Effects of the intelligent-turtle massage on the physical symptoms and immune functions

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effects of the intelligent-turtle massage on the physical symptoms and immune functions in patients with chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS). METHODS: 182 cases of CFS were randomly divided into an experimental group of 91 cases treated by the intelligent-turtle massage, and a control group of 91 cases treated with the conventional massage method. After 2 courses of treatment, the therapeutic effects were statistically analyzed with the accumulated score for the improved clinical symptoms; and the changes of IgA, IgM and IgG were compared in 96 cases. RESULTS: There was a significant difference between the two groups in the accumulated scores for improvement of the symptoms (P<0.05). A remarkable difference was found in the therapeutic effect. And there was a significant difference in the IgA, IgM and IgG levels between the two groups (P<0.05). CONCLUSION: The intelligent-turtle massage is an effective therapy for relieving the physical symptoms of CFS, and it may show certain effects on the immune functions.

J Tradit Chin Med. 2009 Mar;29(1):24-8 Wang JH, Chai TQ, Lin GH, Luo L. The First Hospital Affiliated to Guangzhou TCM University, Guangzhou 510405, China.