08/09/2026
Do you know your numbers?
This week is Know Your Numbers! Week, run by Blood Pressure UK, raising awareness of the importance of checking and understanding your blood pressure.
High blood pressure often has no obvious symptoms, which is why knowing your numbers is so important.
But what is blood pressure?
Quite simply, it’s the pressure of your blood pushing against the walls of your arteries as your heart pumps blood around your body. It’s normal for this pressure to change throughout the day, but when it stays too high over time, it puts extra strain on your heart and blood vessels and can increase your risk of serious health problems.
Alongside medical advice and recommended lifestyle changes, could reflexology also have a role to play?
Research into reflexology and blood pressure has shown some interesting results.
A 2022 review of 13 studies involving 819 participants found that foot reflexology was associated with reductions in both systolic and diastolic blood pressure, averaging around 4.6 mmHg and 3.3 mmHg respectively.
More recently, a 2025 meta-analysis involving 1,041 cardiovascular patients across 12 studies also found that reflexology significantly reduced both systolic and diastolic blood pressure.
Reflexology is well recognised for promoting relaxation. When we relax, our body moves away from the stress response and towards the ‘rest and digest’ state. This can help slow the heart rate and reduce the activity that contributes to raised blood pressure.
This doesn't mean reflexology should replace medication or medical care, but research suggests it may have a role as a complementary therapy alongside appropriate medical treatment and lifestyle changes.
If you haven't had your blood pressure checked recently, perhaps this week is your reminder to know your numbers!
If you’re looking for reflexology in Maidstone, I’d be happy to support you. Feel free to contact me or book via my website karentaylortherapies.co.uk
References:
Jing et al. (2022). The Effects of Foot Reflexology on Vital Signs: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials. Evidence-Based Complementary and Alternative Medicine.
Çamcı & Bayrak (2025). The effect of reflexology on blood pressure and heart rate in cardiovascular patients: a meta-analysis study. Revista da Associação Médica Brasileira.