Abstract
This study aimed to clarify the physiological and subjective effects of oral massage. Before and after 10-minute oral massage, physiological and subjective assessments were conducted to examine its effects, involving 12 healthy female adults. Statistical analysis revealed a significant decrease in salivary amylase activity with a marked increase in the R-R interval on ECG after massage, indicating a relaxed state. The facial skin temperature was also significantly higher after massage, with a marked rise in the volume of blood flow into the lower central incisors, supporting the effectiveness of the massage to promote circulation. On the other hand, among the scores from the POMS as a subjective assessment scale, those related to <tension-anxiety> and <fatigue> significantly decreased. Such decreases were also observed in scores related to <tense arousal> of the Mood Adjective Checklist. Based on these results, oral massage may be effective to reduce tension and fatigue, thus, having relaxing effects.