Immediate effects of foot massage and reflexology combined with aromatherapy on blood pressure and heart rate in individuals with hypertension: A pilot study

Study aim: Chronic hypertension is a significant health issue that can result in serious adverse cardiovascular events. There is inadequate evidence to confirm the beneficial effects of aroma foot massage and reflexology on blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) in individuals with hypertension. Consequently, this study sought to investigate the immediate impact of a combination of foot massage, reflexology, and aromatherapy on BP and HR in hypertensive patients.

Material and methods: Twenty hypertensive patients (mean age: 48.05 ± 7.88 years) were divided into two groups: a control group (n = 10) and an experimental group (n = 10). The experimental group engaged in self-administered foot massage and reflexology while inhaling lavender essential oil aromatherapy. In contrast, the control group remained in a private room without the use of aromatherapy. Heart rate (HR) and blood pressure (BP) were measured before and after a 15-minute intervention period. Results: Both BP and HR significantly decreased in both groups after intervention. However, the percentage change of HR in the experimental group was significantly greater than in the control group (p = 0.001).

Conclusions: These results indicated that a single session of self-administered aroma foot massage and reflexology may reduce heart rate in patients with hypertension. This information could help mitigate the risk of cardiovascular events in such patients.