Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine
Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine
Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine
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162 <strong>Alternative</strong> <strong>Cardiovascular</strong> <strong>Medicine</strong><br />
Table 1 (Continued)<br />
bodies may exist or potentially cause<br />
damage. In addition, massage should avoid<br />
areas of hematomas in the first few days<br />
afterinjury so blood clots are not disrupted.<br />
Hemophilia Massage is systemically contraindicated.<br />
Hypertension In patients with borderline hypertension not<br />
requiring medications, conservative<br />
massage can help to lower blood pressure<br />
and reduce stress levels. Massage is<br />
beneficial for general relaxation. A good<br />
general guideline is that the patient’s blood<br />
pressure on treatment should be less<br />
then160/90. When the blood pressure is<br />
higher than that, deep abdominal work is<br />
contraindicated. When the blood pressure at<br />
rest is over 190/100, massage is<br />
contraindicated. Observing signs that<br />
massage could be overchallenging the body,<br />
such as clamminess, bogginess, and possible<br />
edema, in the days after the treatment is<br />
important. Patients who are on medication<br />
for hypertension or who are known to have<br />
atherosclerosis should consult a doctor<br />
before receiving a massage.<br />
Insomnia Massage therapy can offer a good night’s sleep,<br />
brought about by restoration of balance<br />
between parasympathetic and sympathetic<br />
nervous system.<br />
Joint inflammation Massage is indicated after the acute phase.<br />
Massage should be applied using strokes to<br />
promote draining, which pushes edema fluid<br />
toward the heart and increase, lymphatic<br />
circulation.<br />
Myocardial infarction After the acute phase, patients can benefit from<br />
massage for relaxation. It is suggested that<br />
this therapy be offered in collaboration with<br />
the attending physician.<br />
Phlebitis, thrombosis, If the patient is taking any type of medication or<br />
or other diseases for these conditions he or she should get of<br />
blood vessels medical clearance before receiving massage.<br />
In moderate to severe cases, massage is<br />
contraindicated both locally and distally.<br />
(continued)