Complementary Alternative Cardiovascular Medicine

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