Lowering Blood Pressure Through Complementary Therapy: a Combination of Acupressure, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and Music (AKU-RESIK) Therapy Lita Heni Kusumawardani*, Endang Triyanto, Asep Iskandar
School of Nursing, Faculty of Health Sciences, Universitas Jenderal Soedirman
Abstract
Background: Hypertension is a serious health problem with significant impact on quality of life and stroke. Conventional therapy with drugs has the potential to have side effects. Complementary therapies such as acupressure, progressive muscle relaxation, and music, have shown potential in lowering blood pressure, but the effect of the combination of the three has not been widely studied. This study aims to analyse the effect of a combined complementary therapy called AKU-RESIK (Acupressure, Progressive Muscle Relaxation, and Music) on blood pressure reduction in individuals with hypertension.
Methods: This study is a quay-experiment method with a sample of 68 people with hypertension consisting of 35 people in the intervention group and 33 people in the control group. The AKU-RESIK group received 11 sessions of AKU-RESIK therapy (each session 30 minutes) for one week, while the control group received conventional treatment only. The participants^ blood pressure was measured before and after the intervention.
Results: The results showed that the AKU-RESIK group experienced significant reductions in systolic and diastolic blood pressure compared to the control group. AKU-RESIK therapy also had a positive impact on stress and anxiety levels, and improved sleep in participants. These results suggest that the combination of AKU-RESIK complementary therapy may be an effective approach to managing hypertension.
Conclusion: AKU-RESIK combination complementary therapy shows potential in lowering blood pressure in individuals with hypertension, as well as providing additional benefits in reducing stress, anxiety, and improving sleep. Suggestion: AKU-RESIK therapy should be considered as a potential complementary therapy option in the management of hypertension.
