TITLE:
Physical and Psychological Effects of the Shiatsu Stimulation in the Sitting Position
AUTHORS:
Shinpei Oki, Koichi Ouchi, Mayumi Watanabe, Nozomu Mandai
KEYWORDS:
Shiatsu Stimulation, POMS, Blood Pressure, Heart Rate
JOURNAL NAME:
Health,
Vol.9 No.8,
August
30,
2017
ABSTRACT: Purpose: In
this study, we investigated physical and psychological effects of the shiatsu
(finger pressure) stimulation in a sitting position. Subjects and Methods: A crossover test was conducted on 20 subjects (average 34.5 ± 7.6 years
old; male = 10,
female = 10).
First they were randomly divided into two groups: Group A (shiatsu
stimulation/control) and group B (control/shiatsu stimulation). They had
shiatsu stimulation (Namikoshi basic
methods in the sitting position, five minutes). At the same time, POMS (profile
of mood states), SBP (systolic blood pressure, DBP (diastolic blood pressure)
and HR (heart rate) were measured. Results: Physical result—Compared to
the baseline, the shiatsu stimulation showed statistical decreased SBP and HR
while the control (no shiatsu stimulation) did not. Psychological result (POMS)—
Compared to the baseline, the stimulation showed significant change in all six
mood states (Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Fatigue and Confusion
decreased while Vigor elevated). Male showed statistical decrease in
Tension-Anxiety, Depression-Dejection, Anger, Fatigue and Confusion as well as
significant increase in Vigor. Female only
showed decrease in Depression-Dejection and Anger. Discussion and
Conclusion: The shiatsu stimulation in the sitting position could modulate
autonomic nerve system and it could affect human body. Gender differences were
found in physiological effect.