’s no secret that massage is a holistic approach to natural healing and restoring one’s body. The physical act of laying hands on a body and gently massaging the muscles will release endorphins (the feel goods) and reduce the production of cortisol (stress hormone). As this happens, your body naturally allows for more efficient blood circulation throughout your body. This is good news because the blood pumping through your heart and arteries carries essential nutrients and oxygen to the rest of your body.
Massage is known to have a calming effect on our nervous system. When the blood in your body is flowing efficiently, you are more likely to maintain a low blood pressure reading, meaning the rate in which your heart pumps is slower. Lower blood pressure decreases your risk for heart disease.
We all know the ingredients to a healthy lifestyle include a proper diet, regular exercise, and allowing time for physical and mental rest. Massage is another form of self-care that will help to connect your heart with the rest of your body. Physically, a message will do wonders for your body. But don’t forget the cognitive relief it provides as well. It promotes feelings of relaxation, peace, and well being. Additionally, it can alleviate feelings of stress, anxiety, and depression which are major players in the battle with heart disease.
It is also important to note that the many benefits of massage, like regular exercise and a healthy diet, see the best results when applied in a consistent regimen. One massage every year is not going to help ease your heart health. Many people have shared with me that they feel guilty taking the time to get a massage because it feels like a luxury and it isn’t a necessity. Massage, with all of its wonderful benefits, isn’t a luxury. It’s an act of self-love. Remember, by staying healthy, you are ensuring you are around and operating at the top of your game for all of those who depend on you.
When examining your health plan, if you find therapeutic massage may be a holistic component to your self-care strategy, contact us.