QuestionDear Christopher,
Hi :D I'm a sophmore in high school enrolled in a research class, where we make and carry out our own experiments. This year I have chosen to do an experiment involving the effect of certain factors and practices on blood pressure. Among these, I have chosen massage. My question is if I do follow through with this experiment, in what area of the body should the "subjects" be massaged, and could it be done by a machine, instead of a professional? How long should the massage last? And if there are certain types of massage, which should I use? Thank you for your help!
-Paul
AnswerGreetings Paul, and I am so sorry for the delay in answering. You have chosen a great subject for your project. Typically, the best results are achieved from a one hour, full body massage. A 30 minute table massage is less relaxing but will still lower BP. There is some benefit from a 30 minute chair massage, but I think that you'll achieve more reliable results using a full hour massage. This is because it is done in a more relaxing environtment, and, with an unclothed body, you can massage more areas. I also think that it has something to do with the human touch; it is safe, nurturing, and relaxing, and that will definately have beneficial results. There aren't really any machines out there that can match the touch, the sensitivity, and the reaction of human hands. Among the types of massage, "Swedish strokes", a combination of effleurage, pettrisage, tapotement, and stretching would be best, as these are more relaxing and address the whole body. The other types will work as well, but the so-called "Swedish massage" is the basis of most massages.
I hope this was of some help, Paul. I am sure that you have thought of having yourself, the therapist, or the "subject" taking their BP? Good luck in your test; this is great as it can prove what we have known for years. Please feel free to write again if you have any other questions (I promise that I will answer in a more timely fasion).
Sincerely,
Christopher Hall
