It’s true that massage therapy and yoga cannot ‘undo’ a diagnosis or cardiovascular event. But It’s also true that they can help relieve and reduce pain. Massage and yoga can create suppleness and openness through the chest wall, ribcage, and shoulders, making breathing and moving more comfortable. These practices can bring us out of a fight-or-flight response, and lower our mental and emotional stress levels, both bringing down blood pressure but also, overall tension and holding patterns in the body. Ultimately, we heal when we give ourselves permission to be still, sit with our bodies, and listen to our hearts.