Effects of Massage Therapy on African Americans with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Pilot Study

Aims: African American (AA) subjects with type 2 diabetes mellitus were studied to determine effects of Massage Therapy/Acupressure (MTA) on vital signs (VS): blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), blood flow (BF), skin temperature (TEMP), O2 saturation (O2); well-being (WB); glycosylated hemoglobin (A1c), cortisol, and insulin. Method: Eleven AA ages 45 to 72, (8 female/3 males) were subjects. VS were obtained before and after each of 20, 60-minute MTA sessions. BF was measured with a Pulsed Doppler and decibel meter. Blood collections (n = 9) and Well-Being-22 Questionnaires [(WBQ-22) n = 11] were completed at baseline and following the 20th massage. MTA involved acupressure on spine-T-8/T-9, Urinary Bladder-UB17/UB23/U2, Stomach-ST2, Kidney-K5, Renal-R3; and Effleurage-gliding/stroking, Petrissage-kneading, Tapotement-cupping/hacking/pinching of extremities, and back/torso and Vibration Friction-neck. Hand pressure provided massage to the pancreas. VS were analyzed with General Estimation Equations, and Wilcoxon Sign Tests evaluated WBQ-22/blood work. Results: Pre/Post MTA BF increased with sessions (p = .001). Immediately following a MTA session, BP (systolic) increased while HR and TEMP decreased. Over-time MTA therapy led to significant increases in HR and BF, while TEMP decreased. No significant changes in cortisol, A1c, or insulin were noted. WBQ-22 parameters improved insignificantly; +Energy, +Positive WB, and +Total WB. Anxiety/Depression decrease. 19.5%/13.8%, respectively. Conclusions: Immediate effects of MTA were increased BP (systolic) and lower HR and TEMP. Long-term effects were higher resting HR and increased BF, while TEMP significantly decreased. MTA was feasible, well received and could have potential health benefits. Randomized controlled studies are needed to thoroughly explore this therapy as a useful adjunct to conventional allopathic care.