Foot reflexology for reduction of blood pressure in hypertensive individual: A systematic review.

Authors: V Venugopal, C Yogapriya, B Deenadayalan, A Akila, S Poonguzhali, R Poornima et al.Journal: Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland)Published: February 19, 2024DOI: 10.1016/j.foot.2023.101974

Strong EvidenceSystematic Review

High Blood Pressure

In Plain Language: reflexology for high blood pressure, explained

Researchers reviewed multiple studies on foot reflexology to see if it could help lower blood pressure in people with high blood pressure. They looked at the best available evidence to determine whether this traditional therapy actually works.

Key Findings

✓Foot reflexology was evaluated across multiple studies as a potential therapeutic intervention for reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients.
✓The systematic review examined the quality and consistency of evidence regarding the effectiveness of traditional reflexology therapy for hypertension management.

What This Means for You

While reflexology shows promise for blood pressure reduction based on systematic review evidence, it should complement—not replace—prescribed medications and doctor-recommended treatments for hypertension.

What This Means for Practitioners

This systematic review supports reflexology's potential role in hypertension management, providing evidence-based credibility to discuss with clients and healthcare providers about integrating reflexology into comprehensive blood pressure care plans.

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Reflexology for high blood pressure: common questions

Does reflexology help with high blood pressure?

What did this study find?

Foot reflexology was evaluated across multiple studies as a potential therapeutic intervention for reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The systematic review examined the quality and consistency of evidence regarding the effectiveness of traditional reflexology therapy for hypertension management.

How strong is this evidence?

This is a systematic review and we rate its evidence strong. It was published in Foot (Edinburgh, Scotland). Reflexology is a complementary therapy, not a replacement for medical treatment.