a. Yates, J. A Physician's Guide to Therapeutic Massage: Its Physiological Effects and Their Application to Treatment.; 1990.

"It is commonly believed that massage can increase local blood flow even in normal tissues. Various attempts have been made to verify this effect of massage, with diverse results..."

b. Fakouri C; Jones P. Relaxation Rx: Slow Stroke Back Rub. Journal of Gerontological Nursing. 13 (2): p. 32-35; February 1987.
c. Ashton J. Holistic health. 6. In your hands. Nurs Times 80:54; 1984.

The two studies listed as b and c demonstrate that slow stroke massage reduces heart rate and blood pressure.