Integrative approach to hypertension management. Efficacy of degenerative massage and herbal formula in Kulon Progo patients

This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of an integrative hypertension management approach combining degenerative massage therapy with a standardized scientific herbal formula in reducing blood pressure among hypertensive patients in Kulon Progo, Indonesia. A quasi-experimental, two-group pre-test–post-test design was employed, involving 22 hypertensive participants selected through purposive sampling from Dusun Terbah, Pengasih District. Participants were divided into an intervention group (massage + herbal formula) and a control group (massage only). Blood pressure was measured using a digital sphygmomanometer, and data were analyzed using independent sample t-tests followed by paired t-tests. The results of the independent sample t-test showed no statistically significant difference in systolic or diastolic blood pressure between the treatment and control groups (p > 0.05), indicating that both groups experienced similar reductions. However, paired t-test analysis revealed significant within-group reductions in the intervention group: systolic blood pressure decreased from 155.09 mmHg to 134.91 mmHg (13.01% reduction, p < 0.001), and diastolic pressure from 94.64 mmHg to 78.82 mmHg (16.72% reduction, p < 0.001). The control group also showed significant reductions: systolic pressure decreased from 152.55 mmHg to 133.45 mmHg (12.52% reduction, p < 0.001), and diastolic pressure from 89.36 mmHg to 76.91 mmHg (13.93% reduction, p = 0.001). This study found that the comparative analysis using an independent sample t-test showed no statistically significant difference in systolic and diastolic blood pressure between the treatment and control groups. Both groups experienced a reduction in blood pressure, suggesting that massage played a dominant role in the therapeutic effect, as both received identical massage interventions. However, further analysis using a paired t-test revealed that degenerative massage therapy combined with scientifically validated herbal formulations was effective in reducing blood pressure among hypertensive patients. Despite these promising results, further verification is necessary. This therapy is not recommended as a standalone treatment but rather as a holistic and rapid complementary approach to hypertension management. The combination offers not only physiological benefits but also aligns with culturally accepted traditional medical practices. Future studies should involve larger sample sizes and longer intervention periods to assess the long-term effectiveness and broader applicability of this integrative therapy.