Psychophysiological Efficacy of Thorax Wraps With Ginger or Mustard Flour in Comparison to Wraps With Warm Water in Healthy Subjects - a Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Three-armed Study With Cross-over Design
Psychophysiological Efficacy of Thorax Wraps With Ginger or Mustard Flour in Comparison to Wraps With Warm Water in Healthy Subjects - a Randomized, Placebo-controlled, Three-armed Study With Cross-over Design
In integrative medicine wraps are applied for different indications. In this study the effects of thorax with ginger and mustard flour are investigated under standardized conditions. Heart rate variability, well being, warmth distribution and respiratory activity of healthy subjects will be measured.
The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of different thorax wraps in healthy subjects. Subjects undergo three different interventions (wraps with ginger flour, mustard flour or warm water (placebo)) on three different days. Heart rate variability and respiratory activity is measured for ten minutes before, during (up to 20 minutes) and for ten minutes after each thorax wrap. To investigate the effects on heat development and regulation, photos are taken with a thermographic infrared camera at various moments in time. Participants are asked to fill in questionnaires referring to their subjective perceptions of warmth, bodily warmth distribution and wellbeing. The order of the thorax wrap interventions is randomized.
Inclusion Criteria:
Exclusion Criteria:
Inflectional disease with body temperature > 38 °C. Skin damage on the thorax area Known intolerance or hypersensitivity to mustard or ginger products. Heart failure. Asthma bronchiale. Taking medication with influence on heart rate variability ( mainly tricyclic antidepressants and beta blocker).
Consumption of coffee or nicotine less than three hours before the intervention.
Pregnancy. Deficient knowledge of the German language.