Physiological Changes Following Thermomechanical Massage in a Population of Hypertensive Patients and/or Type II Diabetics
Chang Sok So, O.M.D., M.D., Ph.D. Roland Giolli, Ph.D., Taeksoo Chang, Hyung-Jin Bae, Yongsoo Chang, W. Ralph Boone, Ph.D. D.C, R.H.I. Blanks, Ph.D.
Journal of Vertebral Subluxation Research ~ May 3, 2004 ~ Pages 1-9
Abstract
Introduction: This pilot study presents findings regarding the influence of the Migun HY 5000 thermomechanical massage deviceTM on three populations of patients diagnosed respectively with hypertension, type II diabetes, or hypertension and type II diabetes. A previous paper describing thermomechanical massage made a link to chiropractic from the standpoint that thermal and/or mechanical devices have long been used in conjunction with, or as part of, chiropractic care (i.e., Spinalator,
Anatomotor, Spinalign, Chattanooga Ergo Wave, Model CBR Massage Table, AME Quest Intersegmental Traction Table ATT-300). A second rationale for investigating this device is associated with the on-going quest to evolve non-medicinal approaches for overall physiological enhancement.
Purpose: The present pilot study was conducted to achieve an initial impression of the efficacy of the Migun HY 5000 thermomechanical device (bed) on hypertensive and type II
diabetic subjects.
Discussion: Hypertensive subjects exhibited significant decreases in systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures after commencing Migun thermomechanical massage. Type II diabetic subjects exhibited significant decreases in both fasting and 2hrPP blood glucose levels after commencing Migun thermomechanical
massage. Hypertensive/type II diabetic subjects exhibited statistically significant reductions in systolic, diastolic, and pulse pressures after commencing Migun thermomechanical massage. A possible mechanism of action is proposed for the pathways affected by Migun thermomechanical massage relative to the
hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal cortex axis.
Conclusion: The pilot study provides only preliminary, limited empirical data. Consequently, while further study is suggested, the results, though high in consistency and magnitude of clinical effect (effect size) and similarity regarding duration of care prior to subjective reporting of initial improvement must be
interpreted cautiously.
Key words: Hypertension, Systolic BP, diastolic BP, Pulse Pressure, Type II diabetes, blood glucose, chiropractic, thermal massage, mechanical massage, Migun.
