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Hypertension is a chronic health problem whose prevalence continues to increase and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular disease. In addition to pharmacological therapy, non-pharmacological interventions are needed to help control blood pressure safely and sustainably. One complementary therapy that has the potential to lower blood pressure is Slow Stroke Back Massage (SSBM), which works through relaxation mechanisms and modulation of the autonomic nervous system. This study aims to determine the effect of SSBM therapy on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients in the Camar Room of RSKD Dadi, South Sulawesi Province. The study used a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a two-group pretest–posttest design. A sample of 32 respondents was selected using a purposive sampling technique, divided into an intervention group and a control group. Data collection was carried out by measuring systolic and diastolic blood pressure before and after the intervention using a standard sphygmomanometer. The results showed a significant decrease in systolic and diastolic blood pressure in the group receiving SSBM therapy compared to the control group. Thus, SSBM therapy has a significant effect on reducing blood pressure in hypertensive patients and can be recommended as a complementary therapy in nursing care.

Hypertension is a non-communicable disease that can lead to cardiovascular complications and requires both pharmacological and non-pharmacological management. One of the non-pharmacological therapies that can be applied is warm water foot soaking and progressive muscle relaxation, which may help reduce blood pressure through peripheral vasodilation, stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system, and decreased sympathetic nervous system activity. This study aimed to analyze the implementation of nursing care through warm water foot soaking therapy and progressive muscle relaxation to reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension. The method used was a case study with a pre-experimental design using a one group pre-test post-testapproach involving three hypertensive patients, with the intervention administered once daily for three days. The results showed a decrease in blood pressure in all patients. The average systolic reduction was 5.3 mmHg, 12.3 mmHg, and 5.6 mmHg, while the diastolic reduction was 1.6 mmHg, 2.6 mmHg, and 4 mmHg, respectively. In addition, all patients reported a reduction in pain scale. It can be concluded that warm water foot soaking therapy combined with progressive muscle relaxation is effective as a complementary nursing intervention to help reduce blood pressure in patients with hypertension.

Background: Thel postpartum periodl is al recovery phase involving lphysical and psychologicall changes, during which mothersl often experience fatigue due to increased cortisol levels. Excessive fatigue can interfere with the breastfeeding process and reduce motivation for exclusive breastfeeding. Lavender aromatherapyl is al non-pharmacologicall therapy containing linalool with sedative effects to provide relaxation and reduce fatigue levels. lObjective: This studyl aimed tol determine thel effect ofl lavender aromatherapy onl reducing fatigue in postpartuml mothers atl Puskesmas Ibu, West Halmahera Regency. Methods: Thisl study was al Pre-Experimentall study withl a Onel Group lPretest-Posttest lDesign. The studyl population consisted of lall postpartum mothersl at Puskesmas Ibu, with a total sampling technique of 30 respondents. The research instrument used anl observation lsheet, and ldata analysis wasl performed usingl the Paired Sample T-Testl (α = 0.05). Results: The majorityl of lrespondents' characteristics were inl the agel range of 20-35 yearsl (76.7%), had Senior High School education (60%), were unemployed/housewives (70%), and were primiparous (60%). The resultsl of thel Paired Samplel T-Testl showed al mean fatigue score before the intervention of 27.33, which decreased to 11.50 after the intervention (mean difference 15.833) with a lp-value = l0.000. lConclusion: There isl al significant effectl ofl lavender aromatherapyl administration on reducing fatigue lin postpartum lmothers at Puskesmas Ibu, Halbar Regency. Lavender aromatherapy is effective as a complementary therapy to aid postpartum maternal recovery.

Hypertension is a chronic disease with a high prevalence worldwide and is a major risk factor for cardiovascular diseases. The management of hypertension not only relies on pharmacological therapy but also requires non-pharmacological interventions as effective complementary therapy. This study aims to analyze the implementation of health education and acupressure therapy in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients. This descriptive study involved three hypertensive patients from RT 35 Lebung Jaya, Talang Betutu Village, Palembang. The intervention included structured health education and acupressure therapy given over three consecutive days, with a duration of 15-20 minutes per session. The results of this study showed a reduction in systolic blood pressure between 10-20 mmHg and diastolic blood pressure between 2-7 mmHg. Additionally, there was an increase in knowledge and medication adherence among the patients. From these results, it can be concluded that the integration of health education and acupressure therapy can be an effective nursing intervention for hypertension management, particularly in a community setting. The implementation of this method is expected to become an alternative approach in managing hypertension within the community with a more holistic approach.

Breast milk is the optimal source of nutrition for infants, and adequate milk production is essential to support infant growth and development. However, many breastfeeding mothers experience difficulties in milk production, particularly during the early postpartum period. Rolling massage is a non-pharmacological intervention that is believed to stimulate the release of oxytocin and prolactin hormones, thereby enhancing breast milk production. This study aimed to determine the effect of rolling massage on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers at Tidore City Hospital.This research employed a pre-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. A total of 30 breastfeeding mothers were selected as the sample using purposive sampling techniques. Breast milk production was assessed before and after the implementation of rolling massage. The intervention was performed according to standardized procedures. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test to evaluate differences in breast milk production before and after the intervention.The results showed a significant increase in breast milk production after the rolling massage intervention. Statistical analysis using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test revealed a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05), indicating a significant effect of rolling massage on breast milk production in breastfeeding mothers.In conclusion, rolling massage has a significant positive effect on increasing breast milk production among breastfeeding mothers. This intervention can be recommended as a simple, safe, and effective complementary therapy to support successful breastfeeding, particularly in the early postpartum period.

Hyperemesis gravidarum is a common complication in early pregnancy characterized by excessive nausea and vomiting that can negatively affect maternal health and quality of life. Although pharmacological management is widely used, concerns regarding medication safety during pregnancy have increased interest in complementary and non-pharmacological interventions. One such approach is aromatherapy, particularly the use of lavender essential oil, which is known for its calming and antiemetic properties. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in reducing the frequency of hyperemesis gravidarum among pregnant women at RSUD Tikep. This research employed a quantitative quasi-experimental design with a pretest–posttest approach. A total of 30 first-trimester pregnant women experiencing hyperemesis gravidarum were selected using purposive sampling. The intervention involved inhalation of lavender aromatherapy administered for a predetermined duration and frequency. The frequency of nausea and vomiting was measured before and after the intervention using observation sheets and self-reported records. Data were analyzed using SPSS software, including descriptive statistics, normality tests, and paired sample t-tests. The results demonstrated a significant reduction in the mean frequency of hyperemesis gravidarum following the administration of lavender aromatherapy. Statistical analysis revealed a p-value of less than 0.05, indicating a significant difference between pre-intervention and post-intervention measurements. These findings suggest that lavender aromatherapy effectively reduces the frequency of nausea and vomiting in pregnant women. In conclusion, lavender aromatherapy is a safe, low-cost, and effective complementary therapy for managing hyperemesis gravidarum. Its integration into routine antenatal care may enhance maternal comfort and support holistic, patient-centered maternity services, particularly in regional healthcare settings.

This study aims to analyze the application of reality therapy counseling in improving students’ learning motivation influenced by social and family environmental factors. This research uses a qualitative approach with a literature study method supported by interview data as complementary information. Data were collected through the analysis of relevant scientific literature and supported by interviews with parents to describe students’ daily behavior. The results show that low learning motivation is influenced by an unfavorable social environment and lack of family supervision, leading to behaviors that do not support learning activities, such as poor time management and low engagement in academic tasks. The application of reality therapy using the WDEP technique (wants, doing, evaluation, planning) helps students develop self-awareness, evaluate their behavior, and plan more adaptive actions. The findings indicate that reality therapy contributes positively to improving students’ learning motivation through behavioral change and increased personal responsibility. This study concludes that reality therapy can be used as an alternative approach in helping students overcome learning motivation problems.

The incidence of hypertension at the Tadoy Community Health Center reached 29.4%, with 78 cases reported among pregnant women in 2023, half of which were pregnancy-induced hypertension (HDK). Hypertension during pregnancy poses short-term risks to both mother and fetus. In addition to pharmacological treatment, non-pharmacological therapies such as warm water foot soaking and Ambon banana consumption are considered beneficial. This study aimed to examine the effects of these two interventions on reducing blood pressure in pregnant women with hypertension. This research employed a qualitative method with a case study approach involving two pregnant women diagnosed with hypertension. The results showed that warm water foot soaking significantly reduced blood pressure from 150/90 mmHg at the first visit to 130/85 mmHg at the second visit, and further to 120/75 mmHg. Similarly, Ambon banana consumption reduced blood pressure from 150/90 mmHg to 140/90 mmHg, and eventually to 120/80 mmHg. Although both interventions were effective, warm water therapy demonstrated greater effectiveness in lowering blood pressure compared to banana consumption. These findings suggest that simple, non-pharmacological interventions can help manage hypertension in pregnancy. It is recommended that pregnant women apply warm water foot soaking independently to help control blood pressure and reduce pregnancy-related risks.

Canker sores are an inflammation of the oral tissues, generally caused by bacterial and fungal infections. They can cause pain and discomfort and reduce the sufferer's quality of life. Treatment for canker sores has been dominated by synthetic drugs, but they are less popular among the public, especially children, due to discomfort and concerns about side effects. Therefore, we need safer and more easily accepted alternative treatments based on culturally derived materials. This study is to investigate the potential of pineapple and melon stems formulated in the form of gummy candy nanosimplicia as a complementary therapy in the treatment of canker sores. The research method was carried out through a literature review by collecting scientific articles from the PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Google Scholar databases, then analyzed using VOSviewer software to map emerging research trends and potential. The analysis results indicate that there are approximately 600 articles discussing the active metabolite content in pineapple and melon stems that have antibacterial and antifungal activity, as well as the development of innovative preparations such as gummy candy as a delivery medium for bioactive compounds. The implications of this study indicate that the combination of pineapple stem and melon nanosimplisia has the potential to be developed as a safe, attractive, and effective natural herbal candy product for the prevention and treatment of mouth ulcers, especially in children.

Anxiety is a prevalent mental health issue that affects psychological well-being and daily functioning. In Muslim communities, Islamic spiritual practices are commonly used as coping strategies, yet empirical evidence regarding their effectiveness in reducing anxiety has not been systematically consolidated. This study aimed to synthesize scientific evidence on Islamic spiritual interventions for anxiety reduction. A systematic literature review was conducted in accordance with PRISMA guidelines by searching Google Scholar, PubMed, ScienceDirect, and Elsevier. Observational studies published between 2019 and 2026 that examined Islamic spiritual interventions and reported anxiety outcomes were included and analyzed narratively. Ten eligible articles were identified. The review demonstrates that Islamic spiritual interventions, such as dhikr, prayer, Qur’an recitation, and Islamic spiritual counseling, are consistently associated with reductions in anxiety across diverse populations and settings. Although the magnitude of effects varied, the overall findings indicate a beneficial role of Islamic spiritual practices in anxiety management. These results suggest that Islamic spiritual interventions may be integrated as complementary approaches within mental health and public health services for Muslim populations, while further methodologically rigorous studies are required to strengthen the evidence base.

Background: Fatigue is a common complaint experienced by patients with pulmonary tuberculosis during the course of treatment and may negatively affect physical functioning, psychological well-being, and overall quality of life. Inflammatory processes, side effects of anti-tuberculosis medications, and psychological factors are believed to contribute to the development of fatigue. Therefore, non-pharmacological interventions are needed as complementary therapies to help reduce fatigue levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Objective: This study aimed to determine the effect of a combination of aromatherapy and Benson relaxation therapy on fatigue levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. Methods: This study employed a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pre-test and post-test approach. The sample consisted of 18 respondents selected using accidental sampling. Fatigue levels were measured using the Fatigue Assessment Scale (FAS). Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test because the data were not normally distributed. Results: The results showed a reduction in fatigue levels among patients with pulmonary tuberculosis after receiving the combination of aromatherapy and Benson relaxation therapy. Statistical analysis indicated a significant difference in fatigue levels before and after the intervention, with a p-value of 0.000 (p < 0.05). Conclusion:The combination of aromatherapy and Benson relaxation therapy had a significant effect on reducing fatigue levels in patients with pulmonary tuberculosis. This intervention may be recommended as a complementary therapy in nursing care for patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Cupping therapy is a traditional therapeutic method that has long been recognized in Thibbun Nabawi and continues to be used as a complementary therapy in contemporary healthcare. Along with the development of scientific research, cupping therapy has increasingly been examined from a medical perspective, highlighting the need for an integrative review that combines medical evidence and Islamic perspectives. This study aims to examine cupping therapy from both medical and Islamic perspectives based on a literature review. This study employed a qualitative approach using a literature review design. Data were collected from national and international scientific articles published between 2019 and 2025 through indexed databases, including Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar, and Garuda. The review was complemented by Islamic sources such as the Qur’an, Hadith, and scholarly works on Thibbun Nabawi. Data were analyzed using descriptive qualitative analysis by categorizing findings into medical benefits and religious foundations of cupping therapy. The literature review indicates that cupping therapy has potential medical benefits, including pain reduction, blood pressure control, and improvement of metabolic parameters such as blood glucose and cholesterol levels. From an Islamic perspective, cupping therapy is regarded as part of Thibbun Nabawi and is recommended as a form of human effort to maintain health, while ultimate healing is believed to come from Allah SWT. Cupping therapy demonstrates strong relevance from both medical and religious perspectives. Integrating cupping therapy with modern medical principles and Islamic values may provide a holistic health approach that supports promotive, preventive, and curative healthcare services within complementary medicine.

Type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) requires comprehensive management beyond pharmacological therapy, including sustainable lifestyle-based interventions. Yoga asana, as a form of mind–body intervention, integrates physical postures, breathing techniques, and relaxation practices that may influence metabolic and psychosocial pathways relevant to T2DM. This article aimed to synthesize evidence regarding the physiological mechanisms, clinical effectiveness, and healthcare implementation context of yoga asana in T2DM management, as well as to discuss the role of physicians in integrating this complementary therapy, including within health tourism settings. A narrative literature review was conducted using scientific databases, focusing on publications addressing yoga asana, mind–body interventions, T2DM, and clinical integration. The findings indicate that yoga asana is associated with improved glycemic control, including reductions in fasting blood glucose, postprandial glucose, and HbA1c, alongside modulation of stress-related physiological parameters and psychological well-being. Beyond clinical outcomes, yoga asana shows potential for community-based and health tourism contexts as part of chronic disease lifestyle management. Physicians play a central role in clinical assessment, patient education, coordination with complementary therapy providers, and ongoing monitoring to ensure safe, evidence-based integration. Although current evidence suggests consistent beneficial trends, methodological heterogeneity highlights the need for more standardized and mechanistic research.  

Sleep disturbances are a common complaint among perimenopausal women due to hormonal, psychological, and physiological changes, which impact their health and quality of life. Safe and easy-to-apply non-pharmacological approaches, such as lemongrass aromatherapy (Cymbopogon citratus), have the potential to be a supportive alternative in overcoming sleep disturbances during this phase. However, empirical evidence regarding the effect of lemongrass aromatherapy on the sleep quality of perimenopausal women is still limited, especially in the context of primary health care in Indonesia. This study aims to analyze the effect of lemongrass aromatherapy on the sleep quality of perimenopausal women. This study used a quantitative approach with a one-group pretest–posttest pre-experimental design. The sample consisted of 30 perimenopausal women selected using total sampling technique in the working area of Pustu Paring Lahung UPT Tumpung Laung. The intervention in the form of lemongrass aromatherapy through inhalation was carried out regularly before bedtime. Sleep quality was measured before and after the intervention using a standardized questionnaire. Data analysis was performed descriptively and bivariately using Fisher's Exact Test. Descriptively, there was an improvement in sleep quality after the administration of lemongrass aromatherapy, marked by a decrease in the proportion of poor sleep quality and an increase in good sleep quality. However, the statistical test results showed that the relationship between sleep quality before and after treatment was not statistically significant (p = 0.515). Lemongrass aromatherapy showed a tendency toward clinically significant improvement in sleep quality, but this was not statistically significant. Further research with a stronger design and longer intervention duration is needed to confirm the effectiveness of lemongrass aromatherapy on the sleep quality of perimenopausal women.

Male infertility represents a major global health concern, with oxidative stress playing a central role in the deterioration of sperm quality. In recent years, growing attention has been directed toward herbal medicine as a potential alternative or complementary therapy due to its antioxidant and multi-target properties. However, a comprehensive long-term overview of the global research landscape in this field remains limited. A bibliometric and visualized analysis was conducted using publications indexed in the Scopus database from 2005 to 2025. Eligible peer-reviewed articles were retrieved following PRISMA guidelines. Bibliometric indicators were analyzed using Biblioshiny (R-Bibliometrix) to assess publication trends, leading contributors, and thematic evolution, while VOSviewer was employed to visualize international collaboration networks, co-citation patterns, and keyword co-occurrence clusters. A total of 562 articles were included, revealing a strong upward trend in scientific output, particularly after 2016, with an annual growth rate of 15.78% and a peak in 2025. Iran, China, and Nigeria emerged as the most productive countries, while the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and several universities in Africa, the Middle East, and Asia were identified as leading institutions. Keyword analysis highlighted three dominant research fronts: semen quality assessment, testicular histopathology, and oxidative stress–related molecular mechanisms. The collaboration network indicated increasing global and South–South research synergy. The field of herbal medicine for male infertility has evolved into a mature and multidisciplinary research domain, increasingly grounded in mechanistic and experimental evidence. These findings provide a strategic overview of research hotspots and emerging trends, offering valuable guidance for future experimental and clinical investigations.

Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are chronic health conditions that affect not only physical but also psychological well-being, including increased anxiety. Untreated anxiety can reduce quality of life and treatment adherence. Acupressure, as a form of complementary therapy, offers a safe and non-invasive approach to managing anxiety. This narrative review aims to evaluate the effectiveness of acupressure in reducing anxiety among patients with NCDs. Articles were searched using Google Scholar with keywords such as "acupressure", "anxiety", and various chronic diseases. Six studies with experimental and quasi-experimental designs were selected based on inclusion criteria, involving patients with cancer, chronic kidney disease, and osteoarthritis. The findings consistently demonstrated that acupressure reduced anxiety levels, whether performed by a therapist or self-administered, with commonly used points including ST36, LI4, and PC6. This review concludes that acupressure is an effective complementary therapy that can be incorporated into holistic care strategies for anxiety management in patients with NCDs.

Hypertension is a condition where arterial blood pressure is persistently above normal values. Hypertension management does not only rely on pharmacological therapy, but also requires a non-pharmacological approach as a complementary effort. One non-pharmacological intervention that can be used is Benson relaxation therapy and murottal Surah Al-Kahfi. Both therapies are believed to contribute to lowering blood pressure through the mechanism of reducing stress responses, increasing physiological relaxation, and achieving psychological calm. This study aims to test the effectiveness of the combination of Benson relaxation therapy and murottal Surah Al-Kahfi in lowering blood pressure in hypertensive patients. The study design used a quasi-experimental approach with a pretest-posttest approach and a control group. The study population was 40 people who participated in the prolanis program in Kedungdowo Village. Based on inclusion and exclusion criteria, a sample of 36 respondents was taken, divided into two groups: 18 people in the intervention group who received a combination of Benson relaxation therapy and murottal, and 18 people in the control group who were not given any intervention. The Wilcoxon signed-rank test results in the intervention group showed an effect of Benson relaxation therapy and recitation of Surah Al-Kahf in the elderly (p-value 0.004). The control group showed a p-value of 0.102. The Mann-Whitney test results showed a p-value of 0.044, indicating a difference in post-test blood pressure in those with hypertension in the control and intervention groups.

Anxiety is a common psychological response experienced by contraceptive users, particularly among implant acceptors. Feelings of anxiety may arise due to hormonal changes, fear of side effects, and unpleasant experiences during contraceptive insertion. Aromatherapy using lavender essential oil has been shown to produce a calming effect through the activation of the limbic system and regulation of neurotransmitters, making it a potential method for reducing anxiety. This study aimed to determine the effect of lavender essential oil therapy on reducing anxiety among contraceptive implant acceptors at Tiley Health Center. A quasi-experimental design with a pretest-posttest control group approach was employed. A total of 30 respondents were randomly divided into treatment and control groups. The treatment group received inhalation of lavender essential oil for 10 minutes daily over three consecutive days, while the control group received no intervention. Anxiety levels were measured using the Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HARS). The results indicated a significant reduction in anxiety scores in the treatment group before and after the intervention (p < 0.001), while the control group showed no meaningful difference (p > 0.05). These findings demonstrate that lavender essential oil aromatherapy is effective in reducing anxiety among implant contraceptive acceptors. This non-pharmacological therapy can be recommended as an easy, affordable, and safe complementary intervention in midwifery care services.

Sleep disorders are a common complaint among pregnant women, especially in the third trimester, and have the potential to negatively impact maternal well-being and pregnancy outcomes. Physiological, hormonal, and psychological changes during pregnancy increase the risk of decreased sleep quality, while pharmacological therapy options are limited due to safety considerations. Therefore, safe and easy-to-apply non-pharmacological interventions are needed. This study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of lavender aromatherapy in overcoming sleep disorders in third trimester pregnant women at the Bongo Nol Community Health Center. The study used a quasi-experimental design with a one-group pretest–posttest approach. The sample consisted of 30 third trimester pregnant women selected purposively. Sleep quality was measured using the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) before and after the administration of lavender aromatherapy through inhalation for seven consecutive days. Data analysis was performed using the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. The results showed a significant decrease in PSQI scores after the intervention, indicating an improvement in sleep quality among the respondents. Lavender aromatherapy proved to be effective as a non-pharmacological intervention in reducing sleep disturbances in pregnant women in their third trimester. In conclusion, lavender aromatherapy can be considered a safe, simple, and applicable complementary therapy to improve the sleep quality of pregnant women in primary health care.

Lower back pain is one of the most common discomforts experienced by third-trimester pregnant women due to increased uterine size, postural changes, and musculoskeletal strain. Complementary therapies such as effleurage massage offer a non-pharmacological, safe, and easily applicable technique to reduce pregnancy-related pain. This study aimed to examine the effect of effleurage massage on reducing lower back pain among third-trimester pregnant women at TPMB Lina Contesa. This research employed a quasi-experimental one-group pretest–posttest design. The study was conducted from October to November 2025 involving 32 third-trimester pregnant women selected through purposive sampling. Pain intensity was measured before and after the intervention using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS). Effleurage massage was administered for 15–20 minutes on the lower back region following standard midwifery procedures. Data were analyzed using the Wilcoxon test. The findings showed a significant reduction in lower back pain intensity after the intervention (p < 0.001). The proportion of respondents in the moderate-pain category decreased from 65.6% to 21.9%, while those in the mild-pain category increased from 34.4% to 78.1%. The mean VAS score dropped from 5.81 ± 1.12 before intervention to 2.47 ± 1.03 after effleurage massage. Effleurage massage is effective in reducing lower back pain among third-trimester pregnant women and can be recommended as a complementary therapy in midwifery care to improve maternal comfort.