From the Research
Spa treatments, such as hydrotherapy and sauna sessions, may be beneficial as complementary approaches to help manage hypertension, but they should not replace conventional medical treatment. According to the most recent study 1, hydrotherapy, balneotherapy, and spa therapy have shown potential effects on blood pressure, with hydrotherapy improving blood pressure by regulating heart rate, releasing hormones that control blood pressure, or regulating the activity of baroreceptors or chemoreceptors.
Some key points to consider:
- Relaxation therapies like massage therapy, hydrotherapy, and sauna sessions have shown modest blood pressure-lowering effects by reducing stress hormones and promoting vasodilation 2.
- Thermal therapies like sauna bathing have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, including blood pressure reduction, by activating the parasympathetic nervous system, reducing stress hormones, improving blood vessel flexibility, and enhancing circulation 2.
- However, these approaches should complement, not replace, physician-prescribed medications and lifestyle modifications like the DASH diet, regular exercise, weight management, and sodium restriction 3.
- People with severe or unstable hypertension should consult their healthcare provider before starting any spa treatments, as some therapies may temporarily increase blood pressure during the session before providing benefits.
It's essential to prioritize lifestyle modifications, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 3, which include weight loss, healthy dietary patterns, physical activity, and limited alcohol consumption. Additionally, first-line drug therapy for hypertension consists of thiazide or thiazide-like diuretics, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors or angiotensin receptor blockers, and calcium channel blockers, which should be titrated according to office and home blood pressure levels to achieve optimal targets.
In terms of specific spa treatments, regular massage therapy sessions (30-60 minutes, 1-2 times weekly) may temporarily reduce blood pressure by 5-10 mmHg in some individuals, while thermal therapies like sauna bathing (15-20 minutes at 150-175°F, 2-3 times weekly) have demonstrated cardiovascular benefits, including blood pressure reduction. However, more research is needed to fully understand the effects of these treatments on blood pressure.