IMPLEMENTATION OF ACUPRESSURE THERAPY AT GB 20, LI 11, LI 4, PC 6, LV 3 POINTS TO LOWER BLOOD PRESSURE IN HYPERTENSIVE PATIENTS

Abstract

The incidence of hypertension is getting higher with age, obesity, psychological stress, smoking, heredity and eating habits, and unhealthy consumption patterns. Hypertensive patients sometimes do not show signs and symptoms (the silent killer). The main signs and symptoms of people with hypertension include headaches, fatigue, nausea and vomiting, soreness in the nape, blurred vision, palpitations, and ringing in the ears. Hypertension can be treated with non-pharmacological therapy to lower blood pressure without drug dependence and side effects such as acupressure. Acupressure therapy provides massage and stimulation at specific points or points on the body. Acupressure is done by pressing or giving vibrations for 15-20 seconds at each place or point. The study aimed to determine the effect of acupressure therapy on GB 20, LI 11, LI 4, PC 6, and LV 3 points on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The research method used a quasi-experimental type with a design of one group pretest and posttest without control with samples in the treatment group were 18 respondents with acupressure therapy actions at GB 20, LI 11, LI 4, PC 6, LV 3 points carried out 3 times a week with a duration of 10-30 minutes. The results showed systolic experienced a significant decrease in the second and third actions (p: 0.000) in 18 respondents, while diastolic did not experience a significant decrease in the second and third actions (p = 0.137). This study concludes that acupressure therapy at GB 20, LI 11, LI 4, PC 6, and LV 3 points affects lowering blood pressure in hypertensive clients, especially systolic.