The Effect of Facial Massage on Anxiety and Cognitive Function in University Students

Abstract

Aim; Psychological problems are common throughout the world. Due to psychological problems such as stress and anxiety, the sympathetic nervous system is activated. Constant worry causes several physical, mental, and social difficulties, which threatens an individual's health. There are many methods used to overcome this troublesome situation, and one of them is massage. Massage has been used for thousands of years in many parts of the world. Massage therapy has a variety of biomechanical, physical, neurological, and psychosocial effects. Considering the positive effects of facial massage, it seems useful to investigate its effects on cognitive functions. However, as far as we have researched, there are few studies on the effects of facial massage in the treatment of cognitive functions. Therefore, our study aimed to examine the effect of facial massage on the anxiety and attention level of university students in the acute period by utilizing the effect of massage on blood flow and autonomic system. Method; Classical facial massage was applied to 59 randomly selected first- and second-year university students, and the acute effects of the massage were recorded. Burdon Attention Test, Beck Anxiety Test and pulse measurement methods were used for evaluation. Results; According to the results obtained, a significant decrease in pulse (p=0.001) and anxiety level (p=0.001) was observed immediately after the classical massage. Conclusion; Classic facial massage is effective on pulse, anxiety. We hope that the result obtained on the effect on cognitive function will guide subsequent studies.