May is High Blood Pressure Awareness Month.
May is indeed National High Blood Pressure Education Month in the United States, and naturopathic medicine can play a role in helping to manage high blood pressure. Here are some ways that licensed naturopathic physicians (NDs) may approach high blood pressure:
1. Lifestyle counseling: NDs may work with patients to make lifestyle modifications that can help manage high blood pressure. This may include changes to diet, exercise, stress management, and sleep hygiene.
2. Botanical medicine: NDs may use botanical medicines, such as hawthorn, garlic, and hibiscus, which have been studied for their potential to help lower blood pressure.
3. Nutritional counseling: NDs may provide nutritional counseling to help patients achieve a balanced diet that is rich in nutrients and low in sodium.
4. Mind-body therapies: NDs may recommend mind-body therapies, such as meditation, biofeedback, bio-linguistic kinesiology, or tai chi, to help reduce stress and promote relaxation, which can help lower blood pressure.
5. Manual soft tissue manipulation: Another therapy licensed naturopathic physicians (NDs) may use to help manage high blood pressure. Soft tissue manipulation may include massage therapy, myofascial release, or trigger point therapy, which aims to relax tense muscles, improve circulation, and reduce stress.
Research suggests that massage therapy may effectively lower blood pressure in people with hypertension. For example, a study published in the International Journal of Preventive Medicine found that regular massage therapy reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure in people with prehypertension and stage 1 hypertension.
Working with a licensed naturopathic physician or other healthcare provider is important to manage high blood pressure. NDs can collaborate with conventional medical providers to provide comprehensive care that addresses the whole person.
Evidence-Based Benefits of Massage Therapy for Reducing High Blood Pressure
Several scientific studies have shown that massage therapy can be an effective complementary treatment for managing high blood pressure. Here are some of the scientific benefits of massage for high blood pressure:
- Reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure: A meta-analysis of 25 randomized controlled trials found that massage therapy significantly reduces systolic and diastolic blood pressure levels.
- Decreased stress and anxiety: Massage therapy has been shown to decrease levels of cortisol, the stress hormone while increasing levels of serotonin and dopamine, which are associated with relaxation and mood improvement.
- Improved circulation: Massage therapy can help improve blood circulation by increasing the production of nitric oxide, which causes blood vessels to dilate and increase blood flow.
- Reduced muscle tension: Muscle tension is a common symptom of stress and can contribute to high blood pressure. Massage therapy can help to reduce muscle tension and promote relaxation.
- Improved sleep: Lack of sleep has been linked to high blood pressure. Massage therapy can help improve sleep quality and quantity, positively affecting blood pressure levels.
Massage therapy can be a safe and effective complementary treatment for managing high blood pressure, especially when combined with lifestyle changes such as diet and exercise.
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Jet plasma is a medical device that uses a stream of plasma to treat various skin conditions. The plasma is created by ionizing a gas such as nitrogen, helium, or argon, which produces a small plasma stream that can be directed onto the skin. Here are some of the benefits of jet plasma:
- Skin rejuvenation: Jet plasma can help stimulate collagen production, improving skin texture and elasticity. This can result in a more youthful and radiant appearance.
- Scar reduction: Jet plasma can reduce the appearance of scars by stimulating cell regeneration and tissue repair. This can be especially effective for treating acne scars and stretch marks.
- Wrinkle reduction: Jet plasma can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and promoting skin tightening.
- Skin tightening: Jet plasma can tighten loose or sagging skin, especially around the eyes, mouth, and neck.
- Pigmentation removal: Jet plasma can help to remove dark spots and hyperpigmentation by breaking down the melanin pigment in the skin.
- Acne treatment: Jet plasma can treat acne by reducing inflammation and killing the bacteria that cause breakouts.
- Non-invasive treatment: Jet plasma is non-invasive and does not require surgery or injections. This makes it a safer and less painful alternative to traditional cosmetic procedures.
Overall, jet plasma is a versatile and effective medical device that can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions. However, consulting with a licensed medical professional is important to determine if jet plasma is the right treatment for you.
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Cryosculpting (also known as cryolipolysis) is a non-invasive cosmetic procedure that uses freezing temperatures to break down and eliminate fat cells in specific body areas. The procedure involves placing a special device on the skin that cools the targeted area to a temperature low enough to freeze and kill the fat cells without harming the surrounding tissue.
Over several weeks, the body naturally eliminates the dead fat cells through the lymphatic system. Cryosculpting is most commonly used to reduce stubborn fat deposits in the abdomen, thighs, love handles, and chin.
Cryosculpting is considered a safe and effective alternative to traditional liposuction, as it does not require surgery, anesthesia, or a long recovery period. However, it is important to note that cryo-sculpting is not a weight loss treatment and is unsuitable for everyone. It is important to consult with a licensed medical professional to determine if cryo-sculpting is the right procedure for you.
