J. of Geron. Massage reduces blood pressure and heart rate. It is commonly believed that massage can increase local blood flow, even in normal tissues. In Your Hands. Slow stroke massage reduces heart rate and blood pressure.
Massage reduces heart rate.
Cady, S.H., Jones, G.E. Massage Therapy as a Workplace Intervention for Reduction of Stress. Perceptual and Motor Skills . Massage reduced systolic and diastolic blood pressure. Effectiveness of Neuromuscular Release Massage Therapy on Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease. Massage increases thoracic gas volume, peak flow and forced vital capacity.