Effects of stone spa (Ganban-yoku) on psychological states

This uncontrolled intervention study explored the effects of stone spa use on the psychological states of women. Sixty-eight female volunteers (mean age 37.5 years (standard deviation 14.8)) recruited at a women-only stone spa facility participated in the study. They completed the short-form Profile of Moods States (POMS) and the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) before and after stone spa use in order to determine changes in mood and anxiety states. Six factors relating to mood were measured using the POMS: Tension–Anxiety, Depression–Dejection, Anger–Hostility, Vigor, Fatigue, and Confusion. The two anxiety concepts of state anxiety and trait anxiety were also measured. The scores for Tension–Anxiety and Anger–Hostility and both anxiety measures were improved statistically after stone spa use. Stone spa use shows considerable promise for improving mood and reducing anxiety. Since this study was a descriptive, prospective and uncontrolled intervention study, further investigation of these promising findings is warranted.