ABSTRACT
<b>Background:</b> In one series of studies, we observed the effects of acupuncture treatment (AT) on the autonomic nerve system (ANS). We experimented from various view-points. At last, we discovered a specific pattern for modifying ANS status, which showed that functions of the parasympathetic nerve increased while those of the sympathetic nerve decreased. To further study systematic modification of ANS balance, we focused on the lower body (feet). Moreover, two kinds of stimuli, tapping and vibration, were applied while measuring the value of finger floor distance (FFD) and heart rate (HR). Finally, the effects on ANS were discussed.<BR><b>Methods:</b> Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study, and they were divided into two groups; the tapping group and the vibration group. The former received 50 taps on the feet, and the latter received vibrations for two minutes. In order to indicate ANS status the effects of these stimuli were evaluated by FFD values and a kinetic record of changes in HR.<BR><b>Results:</b> Both groups showed improvement in FFD values, which was the same as the results for AT via modification of ANS. However, changes in HR showed a different pattern from AT; in this study sympathetic nerve) dominantly showed an increase without a decrease in parasympathetic nerve.<BR><b>Discussion and Conclusions:</b> The reasons for differences in ANS modification may be found in the role, especially in an emergency, of the lower body. The lower body is heavy in skeletal muscles, which needs energy and blood to react during acute stress. The ANS, which controls blood distribution, may shift and concentrate system blood from the smooth muscles of the stomach (controlled by parasympathetic nerve) to the skeletal muscles of the legs and feet (controlled by sympathetic nerve). Thus, this study indicated that local stimuli of the foot induced systematic ANS modification.
ABSTRACT
Background: In one series of studies, we observed the effects of acupuncture treatment (AT) on the autonomic nerve system (ANS). We experimented from various view-points. At last, we discovered a specific pattern for modifying ANS status, which showed that functions of the parasympathetic nerve increased while those of the sympathetic nerve decreased. To further study systematic modification of ANS balance, we focused on the lower body (feet). Moreover, two kinds of stimuli, tapping and vibration, were applied while measuring the value of finger floor distance (FFD) and heart rate (HR). Finally, the effects on ANS were discussed. Methods: Twenty healthy subjects participated in this study, and they were divided into two groups; the tapping group and the vibration group. The former received 50 taps on the feet, and the latter received vibrations for two minutes. In order to indicate ANS status the effects of these stimuli were evaluated by FFD values and a kinetic record of changes in HR. Results: Both groups showed improvement in FFD values, which was the same as the results for AT via modification of ANS. However, changes in HR showed a different pattern from AT; in this study sympathetic nerve) dominantly showed an increase without a decrease in parasympathetic nerve. Discussion and Conclusions: The reasons for differences in ANS modification may be found in the role, especially in an emergency, of the lower body. The lower body is heavy in skeletal muscles, which needs energy and blood to react during acute stress. The ANS, which controls blood distribution, may shift and concentrate system blood from the smooth muscles of the stomach (controlled by parasympathetic nerve) to the skeletal muscles of the legs and feet (controlled by sympathetic nerve). Thus, this study indicated that local stimuli of the foot induced systematic ANS modification.
ABSTRACT
<b>Objective:</b> We investigated the effects and the mechanism of the acupuncture.<BR><b>Methods:</b> Nishijo/Mori and colleagues studied the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) with the instantaneous heart rate (IHR) as indicator. With the ANS blockers we also revealed the response of ANS when we insert needles to human body. For example, in our study of 1991, we conducted an experimental study on humans and elucidated that the physical stimulation promoted the resilience and the homeostasis of our body. Our recent study (2013) showed the physical stimulation (not acupuncture) on the lower thighs (mainly the bottom of the feet) also enhanced the above mentioned effects.<BR><b>Results and Discussion:</b> <BR>1. The subjects sat on the chairs and they were given the acupuncture stimulation on their wrists (the skin and subcutaneous tissues) at the expiration. The stimulation for the duration of 15 consecutive breaths increased the function of the parasympathetic nerve (PN). At the same time that of the sympathetic nerve (SN) also enhanced. In short, firstly that of PN enhanced and secondly that of SN followed. Thus, it was observed that the physical stimulations promoted the resilience and the homeostasis of our body and we may regard that this is the first mechanisms.<BR>2. In our recent study (2013) the subjects sat on the chairs and there were given the stimulation (50 times of fist-strikes) on the sole of the feet. Immediately after the stimulation the result of Floor Finger Distance test （FFD) was improved. At the same time IHR, the indicator of the function of ANS, showed that those of SN (adrenaline β stimulus) and PN were simultaneously increased as soon as the stimulation started. The same result was obtained from the study of the body vibration (the SOUND healing). This process of 2013 was different from that of 1991, however, both of them provided the effect; the promotion of the resilience and the homeostasis of our body. Therefore, we could regard it as the second mechanism of the physical stimulations which promotes the resilience and the homeostasis of our body.<BR><b>Conclusion:</b> In this way, there are two mechanisms of the physical stimulation in promoting the resilience and the homeostasis of our body.
ABSTRACT
Objective: We investigated the effects and the mechanism of the acupuncture. Methods: Nishijo/Mori and colleagues studied the function of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) with the instantaneous heart rate (IHR) as indicator. With the ANS blockers we also revealed the response of ANS when we insert needles to human body. For example, in our study of 1991, we conducted an experimental study on humans and elucidated that the physical stimulation promoted the resilience and the homeostasis of our body. Our recent study (2013) showed the physical stimulation (not acupuncture) on the lower thighs (mainly the bottom of the feet) also enhanced the above mentioned effects. Results and Discussion: 1. The subjects sat on the chairs and they were given the acupuncture stimulation on their wrists (the skin and subcutaneous tissues) at the expiration. The stimulation for the duration of 15 consecutive breaths increased the function of the parasympathetic nerve (PN). At the same time that of the sympathetic nerve (SN) also enhanced. In short, firstly that of PN enhanced and secondly that of SN followed. Thus, it was observed that the physical stimulations promoted the resilience and the homeostasis of our body and we may regard that this is the first mechanisms. 2. In our recent study (2013) the subjects sat on the chairs and there were given the stimulation (50 times of fist-strikes) on the sole of the feet. Immediately after the stimulation the result of Floor Finger Distance test （FFD) was improved. At the same time IHR, the indicator of the function of ANS, showed that those of SN (adrenaline β stimulus) and PN were simultaneously increased as soon as the stimulation started. The same result was obtained from the study of the body vibration (the SOUND healing). This process of 2013 was different from that of 1991, however, both of them provided the effect; the promotion of the resilience and the homeostasis of our body. Therefore, we could regard it as the second mechanism of the physical stimulations which promotes the resilience and the homeostasis of our body. Conclusion: In this way, there are two mechanisms of the physical stimulation in promoting the resilience and the homeostasis of our body.
ABSTRACT
<b>Purpose</b><br> In a series of our recent studies, systematic mild hyperthermia treatments, such as sauna, hot spring and a special bath for medical treatment, were found to activate leucocytes and to enhance immunity. Although they are known to be effective for health promotion, it is not easy for general people to regularly take these conventional hyperthermia. It would be advantageous for elderly persons, sick people and pregnant women as well as pressed business persons if it is able to minimize stress which might be induced by the conventional hyperthermia, such as high temperature heat, water pressure and humidity. To pursue a further study of the effect of hyperthermia itself, in this research, we utilized nano-mist sauna (NMS), a new hyperthermia treatment. NMS, a new type sauna, is characterized by the ability to produce ultra small fog-shaped hot water called nano-mist, which hardly condenses dew. And we studied the effect of NMS on body temperature, leukocytes, autonomic nerve function and energy production.<br><b>Method</b><br> We obtained peripheral blood from six healthy male volunteers (age, 46.5±8.5 years) before and after NMS hyperthermia (20min, 40°C, 100%RH) for lactate and blood glucose measurement and flowcytometric analysis. Body temperature (hypoglossal) and pulse rates were also measured. The statistical analysis difference between the values was determined by paired <i>t</i>-test and Kruskal-Wallis test.<br><b>Result</b><br> After NMS hyperthermia body temperature and the level of PO<sub>2</sub> rose (36.8→37.2°C), (52→61mmHg) (p<0.05). On the other hand, the level of lactate showed decrease in all subjects. The ratio and the numbers of NK cells decreased (21.8→17.7%, 498→436/μL) (p<0.05) while those of B cells increased (9.5→12.1%, 261→349/μL) (p<0.05).<br><b>Discussion</b><br> Several investigators report that the conventional hyperthermia enhances the primordial immune system (i.e. extrathymic T cells, NK cells, NKT cells and granulocytes) via dominance of sympathetic nerve system function (SNS) . Conversely, in our study, those of the conventional immune system (i.e. T and B cells) was enhanced, suggesting suppression of SNS function. It is reported that the expression level of HLA-DR on the B cells was elevated during hyperthermia (body temperature rose). SNS function (hypothermia) is stimulated by stress and it is suppressed by relaxing (hyperthermia) in the opposite. And it is considered that NMS hyperthermia suppressed SNS and that it was also consistent with our result of lactate decrease. It is possible to consider that NMS hyperthermia may impact on autonomic nerve activating leucocytes. Therefore NMS may be a kind of effective health promotion for valetudinarian (ie an infant, a female) and both a caregiver and a caretaker.
ABSTRACT
Purpose In a series of our recent studies, systematic mild hyperthermia treatments, such as sauna, hot spring and a special bath for medical treatment, were found to activate leucocytes and to enhance immunity. Although they are known to be effective for health promotion, it is not easy for general people to regularly take these conventional hyperthermia. It would be advantageous for elderly persons, sick people and pregnant women as well as pressed business persons if it is able to minimize stress which might be induced by the conventional hyperthermia, such as high temperature heat, water pressure and humidity. To pursue a further study of the effect of hyperthermia itself, in this research, we utilized nano-mist sauna (NMS), a new hyperthermia treatment. NMS, a new type sauna, is characterized by the ability to produce ultra small fog-shaped hot water called nano-mist, which hardly condenses dew. And we studied the effect of NMS on body temperature, leukocytes, autonomic nerve function and energy production. Method We obtained peripheral blood from six healthy male volunteers (age, 46.5±8.5 years) before and after NMS hyperthermia (20min, 40°C, 100%RH) for lactate and blood glucose measurement and flowcytometric analysis. Body temperature (hypoglossal) and pulse rates were also measured. The statistical analysis difference between the values was determined by paired t-test and Kruskal-Wallis test. Result After NMS hyperthermia body temperature and the level of PO2 rose (36.8→37.2°C), (52→61mmHg) (p<0.05). On the other hand, the level of lactate showed decrease in all subjects. The ratio and the numbers of NK cells decreased (21.8→17.7%, 498→436/μL) (p<0.05) while those of B cells increased (9.5→12.1%, 261→349/μL) (p<0.05). Discussion Several investigators report that the conventional hyperthermia enhances the primordial immune system (i.e. extrathymic T cells, NK cells, NKT cells and granulocytes) via dominance of sympathetic nerve system function (SNS) . Conversely, in our study, those of the conventional immune system (i.e. T and B cells) was enhanced, suggesting suppression of SNS function. It is reported that the expression level of HLA-DR on the B cells was elevated during hyperthermia (body temperature rose). SNS function (hypothermia) is stimulated by stress and it is suppressed by relaxing (hyperthermia) in the opposite. And it is considered that NMS hyperthermia suppressed SNS and that it was also consistent with our result of lactate decrease. It is possible to consider that NMS hyperthermia may impact on autonomic nerve activating leucocytes. Therefore NMS may be a kind of effective health promotion for valetudinarian (ie an infant, a female) and both a caregiver and a caretaker.