原著
Effects of Self-Administered Auricular Massage in Women with Cold Sensitivity:
A Quasi-Experimental Pilot Study
2026 年 76 巻 3 号 p. 257-264
詳細
2026 年 76 巻 3 号 p. 257-264
Background & Aims: Cold sensitivity (hiesho) is predominantly observed in women and is associated with impaired peripheral circulation and reduced quality of life. This study examined the effects of auricular massage as a self-care practice in women with sensitivity to cold.
Methods: The participants were 20 women with cold sensitivity. Auricular massage did not require stimulation of specific auricular points; instead, participants massaged the entire ear. They performed a self-administered auricular massage for approximately 5 minutes while watching an instructional video. Skin and core temperatures, skin blood flow, blood pressure, pulse rate, subjective sensation of warmth, and Profile of Mood States 2 (POMS 2) scores were measured before and after the intervention. The study was approved by the Gunma University Ethics Committee for Medical Research Involving Human Subjects (HS2023-049).
Results: Post-auricular massage, skin temperature significantly increased (p＝.002), and participants reported greater warmth in their hands and ears. Negative mood states assessed using POMS 2 also improved significantly (p＝.012).
Conclusion: Comprehensive auricular stimulation through self-administered massage may improve physiological and psychological stress responses in women with cold sensitivity. This noninvasive, simple, and convenient technique can be performed independently and may serve as a self-care nursing intervention in clinical settings.
