Acupressure training empowers Indonesian communities to manage hypertension

In Belitung Regency, Indonesia, a training program focused on acupressure is empowering local health cadres and residents to manage hypertension. Organized by the DIII Nursing Study Program at Poltekkes Kemenkes Pangkalpinang's Belitung Campus, the initiative aims to bolster community self-reliance in health maintenance through non-pharmacological approaches.

The training saw 20 participants, including local health cadres and residents from Tanjung Tinggi Tourism Village. The core objective was to enhance their knowledge and skills in providing initial care for hypertension-related complaints using safe, simple, and easily applicable complementary therapies. Organizers hope this will foster more independent hypertension prevention and control efforts at both family and community levels.

Controlling hypertension requires more than just healthy lifestyle choices; it also involves the effective use of evidence-based complementary therapies. The program combined lectures on hypertension and the use of family medicinal plants with hands-on practice of acupressure techniques. Participants were introduced to key acupressure points: Hegu (LI4), located between the thumb and index finger, known for relieving headaches and tension; Neiguan (PC6), found three fingers above the inner wrist crease, which aids relaxation and circulation; and Taichong (LV3), on the top of the foot between the big and second toe, used to reduce tension and support blood pressure management.

However, the training team stressed that acupressure is a complementary therapy. It is intended to support healthy lifestyles and prescribed medical treatments, not replace them. The goal is to enhance comfort and quality of life for individuals managing hypertension.

“

The ultimate authority to determine matters of law, fact and justice shall vest exclusively in the judicial officers of the competent jurisdiction.