Category Archives: Thai Massage Scientific Research

Press Release, Related Scientific Research, Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Yoga Practice Theory

Press Release! Marma Chikitsa, Yoga Therapy Text Book

Faculty of the American College of Natural Medicine releases new Medical Textbook!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Marma Chikitsa Book by Dr. Anthony B. James and Dr. Benoit Tano, Faculty American College of Natural Medicine School of Ayurveda Medicine

Groundbreaking Book Unveils Ancient Ayurvedic Secrets: “Marma Chikitsa” Offers Revolutionary Energy Healing for Modern Wellness Seekers

New Release Empowers Ayurveda, Yoga, and Yoga Therapy Practitioners with Proven Techniques for Pain Relief, Disease Reversal, and Vitality Restoration

Brooksville, FL – July 17, 2025 – Meta Journal Press is thrilled to announce the publication of “Marma Chikitsa: The Hidden Science of Ayurvedic Energy Healing for Pain Relief, Disease Reversal, and Vitality Restoration Across Asia”, a transformative guide authored by renowned experts Dr. Anthony B. James and Dr. Benoit Tano. Released on Amazon on July 14, 2025, this essential resource is now available in print, Kindle, and audiobook formats, bridging ancient Asian healing traditions with contemporary health challenges.

In an era where holistic wellness and integrative medicine are at the forefront of global health trends, “Marma Chikitsa” demystifies the profound science of Marma points-vital energy centers in Ayurveda akin to acupuncture meridians. Drawing from centuries-old practices across India, Thailand, and other Asian cultures, the book provides practical, evidence-based strategies for alleviating chronic pain, reversing disease processes, and restoring vibrant energy.

Ideal for Ayurveda enthusiasts, Somaveda® Thai Yoga, yoga instructors, yoga therapists, and health professionals, this educational masterpiece equips readers with step-by-step protocols, case studies, and integrative approaches to enhance physical, mental, and spiritual well-being.

“Marma Chikitsa represents a hidden gem in Ayurvedic medicine that has the power to transform lives, said Dr. Anthony B. James, a pioneer in indigenous traditional medicine with over four decades of experience. “By blending ancient wisdom with modern science, we’ve created a comprehensive toolkit for anyone seeking natural healing solutions in today’s fast­ paced world.

Co-author Dr. Benoit Tano, an integrative medicine specialist and allergist/immunologist, adds, This book not only honors the rich heritage of Asian energy healing but also validates its efficacy through clinical insights and real-world applications. It’s a must-read for those in the Ayurveda, yoga, and yoga therapy communities looking to deepen their practice and achieve lasting vitality.

Key highlights of “Marma Chikitsa” include:

  • In-depth exploration of 107 primary Marma points and their therapeutic
  • Protocols for addressing common ailments like arthritis, digestive disorders, stress, and
  • Integration with yoga asanas, pranayama, and meditation for enhanced yoga therapy
  • Cross-cultural perspectives from Ayurvedic, Thai, and Chinese
  • Accessible illustrations, charts, and audio-guided sessions for practical
  • References to Traditional Thai Ayurveda and Thai Traditional Yoga Therapy.

As the wellness industry continues to evolve in 2025, with a growing emphasis on sustainable, non-invasive therapies, “Marma Chikitsa” positions itself as a cornerstone text for educational programs in Ayurveda and yoga. Whether for personal growth or professional development, this book aligns with the rising demand for authentic, culturally rooted health education on platforms like Amazon.

The book is available for purchase on Amazon at https://amzn.to/3GSA3Rl For media inquiries, review copies, or author interviews, please contact Meta Journal Press at dean.college@naic-edu.org

About the Authors

Ajahn, Dr. Anthony B. James, Dean American College of Natural Medicine, Thai Yoga Center and Author

Dr. Anthony B. James is a distinguished educator and practitioner in Ayurveda, SomaVeda Integrated Traditional Therapies® Thai Yoga, and indigenous medicine, founder of the American College of Natural Medicine, and author of numerous books on holistic healing.

Dr. Benoit Tano, Author Faculty Advisor American College of Natural Medicine, School of Sacred Integrated Immunity and Thai Yoga Center,

Dr. Benoit Tano is a board-certified allergist/immunologist and integrative medicine expert, blending Eastern and Western approaches to treat complex health conditions.

About Meta Journal Press

Meta Journal Press is dedicated to publishing innovative works in holistic health, spirituality, and personal development, empowering readers to embrace natural wellness paths.

About Meta Journal Press:
Based in Brooksville, Florida, Meta Journal Press is dedicated to publishing innovative works that advance knowledge and promote interdisciplinary dialogue in science, medicine, and technology.

Media Contact:
Meta Journal Press
Brooksville, FL, USA
Email: dean.college@naic-edu.org

For review copies, author interviews, or further information, please contact Meta Journal Press.

Press Release, Related Scientific Research

Press Release! Decoding Ai Bias In Medicine

Faculty of the American College of Natural Medicine releases new Medical Textbook!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Decoding AI Bias in Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Ignores Traditional, Indigenous, and Holistic Healing by Dr. Anthony B. James & Dr. Benoit Tano
Meta Journal Press Announces Groundbreaking New Book:

“Decoding AI Bias in Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Ignores Traditional, Indigenous, and Holistic Healing”

Brooksville, FL, July 4, 2025 — Meta Journal Press proudly announces the release of Decoding AI Bias in Medicine: How Artificial Intelligence Ignores Traditional, Indigenous, and Holistic Healing, a pioneering work by Dr. Anthony B. James and Dr. Benoit Tano. The book is now available worldwide in print and Kindle ebook formats on Amazon.

Decoding AI Bias in Medicine confronts one of the most urgent challenges in modern healthcare: the hidden biases embedded in artificial intelligence (AI) systems used for clinical decision-making. As AI becomes increasingly central to diagnostics, treatment planning, and healthcare policy, this book reveals how current models often overlook or marginalize traditional, indigenous, and holistic healing practices, perpetuating disparities and limiting equitable care.

Drawing on extensive research and clinical experience, Dr. James and Dr. Tano provide a comprehensive analysis of how AI bias originates, from data collection and model development to real-world deployment—and its profound implications for diverse patient populations. The authors critically examine why AI systems frequently fail to capture the cultural, historical, and social contexts of non-Western healing traditions, and how this oversight can exacerbate health inequities[1][2][3].

Key topics include:

  • The lifecycle of AI bias in medicine and its clinical consequences[1][2].
  • Case studies illustrating the exclusion of traditional and indigenous knowledge from AI-driven healthcare.
  • Strategies for integrating holistic healing perspectives into future AI models.
  • Recommendations for clinicians, policymakers, and technologists to ensure AI supports truly inclusive and equitable care[4][3].

This essential volume is a call to action for the medical and AI communities to recognize and address the limitations of current technologies. It advocates for a future where artificial intelligence enhances—not hinders—access to the full spectrum of healing traditions.

Decoding AI Bias in Medicine is available for purchase at Amazon in both print and Kindle ebook editions.

Purchase Link: https://amzn.to/4l7lbgZ

About the Authors:
Dr. Anthony B. James is an internationally recognized expert in integrative medicine and traditional healing systems. Dr. Benoit Tano is a leading physician and researcher specializing in clinical immunology and the intersection of technology and health equity.

About Meta Journal Press:
Based in Brooksville, Florida, Meta Journal Press is dedicated to publishing innovative works that advance knowledge and promote interdisciplinary dialogue in science, medicine, and technology.

Media Contact:
Meta Journal Press
Brooksville, FL, USA
Email: dean.college@naic-edu.org

For review copies, author interviews, or further information, please contact Meta Journal Press.

https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11542778/

  1. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9931338/
  2. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11031231/

https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/39218488/

General Practice, Press Release, Sacred Natural Medicine and Infectious Disease, SomaVeda® Home Study, Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Yoga and Infection, Thai Yoga Solutions

Flu Season is Here! Natural Solutions for Infections for Thai Yoga and Ayurveda Practitioners​

LearnThaiYoga On-Line

Article updated March 1, 2025

“Natural Solutions for Infections for Thai Yoga and Ayurveda Practitioners“

Infections and Infectious diseases, from simple topical to chronic catastrophic, are always a concern.

As a SomaVeda® Thai Yoga, Ayurveda, and or other Natural Medicine provider, you need to have concrete and reliable strategies to deal effectively with infection. This is no joke. Many medical office visits begin and end with a minor infection not adequately treated that escalates. Once inside that medical facility, emergency room, etc., you are now exposed to potentially even more severe types of hospital-born infection such as MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus ), Legionella (Legionella pneumophila ), etc. If you could handle these infections at home or for your patients and clients, you would save them time and money, but potentially save them from risk of death from other unnecessary contagious exposure. What if there were concrete steps that if you were exposed to some harmful pathogen that you could do at home that could improve the efficacy of conventional treatments by 30%, if not more?

Flu Season is here!

We are heading into Cold and Flu season. Now is the time to prepare for how this exposure will affect you, your clients, and your family!

This course now offers a certificate of completion suitable for framing!

Why do we need natural solutions for infections? Real-life examples and the rise of antibiotic-resistant viral and bacterial infections. This course will present a broad overview of the infectious disease issue from the perspective of a natural health practitioner. We will examine both specific concerns and their solution strategies. These strategies, once understood, can be implemented both in personal life and in counseling with affected clients in the wellness counseling model.

Learn how to fight and remedy many infections and infectious diseases naturally.

This course contains eleven (11) lessons with a short quiz after each lesson. Once all lessons are completed and the quizzes passed, an NAIC CE hr. Certificate of Completion will be issued and immediately downloadable.

All course work and necessary materials are presented on the LearnThaiYoga.Teachable.Com platform. There are eleven lessons and a test for each lesson content.

Intro: Every Practitioner Needs Infection Strategies

Lesson #1: An Experience with MRSA

Lesson #2: Antibiotic Resistance According to the CDC

Lesson #3: Considerations in the use of antibiotics

Lesson #4: Possible connections between Infection/ Antibiotic use and Depression

Lesson #5: Candida/ Yeast infections may contribute to Cancer!

Lesson #6: Acidosis may contribute to Infections, including MRSA!

Lesson #7: GMOs and antibiotic resistance

Lesson #8: 10 Steps to Avoid Infections

Lesson #9: Alternative, complementary and natural approaches to conventional antibiotics

Lesson #10: Ayurveda Solutions for Infection

Lesson #11: Natural Solutions for Infections found in Homeopathy

Be sure to join the “Learn How To Jump Start Your Practice and Improve Your IncomeLearn How To Jump Start Your Practice and Improve Your Income” 34 course: All Inclusive course program to gain access to the many courses in it currently! For a limited time only $12.00 per month to gain access to this amazing program, courses, video’s and lessons.

If your not a subscriber yet then today is a good day! Be sure to join the “Learn How To Jump Start Your Practice and Improve Your IncomeLearn How To Jump Start Your Practice and Improve Your Income”

Currently Available in the Jump Start Your Practice All Inclusive Subscription Course (New Content! Thursday, January 30th. 2025, this All Inclusive course program includes:

  1. Forty (44) different professional courses.
  2. 789 Lectures-lessons
  3. 483 Educational and Demo videos
  4. 94 Audio Lectures and or MP3 files
  5. 182 Free Textbooks, PDFs, Free Reports, plus Handouts!
  6. Over 895 hours of professional Thai Yoga Therapy and Related Educational Content!
  7. 2 Free NCBTMB/ FSMBT CE Courses suitable to Massage Therapist National Certification Board License Renewal renewal requirements!
  • NEW!! It also includes new COVID-19, novel infections, vaccine information, strategies and protocols for dealing with the current pandemic, vaccine info, and related information! (Updated March 21, 2024: Added 1 New Lesson and One New Free PDF eBook on treating Post Vax and Long Covid with SomaVeda® and Functional Medicine!)

I’m proud to be your partner in building and developing your practice!

Thai Yoga Massage Ajahn, Dr Anthony B James

 

Be well, Dr. James

Recovering Health Post SARS-CoV-2 Infection, Varient and or Vax & Booster book by Ajahn, Dr. Anthony B. James

LearnThaiYoga On-Line at Teachable.com (https://learnthaiyoga.teachable.com/)Prof. Anthony James DNM(C), ND(T), MD(AM), DOM, DPHC(h.c.), PhD(IM), PhD(h.c.HM), RAAP, SMOKH
Dean, Professor, Director of Education and Traditional MedicineChairman:
Native American Indigenous Church, INC (NAIC)
American College of Natural Medicine
The Thai Yoga Center 

Natural Wellness Solutions (NWS) Wellness Center in Brooksville, FL USA

NAIC Legal Shield for Holistic Services Practitioners

NAIC Inc. is an IRS 508c(1)(A) FBO/ Church/ Tribal Organization

Mailing Address: 8491 Central Ave. Brooksville, FL 34613 USA
Tel: (706) 358-8646 (Cell)

Syndicated Feeds, Thai Massage for Psychological Stress, Thai Massage Scientific Research, Thai Traditional Medicine

Immediate Effects of Traditional Thai Massage on Psychological Stress as Indicated by Salivary Alpha-Amylase Levels in Healthy Persons.

NIH National Library of MedicineNIH: NLM PubMed®

Syndicated from PubMed.org

Med Sci Monit Basic Res. 2015 Oct 5;21:216-21. doi: 10.12659/MSMBR.894343.

Immediate Effects of Traditional Thai Massage on Psychological Stress as Indicated by Salivary Alpha-Amylase Levels in Healthy Persons.

Sripongngam T1, Eungpinichpong W2, Sirivongs D3, Kanpittaya J4, Tangvoraphonkchai K5, Chanaboon S6.

Author information

Abstract

BACKGROUND Stress can cause psychological and physiological changes. Many studies revealed that massage can decrease stress. However, traditional Thai massage has not been well researched in this regard. The purpose of this study was to investigate the immediate effects of traditional Thai massage (TTM) on salivary alpha-amylase levels (sAA), heart rate variability (HRV), autonomic nervous system (ANS) function, and plasma renin activity (PRA). MATERIAL AND METHODS Twenty-nine healthy participants were randomly allocated into either a traditional Thai massage (TTM) group or Control (C) group, after which they were switched to the other group with a 2-week wash-out period. Each of them was given a 10-minute mental arithmetic test to induce psychological stress before a 1-hour session of TTM or rest. RESULTS Within-groups comparison revealed that sAA was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in the TTM group but not in the C group. HRV and ANS function were significantly increased (p<0.05) and PRA was significantly decreased (p<0.05) in both groups. However, low frequency per high frequency ratio (LF/HF ratio) and ANS balance status were not changed. Only sAA was found to be significantly different between groups (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS We conclude that both TTM and rest can reduce psychological stress, as indicated by decreased sAA levels, increased parasympathetic activity, decreased sympathetic activity, and decreased PRA. However, TTM may have a modest effect on stress reduction as indicated by a reduced sAA.

PMID:
26436433 [PubMed – in process] PMCID: PMC4599180 Free PMC Article

[PubMed]

PMID:
25682523 [PubMed – in process]
PubMed® is the premiere database for scientific and medical research, and is a service of the US National Library of Medicine and National Institutes of Health. As NIH: NLM Licensed providers, we syndicate publicly available abstracts from PubMed that are relevant to our readers. For full text, subscription to PubMed® is required.
Chronic Pain, Thai Herbs Cancer, Thai Massage Scientific Research, Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Yoga for Cancer Palliation, Thai Yoga Solutions

Thai Yoga Therapy Role in Cancer Palliative Care Part 3

Thai Yoga Therapy Role in Cancer Palliation

By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), PhD, DOM, RAC, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).

General Benefits of Integrative Indigenous and Traditional Therapies Treatment adjuncts:

(Clinically researched i.e. validated in clinical trials and traditional anecdotal and benefits)

Continue reading Thai Yoga Therapy Role in Cancer Palliative Care Part 3 →

Chronic Pain, Thai Herbs Cancer, Thai Massage Scientific Research, Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Yoga for Cancer Palliation, Thai Yoga Solutions

Thai Yoga Therapy Role in Cancer Palliative Care Part 2

Thai Yoga Therapy Role in Cancer Palliation

By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), DOM, RAAP, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).

Traditional/ Classical Thai Yoga/ Thai Massage contains the following areas of emphasis and therapeutic modalities:

1) Sophisticated and refined Manual/ Physio/ Body-centric Hands-on interventions:

Thai Yoga Therapy incorporates elements of energetic (unseen energy: magnetic, electric, sonic etc.) and prana assessment, mindfulness, gentle rocking, asana (positional/ postural), structural release, deep stretching, focused deep breathing or prana yama, chakra balancing (Pyscho-emotional, Somatic and proprioceptive emphasis), Prana Nadi or Sen line balancing (Lines of stress, trans-subcutaneous muscle channels, fascia and connective tissue planes and or lymphatic pathways) and rhythmic compression with either broad, deep, non specific tools such as palm, foot, elbow and knee to emphasize with either specific point ( area of high neurologic potential) or broad trans- subcutaneous muscular or fascial plane to create a singular healing experience.

Continue reading Thai Yoga Therapy Role in Cancer Palliative Care Part 2 →

Chronic Pain, Thai Herbs Cancer, Thai Herbs Scientific Research, Thai Massage Scientific Research, Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Yoga for Cancer Palliation, Thai Yoga Solutions

Thai Yoga Therapy for Cancer

Thai Yoga Therapy Role in Cancer Palliation

By Anthony B. James DNM(P), ND(T), MD(AM), DPHC(h.c.), PhD, DOM, RAC, SMOKH Academic Dean SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine and Thai Yoga Center (SCNM).

Title: Indigenous, Traditional Medicinal Therapies as Cancer Complication Remediation and Palliative Support for Cachexia.

What is Cachexia?

‘Cachexia; from Greek κακός kakos “bad” and ἕξις hexis “condition”)[1] or wasting syndrome is loss of weight, muscle atrophy, fatigue, weakness, and significant loss of appetite in someone who is not actively trying to lose weight. Cachexia is also known or seen in patients with cancer, AIDS,[2] chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, multiple sclerosis, congestive heart failure, tuberculosis, familial amyloid polyneuropathy, malaria, mercury poisoning (acrodynia) and hormonal deficiency. It is a positive risk factor for death, meaning if the patient has cachexia, the chance of death from the underlying condition is increased dramatically. About 50% of all cancer patients suffer from cachexia.

Mechanism

The exact mechanism in which these diseases cause cachexia is poorly understood and may vary from one individual to another, but there is probably a role for inflammatory cytokines, such as tumor necrosis factor-alpha (which is also nicknamed ‘cachexin’ or ‘cachectin’), interferon gamma and interleukin 6, as well as the tumor-secreted proteolysis-inducing factor. Side effects of chemotherapy drug regimen and or radiation therapy may be causes. Categories of physical/ biological adverse and or side effects of conventional Cancer therapies: include Edema, Inflammation, Neuropathies and Neuralgias, Immune suppression. Severe, possibly long term chronic malnutrition may be a factor.

Management:

1) Can Indigenous and traditional, native medicine practices and or evolving therapies derived from Indigenous culture traditions make a positive contribution towards Cancer complication remediation and palliative care?

Continue reading Thai Yoga Therapy for Cancer →

Press Release, Thai Massage Scientific Research

Thai Yoga at World Congress Natural Medicines

Thai Yoga at World Congress on Natural Medicines

Press Release:

Thai Yoga at World Congress Natural Medicines

On January 29, 30, 31st, 2016 Students and Faculty of the SomaVeda College of Natural Medicine  and the Thai Yoga Center of Brooksville Florida participated in the Third Annual World Congress on Natural Medicine and Tampa Physician’s Round Table at the Tampa Convention Center in downtown Tampa.

Thai Yoga at World Congress Natural Medicines was co-sponsored by the Sacred Medical Order of the Church of Hope (SMOCH), an international ecumenical monastic medical order and the Tampa Physicians Round Table.

Saturday the 30th. Dr. Anthony B. James, Director of Education and founder of SCNM: Thai Yoga Center gave a presentation on integration for Traditional Thai Massage, Thai Yoga, Thai Yoga Therapy,  Classical Ayurveda as a practical palliative therapy in Cancer treatment to the more than one hundred physicians from over 20 countries in attendance.

Dr. Anthony B. James with Dr. Tulio Simoncini and Staff Daniel Kram
Dr. Anthony B. James with Dr. Tulio Simoncini and Staff Daniel Kram

The title of the Monograph and Power point presented was “Indigenous, Traditional Medicinal Therapies as Cancer Complication Remediation and Palliative Support for Cachexia”.

The focus of Thai Yoga at The World Congress Natural Medicines was whether Indigenous and traditional, native medicine practices (Thai Yoga Therapy/ Ayurveda) and or evolving therapies derived from indigenous culture traditions make a positive contribution towards Cancer complication remediation and palliative care.  Dr. James cited international standards which Traditional Thai Massage and Thai Yoga Therapy clearly meet in respect to the practice guidelines on palliative therapies, procedures and positive outcomes. The scientific research support the clinical efficacy of Traditional Thai Massage (TTM) and Traditional Thai Physical Therapy (TTPT) also known as “Thai Yoga Therapy” in treating Cancer, Cancer symptoms, Cancer Palliation therapies for Cachexia and Pain are substantial. Over 40 published scientific clinical trials, research projects as well as anecdotal and traditional indications were cited in support.

Participants from over 20 countries presented on various topics relating to Cancer, Palliative Care, evolving strategies for prevention and treatment as well as the role of spirit and counseling in healing.

List of presenters

Bio’s and Lumenaries

Exibitors

For resources on how to learn SomaVeda® Thai Yoga visit ThaiYogaCenter.Com

 

Syndicated Feeds, Thai Massage & Soft Tissue, Thai Massage for Osteoarthritis, Thai Massage Scientific Research, Thai Traditional Medicine

The Effectiveness of Thai Exercise with Traditional Massage on the Pain, Walking Ability and QOL of Older People with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial in the Community

NIH National Library of MedicineNIH: NLM PubMed®

Syndicated from PubMed.org

J Phys Ther Sci. 2014 Jan; 26(1): 139–144.
Published online 2014 Feb 6. doi:  10.1589/jpts.26.139
PMCID: PMC3927027

The Effectiveness of Thai Exercise with Traditional Massage on the Pain, Walking Ability and QOL of Older People with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial in the Community

Punnee Peungsuwan,1,2,* Phawinee Sermcheep,1,2 Papatsara Harnmontree,1,2 Wichai Eungpinichpong,1,2 Rungthip Puntumetakul,1,2 Uraiwan Chatchawan,1,2 and Junichiro Yamauchi3,4
Author information ► Article notes ► Copyright and License information ►
This article has been cited by other articles in PMC.

Abstract

[Purpose] This study investigated the effectiveness of a class- and home-based exercise with massage between Thai traditional and standardized physical therapy (TPT and SPT) in older people with knee osteoarthritis (KOA). [Subjects and Methods] Thirty-one subjects with KOA (aged 50–85 years) in two selected villages were randomly assigned into the TPT or SPT programs. Seventeen TPT subjects received Thai exercise with traditional massage, and 14 SPT individuals performed strengthening exercise with Swedish massage.

Continue reading The Effectiveness of Thai Exercise with Traditional Massage on the Pain, Walking Ability and QOL of Older People with Knee Osteoarthritis: A Randomized Controlled Trial in the Community →

Chronic Pain, Syndicated Feeds, Thai Massage for Chronic Tension Headache, Thai Massage Scientific Research, Thai Traditional Medicine, Thai Yoga Solutions

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Court-Type Traditional Thai Massage versus Amitriptyline in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache

NIH National Library of MedicineNIH: NLM PubMed®

Syndicated from PubMed.org

Evid Based Complement Alternat Med. 2015; 2015: 930175.
Published online 2015 Sep 15. doi:  10.1155/2015/930175
PMCID: PMC4587431

A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Court-Type Traditional Thai Massage versus Amitriptyline in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache

Peerada Damapong, 1 Naowarat Kanchanakhan, 1 , * Wichai Eungpinichpong, 2 , * Prasobsook Putthapitak, 3 and Pongmada Damapong 4
1College of Public Health Sciences, Chulalongkorn University, Bangkok 10330, Thailand
2Research Center in Back, Neck, and Other Joint Pain and Human Performance, Faculty of Associated Medical Sciences, Khon Kaen University, Khon Kaen 40002, Thailand
3Bamnet Narong Hospital, Amphur Bamnet Narong, Chaiyaphum Province 36160, Thailand
4College of Allied Health Science, Suan Sunandha Rajabhat University, Bangkok 10300, Thailand
*Naowarat Kanchanakhan: ht.ca.aluhc@k.tarawoan and
*Wichai Eungpinichpong: moc.oohay@nueciw
Academic Editor: Arroyo-Morales Manuel

Abstract

This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of the court-type traditional Thai massage (CTTM) to treat patients with chronic tension-type headaches (CTTHs) comparing with amitriptyline taking. A randomized controlled trial was conducted. Sixty patients diagnosed with CTTH were equally divided into a treatment and a control group. The treatment group received a 45-minute course of CTTM twice per week lasting 4 weeks while the control group was prescribed 25 mg of amitriptyline once a day before bedtime lasting 4 weeks. Outcome measures were evaluated in week 2, week 4 and followed up in week 6 consisting of visual analog scale (VAS), tissue hardness, pressure pain threshold (PPT), and heart rate variability (HRV). The results demonstrated a significant decrease in VAS pain intensity for the CTTM group at different assessment time points while a significant difference occurred in within-group and between-group comparison (P < 0.05) for each evaluated measure. Moreover, the tissue hardness of the CTTM group was significantly lower than the control group at week 4 (P < 0.05). The PPT and HRV of the CTTM group were significantly increased (P < 0.05). CTTM could be an alternative therapy for treatment of patients with CTTHs.

Continue reading A Randomized Controlled Trial on the Effectiveness of Court-Type Traditional Thai Massage versus Amitriptyline in Patients with Chronic Tension-Type Headache →