Reflexology may help lower blood pressure in heart patients says new research
- info7965410
- Oct 22
- 2 min read
Reflexology could play a supportive role in caring for people with heart disease, according to a new meta-analysis. The review brings together data from 12 studies involving more than 1,000 adults with various heart conditions (including coronary artery disease, angioplasty, and open-heart surgery) to see how reflexology might influence key health indicators such as blood pressure and heart rate.
What did the research find?
The findings were encouraging. Reflexology significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure – the top and bottom numbers on a reading – in patients receiving the therapy compared to those receiving only standard hospital care. The reductions were moderate but meaningful, suggesting reflexology can help calm the body’s stress response and support cardiovascular balance.
Interestingly, while reflexology helped lower blood pressure, it did not significantly change heart rate. The researchers suggest this may reflect the therapy’s specific action on vascular relaxation rather than cardiac rhythm.
Why is this important?
High blood pressure remains one of the biggest risk factors for heart disease and stroke. Even small, sustained reductions can make a difference to long-term health. Reflexology, by activating the parasympathetic nervous system and promoting deep relaxation, may offer a simple, non-invasive way to complement medical treatment and enhance wellbeing for people recovering from or living with heart conditions.
A gentle, evidence-based approach
None of the studies reviewed reported any side effects from reflexology… reinforcing its safety as a complementary therapy. The authors conclude that reflexology “can be considered a complementary intervention to lower blood pressure in individuals with coronary artery disease, those undergoing coronary angiography, patients undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention, and individuals undergoing open-heart surgery or coronary bypass.”
For clients managing high blood pressure or recovering from cardiac procedures, reflexology may provide both physical and emotional support, helping the body find balance and calm.
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