Abstract

Introduction: Stress and disease originating from it are among the problems of human society. Stress has varied external and internal symptoms, but one of the most significant medical symptoms is an increase in gene expression of glucocorticoid receptor (cortisol hormone). Thus, researchers have been always attempting new therapeutic techniques to decrease the level of stress. Accordingly, Migun Thermal Bed System or Migunbed, which is used an instrument for physiotherapy and reducing blood pressure and sugar, functions based on the principles suggested for stress alleviation. Therefore, in the present study its functions were exploredas an alternative and complementary therapy for stress management. Aim: This study aimed to examine molecular, cognitive, and hormonal changes in male volunteers with high stress level before and after using Migun Thermal Bed System. Materials and Methods: Twenty healthy men were tested in the study. Participants were recruited using Depression, Anxiety and stress Scales (DASS). Before and after using the bed, the participants' saliva and blood samples were collected for measuring salivary cortisol, alpha-amylase concentrations, as well as molecular cellular changes including gene expression and protein concentration by PCR and Dot blot methods. The Paced Auditory Serial Addition Test (PASAT) was for used perceptive and cognitive performance evaluation. SPSS was used for data analysis. Results: The results showed that the alpha-amylase and cortisol levels in the participants' saliva have significantly decreased after using the bed in comparison with the levels before using the bed; however, the one-session treatment group did not show significant changes. Migun bed therapy reduced glucocorticoid gene expression and glucocorticoid protein (p<0/05)(groupe of four sessions). This effect occurred after four sessions. The cognitive test results indicated that mental health, reaction time and sustained attention increased while mental fatigue decreased after using the bed. Conclusion: The present study suggested that Migun can affect stress and perceptual-cognitive systems and also it might improve the functioning of chief components of the stress axis.