Method for improving psychological and physical states of human body and radiant heat application room therefor

Abstract

To provide a method for improving psychological and physical states of a human body by applying radiant heat to the human body for a short time to increase a skin temperature, and specific radiant heat application chamber for achieving it.SOLUTION: A method for improving psychological and physical states of a human body applies radiant heat to a stationary human body indoors to raise a temperature of a skin, including at least the chest, for five minutes or more, thereby improving the psychological and physiological states of the human body. Further, there is provided a radiant heat application chamber that forms an enclosed space surrounded by a floor, walls and a ceiling where a user can enter, exit and remain stationary, and that radiates heat to at least the user's chest.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a method for improving the psychological and physiological states of a human body located in a room by providing radiant heat to stimulate the parasympathetic nervous system, and to a radiant heat providing room for improving the psychological and physiological states. [Background technology]

[0002] Generally, there are high-temperature saunas and bedrock baths that introduce heat into the body of a user, encouraging the user to stay in the room for a certain period of time to increase their body temperature, promoting sweating and relaxation.

[0003] For example, a high-temperature sauna maintains low-humidity or humidified air at an extremely high temperature of 80 to 100°C, encouraging users who stay in the room for a certain period of time to increase their body temperature and promote sweating (see, for example, Patent Document 1), and a temperature-control device is provided as a heating room that realizes a high-temperature sauna, as shown in Patent Document 2. A bedrock bath maintains a room temperature of 40 to 60°C (preferably about 45 to 60°C) and a low-humidity humidity of 60 to 80%, allowing users to stay in the room for a longer period of time than in a high-temperature sauna (see, for example, Patent Document 3).

[0004] The difference between the high-temperature sauna and the bedrock bath mentioned above is generally said to be that the high-temperature sauna raises the room temperature so that the surface of the skin is rapidly heated, causing a large amount of highly concentrated sweat to be emitted from the "sweat glands," while the bedrock bath uses far-infrared rays to slowly heat the skin at a medium-low temperature, causing a low concentration of sweat to be emitted from the "sebaceous glands."

[0005] However, there are no proven examples beyond common belief regarding the physiological effects of high-temperature saunas and bedrock baths, and in reality, each room is simply designed to meet the demands of users based on their personal impressions. For example, many providers of bedrock baths, which came out later than high-temperature saunas, often tout the benefits of these baths in order to differentiate themselves from the effects of earlier high-temperature saunas. However, as their operation progresses, they gradually increase the temperature to around 60°C in response to user requests to induce sweating, and it has become commonplace for users to require a total sweating volume similar to that of a high-temperature sauna each time they enter the room.

[0006] Additionally, while bedrock bathing is often touted for its significant relaxation effects, there is no scientific evidence supporting this claim. Many experts believe that this is merely a matter of personal experience or simply the longer time spent in a hot sauna compared to a high-temperature sauna. Furthermore, there are three ways heat is transmitted: radiant heat, conductive heat, and convective heat. However, it has not yet been verified which type of heat has the greatest physiological impact in conventional heating rooms. Specifically, radiant heat is emitted from a heat source in the form of electromagnetic waves and is transmitted to distant locations without the need for any material between the heat source and the heat source. This differs significantly from conductive heat and convective heat, which require some material to be present. Conductive heat, on the other hand, is transported by a material, and tends to feel warm only at the point of contact. In addition, "convection heat" is heat that is carried by the movement of fluids such as water or air caused by temperature differences, and the property of heat being moved by the movement of air is called convection.

[0007] In particular, in the case of bedrock bathing, it is generally said that warming is achieved by far-infrared rays, which are in the wavelength range of 3 μm to 1,000 μm and are a type of electromagnetic wave. It can be said that the user is warmed by radiant heat, but in reality, those skilled in the art recommend having the user lie face down on the bedrock floor, which serves as the heat source. It can be said that the user is primarily exposed to "conductive heat." The effectiveness of bedrock bathing is simply based on the fact that the far-infrared region contains most of the wavelength range of 2 μm to 20 μm, which is easily absorbed by the human body as radiant heat. In reality, those skilled in the art who lack scientific knowledge often irradiate far-infrared rays well beyond the 20 μm wavelength range that is outside the range absorbed by the human body, and yet they often unknowingly claim to have beneficial effects on users. In my opinion, the physiological effects of bedrock bathing in the general market are simply the effects of "conductive heat" or "convective heat," and the only difference is that the time spent in the sauna is longer and the total amount of sweat produced is greater than in a high-temperature sauna, which produces a greater amount of sweat per hour.It is foolish that the market is being formed mainly by experts with no scientific or medical evidence, and it does not go beyond the realm of a hobby.

[0008] Meanwhile, today's society is said to be one in which stress is excessive both at work and at home, and there is no doubt that how to reduce this stress is an urgent issue for society as a whole. The inventors felt that it would be socially significant to conduct true medical and physiological verification of the above-mentioned heating room, which, although not currently beyond the realm of hobby, is said to have a relaxing effect, at least in their personal opinion, and to derive the conditions for obtaining the appropriate effects, thereby transforming the pseudo-scientific market into one with medical and physiological evidence. Based on this idea, they conducted verification under various conditions and under various monitors, and as a result, they obtained findings that exceeded their expectations and could be optimized. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2015-142670 [Patent Document 2] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2020-81348 [Patent Document 3] Patent No. 7260947 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] In view of the above, the present invention was created, and its object is to provide a method for improving the psychological and physiological state of the human body by irradiating radiant heat to the human body for a short period of time to raise the skin temperature, and a specific radiant heat-imparting chamber for achieving this. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] The first invention provides a method for improving the psychological and physiological state of a human body by applying radiant heat to the human body standing still indoors, thereby raising the temperature of the skin, including at least the chest, for at least five minutes.

[0012] The first invention typically provides a method in which the application of radiant heat raises the skin temperature, causing the parasympathetic nervous system to become dominant, activating brain and circulatory functions, and maintaining activation of brain and circulatory functions for a predetermined period of time after the application of radiant heat has ceased.

[0013] The method for improving the psychological and physiological states of the human body according to the first aspect of the present invention was created based on the finding that when radiant heat is directly or indirectly irradiated onto a human body located away from a heat source indoors (the radiant heat is transmitted and irradiated via its reflected heat and convection heat), psychological states such as stress relief and certain emotional changes improve, and the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant, resulting in reduced brain fatigue, activation of brain function, and improvements in physiological states such as circulatory function.

[0014] A major feature of this method is that its effect does not depend solely on room temperature, and it not only has an immediate effect upon irradiation with radiant heat, but also continues for at least 30 minutes or more after irradiation of radiant heat has ceased.

[0015] In more detail, providers of conventional high-temperature saunas and bedrock baths, whether aware of it or not, have touted the main effect of sweating and other sympathetic nervous system activation due to an increase in skin temperature accompanying a rise in room temperature caused by heat transfer and convection. However, with this invention, it has been discovered that radiant heat has a more significant effect on the parasympathetic nervous system than heat transfer and convection, and one of the advantageous effects of this invention is that it is not dependent on room temperature. Furthermore, with conventional massages and other treatments that also have the effect of giving dominance to the parasympathetic nervous system, it is difficult to strike a balance between which of the sympathetic or parasympathetic nervous system will dominate depending on the duration and intensity of the treatment, and the effect tends to gradually diminish after the treatment is completed. However, with the present invention, the skin temperature rises rapidly (in a short period of time, such as about 5 minutes) after the radiant heat is applied, and at the same time the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant. After the radiant heat application ends (when you leave the room), this temperature decreases in a short period of time, but reaches the lower threshold within 30 minutes, and the parasympathetic nervous system remains dominant without any drop in skin temperature, which can also be said to be an advantageous effect.

[0016] Furthermore, conventional bedrock baths vaguely advertise the effects of far-infrared rays, and at first glance appear to utilize radiant heat, but they recommend that the human body lie face down on a hot bedrock indoors, with the body in contact with the floor near the heat source, and can be said to simply utilize transferred heat.In addition, considering that the room temperature is actually raised to around 60°C to encourage sweating, it can be said that they are actually encouraging the sympathetic nervous system to take the lead, and one has to say that the term far-infrared rays was simply being used to attract customers.

[0017] In the method for improving psychological and physiological states according to the first aspect of the present invention, the temperature inside the room is preferably 38°C or higher and 42°C or lower.

[0018] As mentioned above, the first invention is a method for improving the psychological and physiological states of the human body that is not dependent on room temperature alone, mainly through the action of radiant heat and by giving dominance to the parasympathetic nervous system, but in order to maintain an elevated skin temperature, the skin temperature may drop due to the heat transmitted from the cooled indoor air, so it is necessary to at least prevent the room temperature from dropping below body temperature. Generally, the average body temperature is 36.89°C ± 0.34°C, so it is preferable to maintain a room temperature of at least 38°C or higher.

[0019] Furthermore, if the skin temperature rises too much, the heat transmitted from the heated indoor air will cause the skin temperature to rise excessively, which is undesirable as the sympathetic nervous system will become dominant. Considering that the typical set temperature for high-temperature baths, which is said to be primarily affected by transmitted heat and to favor the sympathetic nervous system, is 42°C to 44°C, it is preferable to set the upper threshold indoor temperature at 42°C in the present invention as well.

[0020] Next, the second invention is: A radiant heat imparting chamber forms a closed space surrounded by a floor, wall or ceiling, in which a user can enter and exit and remain stationary, and radiates radiant heat to at least the chest of the user, a heat generating means is disposed inside or outside at least the floor, wall or ceiling portion, and radiates radiant heat through these into the closed space; A radiant heat imparting chamber for improving the psychological and physiological states of the human body is provided, which has a structure in which radiant heat is confined within the closed space by arranging a reflecting means inside or outside at least a floor, wall or ceiling portion where the heat generating means is not arranged, which reflects the radiant heat from the heat generating means and irradiates the reflected heat into the closed space.

[0021] In addition, in the radiant heat imparting chamber of the second invention, it is preferable that the reflecting means is formed of an aluminum foil material or thin plate and is attached along the planar direction of the floor, wall or ceiling portion on which the foil material or thin plate is arranged.

[0022] The heat generating means is preferably a pipe or an electric heating wire through which a thermal fluid flows, and the pipe or the electric heating wire is preferably laid out along the planar direction of the floor, wall or ceiling.

[0023] Furthermore, it is preferable that a heat insulating material be provided inside or outside the floor, wall or ceiling.

[0024] While the first invention described above provides a method for improving various psychological and physiological states by irradiating the human body with radiant heat, the second invention provides a specific radiant heat-imparting chamber for improving the psychological and physiological states of the human body. In this radiant heat-imparting chamber, heat generating means such as piping through which a thermal fluid flows or an electric heating wire is disposed in the floor, walls, and ceiling, typically the interior of the floor, and heat from this heat generating means passes through the floor, etc., and radiates radiant heat into the room. The radiant heat from this heat generating means directly reaches the user, warming them.

[0025] Furthermore, inside the floor, walls, or ceiling, reflection means such as aluminum foil members or thin plates attached along the plane of the inner walls are provided, which reflect the radiant heat from the heat generating means and irradiate it again to the user inside. This reflection means confines the radiant heat inside the radiant heat imparting chamber, and when a user is irradiated with sufficient radiant heat, the skin temperature rises, causing the parasympathetic nervous system to become dominant, improving various psychological and physiological states.

[0026] Furthermore, this radiant heat imparting chamber has an insulating structure similar to that of a thermos bottle, which prevents heat from escaping outside, due to the combination of radiant heat directly emitted from the heat generating means, radiant heat reflected by the reflecting means and radiated back into the room, convection heat generated in the air inside the room, and insulating materials placed in the walls, ceiling, and floor, so it is advantageous in that it can reliably maintain the effect of raising skin temperature through radiant heat without lowering the room temperature.

[0027] In the radiant heat imparting chamber of the second aspect of the present invention, a part of the wall or ceiling may be made of an insulating glass material.

[0028] In this radiant heat imparting chamber, by disposing insulating glass material on part of the walls or ceiling, not only can it have the above-mentioned effect as an insulating material, but it can also take in radiant heat from sunlight into the room. Therefore, radiant heat can be added from sunlight in addition to the heat generating means and reflecting means, complementing the supply of fuel and electricity to the heat generating means and achieving a high energy-saving effect. This is particularly advantageous when providing this radiant heat imparting chamber in a movable box shape. [Effects of the Invention]

[0029] The method for improving the psychological and physiological state of the human body and the radiant heat application chamber of the present invention provide a new method and specific structure that does not depend solely on room temperature, by irradiating the human body with radiant heat for a short period of time to raise the skin temperature, thereby making the parasympathetic nervous system dominant and maintaining the parasympathetic nervous system dominant even after the radiant heat is applied. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0030] [Figure 1] A mood scale (VAS) questionnaire is shown. [Figure 2] The results shown in Figure 1 show the average scores of the subjects who answered each item on a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire on a scale of 0 to 100 before entering the room, immediately after entering the room, and 30 minutes later. [Figure 3] The Stress Checklist 30-item (SCL30) questionnaire, which investigates stress symptoms, is shown below. [Figure 4] This graph shows the correlation between the total score of the 30-item Stress Checklist (SCL30) and spontaneous stress, which is one of the mood scales (VAS) used to investigate mood changes shown in Figure 1. (a) shows the spontaneous stress score for each subject against SCL30 before entering the room (control), and (b) shows the spontaneous stress score for each subject against SCL30 30 minutes later. [Figure 5] The Multifaceted Emotion Scale questionnaire (short version) is shown. [Figure 6]The results show the average scores of the subjects for each item in the questionnaire on the multifaceted emotion scale shown in Figure 5 before entering the radiant heat application room of the present invention, immediately after entering the outdoor room, and 30 minutes later. [Figure 7] These are the results of the demonstration of pupil light reflex (miosis rate) measurement. (a) shows the light reflex (pupil diameter) measuring device used, and (b) shows the measurement results of the subject "before entering the radiant heat chamber," "immediately after entering the outdoor room," and "30 minutes later." [Figure 8] These are the results of demonstrating the measurement of flicker values ​​using a flicker meter to evaluate brain fatigue and brain activity. (a) shows the measurement method, (b) shows an image of the fatigue state assessment, and (c) shows the flicker meter used. [Figure 9] The flicker values ​​shown in Figure 8 are measured by subjects before entering the radiant heat chamber, immediately after entering the outside room, and 30 minutes later. [Figure 10] These are the results of a demonstration of the relationship between the subjects' actual age and vascular age. (a) shows the vascular age meter used, and (b) is a graph showing the correlation between each subject's actual age and vascular age (vertical axis). [Figure 11] (a) shows the vascular age meter, and (b) shows the empirical results on the relationship between the subjects' actual age and brain age. [Figure 12] The actual age of the subjects and their vascular ages "before entering the radiant heat chamber," "immediately after entering the outdoor room," and "30 minutes later" are shown. [Figure 13] (a) shows the brain age calculated by the brain age measuring device "before entering the radiant heat chamber," "immediately after entering the outdoor chamber," and "30 minutes later," while (b) shows the results of "speed (rotation)," "brain vitality," and "effective utilization" of the brain. [Figure 14] This figure shows the time series of the subject's skin temperature (chest) from entering the radiant heat chamber to being outside. [Figure 15] These are the time series results of measurements taken with a heart rate variability monitor at the same time as the subject's skin temperature was measured. (a) shows the average HF (vertical axis (ms2)) over one minute, and (b) shows the average LF / HF over one minute. [Figure 16]1 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a bedrock bath as an example of a conventional heating room with a user inside. FIG. [Figure 17] 1 is a schematic cross-sectional view illustrating an embodiment of a radiant heat imparting chamber of the present invention in a state where a user is present in the chamber. FIG. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a schematic perspective view of a box-shaped radiant heat imparting chamber as a modified example of the radiant heat imparting chamber shown in FIG. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

[0031] The following describes the best mode of the method for improving the psychological and physiological state of the human body by irradiating radiant heat according to the present invention, and the radiant heat application chamber that is optimal for this method, with reference to the drawings. First, regarding the method for improving the psychological and physiological state of the human body by irradiating radiant heat, we will explain the psychological and physiological effects and the results of demonstrating the effects that occur when radiant heat is applied to a user.

[0032] <<Demonstration participants (subjects) and overview of the demonstration>> The subjects were 22 healthy men and women living in Fukuoka City, with a mean age of 40.22 ± 8.6 years. The radiant heat chamber used for the evaluation was a 2.5m x 2.0m x 2.4m (height) room heated from the exterior walls using a radiant heat system (heating means) and adjusted to a room temperature of 41.0°C (within a range of 38°C to 42°C) and humidity of 50%. Subjects were asked to sit and rest in the radiant heat chamber for 30 minutes. Changes in psychological and physiological states (biological activity) were interviewed and measured three times: before entering the radiant heat chamber (hereinafter simply referred to as "before entering the chamber"), immediately after leaving the chamber (hereinafter simply referred to as "immediately after leaving the chamber"), and 30 minutes after leaving the chamber (hereinafter simply referred to as "30 minutes after"). On the other hand, as a control for comparison, the subjects were tested before entering the radiant heat application room, while remaining quiet in the waiting room without entering the room, and 30 minutes after that.

[0033] The psychological state was assessed using (a) a visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire to investigate mood changes, (b) a stress checklist 30-item (SCL30) questionnaire to investigate stress symptoms, and (c) a multifaceted affect scale questionnaire to investigate emotions / moods.The physiological state (biological activity) was assessed using (A) pupil dilation using an iriscorder to evaluate autonomic nervous activity, (B) flicker value measurement using a flickermeter to evaluate brain fatigue and brain activity, (C) vascular age measurement using a vascular age meter to evaluate peripheral circulation, (D) brain age measurement using a brain age meter to evaluate brain activity, and (E) electrocardiogram and center of gravity sway measurement using Mybeat to continuously monitor cardiac autonomic nervous activity.

[0034] <<Evidence Results (Evaluation of Mental State - Mood Survey (VAS Questionnaire)>> First, we will explain the results of the evaluation using a visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire to investigate mood changes (a). Figure 1 shows the visual analogue scale (VAS) questionnaire that was actually used, and Figure 2 shows the graphs showing the average scores of the subjects who answered on a scale of 0 to 100 for each item on the visual analogue scale (VAS) before entering the room, immediately after entering the room, and 30 minutes later.

[0035] The graph in Figure 2 shows, from left to right, three N-system (negative) items: (i) overall fatigue, (ii) spontaneous stress, and (iii) boredom; and four P-system (positive) items: (iv) mental clarity, (v) concentration, (vi) motivation, and (vii) refreshment. The bar graphs show the average scores for each item on the visual analog scale (VAS) questionnaire before, immediately after, and 30 minutes after entering the external room. The graphs show that before entering the external room, (i) overall fatigue, (ii) spontaneous stress, and (iv) mental clarity were high. However, immediately after entering the external room, (i) overall fatigue and (ii) spontaneous stress decreased dramatically, while (iv) mental clarity and (vii) refreshment increased. After 30 minutes, (i) overall fatigue and (ii) spontaneous stress further decreased, and (vi) motivation also increased.

[0036] Therefore, immediately after the external ventricle, all seven items changed significantly (three N-related items decreased, and four P-related items increased), and even 30 minutes later, N-related items (i) overall fatigue and (ii) spontaneous stress continued to decrease, while P-related items (iv) mental clarity, (v) concentration, (vi) motivation, and (vii) refreshment continued to maintain high values.

[0037] <<Evidence Results (Psychological State Assessment - Stress Symptom Survey (SCL30 Questionnaire)>> Next, Figure 3 shows the actual questionnaire used for the (b) Stress Checklist 30-item (SCL30) questionnaire assessment to investigate stress symptoms, and subjects were evaluated based on the total score of the Stress Checklist 30-item (SCL30). Figure 4 shows a graph of the correlation between the total score of the Stress Checklist 30-item (SCL30) and (ii) spontaneous stress (see Figure 2) of the aforementioned (a) mood scale (VAS) to investigate mood changes. In Figure 4, the vertical axis shows each subject's (ii) spontaneous stress score, and the horizontal axis shows each subject's SCL30 score. Figure 4(a) shows each subject's (ii) spontaneous stress score relative to their SCL30 before entering the room (control), and Figure 4(b) shows each subject's (ii) spontaneous stress score relative to their SCL30 30 minutes later.

[0038] Each subject's SCL30 score was a fixed value obtained by reflecting on their daily lives over the past one to two months, regardless of whether they entered the room or not. In contrast, the VAS scores were obtained by each subject before and after entering the room. Since both scores were subjectively assessed by the subject, variability within each subject is overlooked. However, when comparing the (ii) spontaneous stress score before entering the room against the SLC30 score in Figure 4(a) and the (ii) spontaneous stress score 30 minutes after leaving the room against the SLC30 score in Figure 4(b), a high correlation was observed between the two stress-related questionnaires (SCL30 and VAS) and their perceived stress levels (see dotted circle 1 and dotted circle 2, respectively). Furthermore, as shown by the arrow in Figure 4(b), a significant overall decrease in the slope from dotted circle 1 to dotted circle 2 is evident. Therefore, 30 minutes after leaving the radiant heat chamber and going outdoors, a significant decrease in spontaneous stress (VAS) was observed in many subjects, regardless of their level of stress consciousness (SCL30). This can be said to be evidence that stress is relieved by entering the radiant heat chamber, regardless of the variability in the subjects' subjective responses.

[0039] <<Evidence Results (Psychological State Assessment - Survey of Multifaceted Emotion Scale (Multifaceted Emotion Scale Questionnaire)>> Next, we will explain the results of the evaluation using the Multifaceted Emotion Scale Questionnaire (c), which investigates emotions / moods. The Multifaceted Emotion Scale is a method that uses a questionnaire to measure subjective states such as moods and emotions, and consists of eight scales that describe emotional states. Figure 5 shows the Multifaceted Emotion Scale questionnaire (short version) that was actually used. This short version of the questionnaire is composed of words that describe emotions, with five items for each scale (10 items for the regular version), and a total of 40 items (80 items for the regular version) across eight scales are arranged randomly. Each word is assigned a score on a four-point scale to indicate the degree to which it applies to the current emotion, and the total score for each scale is used to evaluate the effect. Specifically, the eight scales are three scales representing positive emotions (P-system): active pleasure (lively), inactive pleasure (relaxed), and affinity (loving); three scales representing negative emotions (N-system): depression / anxiety (worried), fatigue (bored), and hostility (hateful); and two scales representing neutral emotions: astonishment (surprised; sometimes considered N-system), and concentration (cautious).

[0040] Figure 6 shows the average scores for each item on the multifaceted affect scale (short version) of the questionnaire before entering the radiant heat chamber, immediately after entering the outdoor room, and 30 minutes after entering the room. Subjects were asked to rate each item on a scale of 1 to 4, out of a total of 20 points. Figure 6 shows that before entering the room, "depression / anxiety," "fatigue," "active," and "inactive" were high. However, immediately after entering the outdoor room, "depression / anxiety," "fatigue," and "startle" significantly decreased. Thirty minutes later, "depression / anxiety" and "fatigue" remained constant, "active" significantly increased, and "startle" significantly decreased. In other words, immediately after entering the outdoor room, three of the eight N-related items significantly changed (decreased). Furthermore, even 30 minutes after entering the outdoor room, the N-related items "depression / anxiety," "fatigue," and "startle" remained significantly decreased, while the P-related item "active" significantly increased. Generally, multifaceted emotional scale questionnaires are often used to assess changes in mood and emotions caused by smelling a fragrance or applying makeup, and normally, if significant changes are detected in two or three items, it is assessed as a sufficient change in mood or emotion. In that sense, entering this radiant heat chamber, where significant changes were detected in four items, is assessed as having the effect of significantly and favorably changing mood and emotions.

[0041] Demonstration Results (Physiological Status (Biological Activity) Evaluation - (A) Evaluation of Autonomic Nervous System Activity (Pupillary Photometry)) Next, as an evaluation of physiological state (biological activity), we first evaluated (A) autonomic nervous activity, specifically the demonstration results of measuring pupillary response to light (miosis rate), as shown in Figure 7. Miosis is caused by a muscle called the pupillary sphincter, which is controlled by the parasympathetic nervous system, part of the autonomic nervous system. Because miosis cannot be caused by one's own will, an increase in the miosis rate is evidence that the parasympathetic nervous system has been activated. To measure the miosis rate in this demonstration, a light reflex (pupil diameter) measuring device (Pupillograph NPi-200, manufactured by IMI Corporation) as shown in Figure 7(a) was used to measure pupil diameter from the pupil's light reflex, and this was then quantified and detected as the miosis rate.

[0042] Figure 7(b) shows a graph of the average pupil constriction (miosis rate) measured for subjects before entering the radiant heat chamber, immediately after entering the external room, and 30 minutes after. This graph shows a significant increase in pupil constriction rate, from 0.388 before entering the chamber to 0.433 immediately after entering the external room. This suggests that entering the radiant heat chamber significantly increases parasympathetic nervous activity and produces a calming effect. Furthermore, the miosis rate (0.433 immediately after entering the external room) remained at 0.428 30 minutes after entering the external room, demonstrating a significant increase in the miosis rate even 30 minutes after entering the external room. This suggests that entering the radiant heat chamber maintains a significant state of parasympathetic nervous activity and a calming effect, significantly different from treatments such as massage, which do not maintain a significant state of parasympathetic nervous activity.

[0043] Demonstration Results (Physiological State (Biological Activity) Evaluation - (B) Evaluation of Brain Fatigue and Brain Activity (Flicker Value Measurement)) Figure 8 (B) shows the results of a demonstration of flicker value measurement using a flicker meter to evaluate brain fatigue and brain activity. Flicker measurement involves flickering a light source on a fixation target, as shown in Figure 8(a), and having the subject press a switch with their finger when they no longer perceive the flicker. The flicker frequency (Hz) at which the subject perceives the flicker is detected as the flicker value. Whether or not the subject perceives the flicker of light is measured to measure eye fatigue and optic nerve sensitivity, and to examine optic nerve disorders. A decrease in flicker value indicates a decrease in the activity of the cerebral cortex. A small flicker value indicates fatigue, while a large flicker value indicates no fatigue or a state of recovery (see Figure 8(b)). Figure 8(c) shows the flicker meter used in this demonstration.

[0044] Figure 9 shows a graph of the average flicker values ​​measured for subjects before entering the radiant heat chamber, immediately after entering the outdoor room, and 30 minutes after entering the room. This graph reveals a significant increase in flicker values ​​from before entering the room to immediately after entering the outdoor room, suggesting brain activity activation and reduced brain fatigue. Furthermore, the significant increase in flicker values ​​was maintained from immediately after entering the outdoor room to 30 minutes after entering the room, suggesting that the brain activity activation and reduced brain fatigue effects continued. Therefore, it is suggested that the significant brain activity activation and reduced brain fatigue effects of entering the radiant heat chamber continue even after entering the outdoor room. In particular, significant reductions in brain activity and reduced brain fatigue were observed from before entering the room to immediately after entering the outdoor room. This, combined with the fact that a short time spent in the room (5 minutes or more) is sufficient, is significantly different from typical massage treatments, which do not significantly increase brain activity or reduce brain fatigue.

[0045] Demonstration Results (Physiological Status (Biological Activity) Evaluation - (C) Vascular Age Evaluation (Vascular Age Measurement)) Next, we explain the results of the demonstration of brain age measurement using the Brain Age Meter as an evaluation of brain activity (C). Figure 10 shows the results of the demonstration of the relationship between the subject's actual age and vascular age. Figure 10(a) shows the vascular age meter used (Wellup's "Vascular Age Meter Medical Analyzer"), and Figure 10(b) shows the correlation between each subject's actual age (horizontal axis) and the vascular age calculated by the vascular age meter in Figure 10(a) (vertical axis). The vascular age meter measures vascular age by measuring the blood flow rate in the artery (between the tip of the finger and the first joint) from the index finger or other fingertip using an infrared light sensor (reflective type). Gender and age are entered into the touch panel, and the display displays vascular age, actual age, gender, pulse rate, vascular aging score, and advice comments. People with a high vascular age typically have poor circulation, high blood pressure, high stress, are smokers, or suffer from hyperlipidemia. It is said that measuring vascular age can determine the quality of overall circulatory function.

[0046] To aid understanding, in Figure 10(b), the linear function indicated by a circle (1) shows vascular age = actual age, and the star indicates the average value. Figure 10(b) shows that for all subjects, the vascular age (average 46.8) was +6.6 years higher than the actual age (average 40.2 years), with a small p-value (significance probability) of <0.0001, indicating that the measurement results from this vascular age meter can be used as statistically significant results.

[0047] Figure 11 shows the subjects' actual ages and their vascular ages calculated using the vascular age meter "before entering the radiant heat chamber," "immediately after entering the outdoor room," and "30 minutes after." Figure 11 shows no change in the calculated vascular age between "before entering the chamber" and "immediately after entering the outdoor room," but a significant decrease was observed "30 minutes after." This suggests that entering the radiant heat chamber improves circulatory function, and that entering the chamber may also lead to activated brain function. It is particularly noteworthy that a significant decrease in vascular age was observed from "immediately after entering the outdoor room" to "30 minutes after," which is significantly different from treatments such as massage. Brain function is activated for a long time after entering the chamber, making it desirable for the chamber to be used during breaks at work, for example.

[0048] Demonstration Results (Physiological Status (Biological Activity) Evaluation - (D) Brain Activity Evaluation (Brain Age Measurement)) Next, we will explain the empirical results of brain age measurement using the Brain Age Monitor as an evaluation of brain activity (D). Similar to Figure 10 in the empirical result (D) Brain Activity, Figure 12 shows the empirical results of the relationship between the subject's actual age and brain age as a premise. Figure 12(a) shows the brain age measurement device used (Wellup's "Brain Age Monitor"), and Figure 12(b) shows the correlation between each subject's actual age (horizontal axis) and the brain age calculated by the brain age measurement device in Figure 12(a) (vertical axis). The brain age measurement device asks the subject to press numbers 1 through 25 randomly arranged on a touch panel in order (1, 2, 3, ... 25). Based on the reaction time and accuracy rate, the device measures the tendency for decline in memory and processing ability twice, examines brain function, and calculates a comprehensive brain age. Based on the difference in the reaction time between the two measurements, the device analyzes the information processing ability (speed), brain activity, and brain utilization. To aid understanding, Figure 12(b) shows that the linear function indicated by circle 1 indicates brain age - chronological age = +10 years, the linear function indicated by circle 2 indicates brain age = chronological age, and the linear function indicated by circle 3 indicates brain age - chronological age = -10 years. The stars indicate average values. Brain age - chronological age > +5 years or more indicates a suspected decline in cognitive and mental function, such as cognitive decline. Those over 50 years old with a brain age of +5 years or more should pay particular attention to declining cognitive function. The results in Figure 12(b) show that the average chronological age is 40.2 years, the average brain age is 36.4 years, and the difference is -3.8 years. With a p-value (significance probability) of <0.01, the results are statistically significant. This demonstrates that the brain age calculations made by the brain age measuring device in Figure 12(a) can be used as meaningful calculation results.

[0049] Figure 13 shows the brain ages calculated using the brain age measuring device shown in Figure 12(a) above (Figure 13(a)) before entering the radiant heat chamber, immediately after entering the external chamber, and 30 minutes after entering the chamber, as well as the analyzed results for "speed (rotation)," "brain vitality," and "effective brain utilization" (Figure 13(b)). Figure 13(a) shows that brain age minus actual age before entering the chamber was -3.9 years, while brain age minus actual age was -6.7 years after entering the external chamber, indicating a significant decrease in brain age immediately after entering the external chamber. This suggests that brain function was immediately enhanced by the radiant heat chamber. Furthermore, brain age minus actual age was -7.6 years after entering the chamber, indicating a significant decrease in brain age even more significantly than after entering the external chamber. This suggests that entering the radiant heat chamber resulted in further activation of brain function over time after leaving the chamber. This result suggests that similar results are also seen in each analysis item in Figure 13(b). This type of brain activity appears rapidly and significantly, and is further enhanced after the patient leaves the room. In this respect, it differs significantly from massage, which requires rest after treatment, and as no rest is required, it is desirable for use in nursing care settings, etc.

[0050] Demonstration results (evaluation of physiological state (biological activity) and psychological state during and after entering the room) We have explained above the various physiological and psychological effects of this radiant heat chamber "before entering," "immediately after leaving the outdoor room," and "30 minutes later." We also demonstrated how long it takes for sufficient effects to be obtained or maintained after entering the room or after leaving the outdoor room. Figure 14 shows the time series results of measuring the subject's skin temperature (chest) every minute from entering the radiant heat chamber to leaving the outdoor room and plotting the results (vertical axis: subject's average skin temperature (°C), horizontal axis: time from the start of measurement (minutes)).

[0051] FIG. 15 shows the time series results of heart rate variability (HRV) measured by a heart rate variability measuring device at the same time as the skin temperature of the subject shown in FIG. 14 was measured and plotted. Of these, FIG. 15(a) shows the 1-minute average HF (vertical axis (ms 2)), and Figure 15(b) shows the LF / HF (vertical axis) averaged over one minute. Here, HF (high frequency) 2 ) is the power spectrum of the high frequency band of 0.15 to 0.4 Hz, which reflects the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, and LF (low frequency ms 2 ) is the power spectrum of the low frequency band from 0.004 to 0.15 Hz, and reflects the activity of both the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. LF / HF is the ratio of the power of LF (low frequency) to HF (high frequency), and represents the overall balance between the sympathetic and parasympathetic nervous systems. Specifically, when HF rises and LF / HF falls, the parasympathetic nervous system is dominant, and when HF falls and LF / HF rises, the sympathetic nervous system is dominant.

[0052] As shown in Figure 14, the subject's skin temperature "before entering the room" was around 32°C. The subject entered the room 7 minutes after the start of measurement. Within 5 minutes (t6 = 12 minutes after the start of measurement) from the time of entry (t0), the skin temperature rose rapidly to above 35°C, demonstrating a significant effect on the autonomic nervous system. The increase in skin temperature then slowed, and by 30 minutes after entry (t30 = 37 minutes after the start of measurement, "immediately after entering the outdoor room"), the skin temperature remained above 37°C before the subject left the room. While the skin temperature dropped rapidly "immediately after entering the outdoor room," it maintained a skin temperature of around 34°C from about 12 minutes after leaving the room (t42 = 49 minutes after the start of measurement), and remained high even after "30 minutes" (t60 = 67 minutes after the start of measurement) (the skin temperature remained higher than "before entering the room" by the amount indicated by the asterisk). In other words, once a subject enters the room for more than 5 minutes, blood circulation throughout the body increases, and the effect on the autonomic nervous system continues even 30 minutes after leaving the room. This is a phenomenon not seen with general treatments such as massage.

[0053] Next, referring to Figure 15, after entering the room, HF rises suddenly, earlier than skin temperature (see the star in Figure 15(a)), and at this time, LF / HF is relatively low (see Figure 15(b)). Therefore, it can be seen that the parasympathetic nervous system rapidly becomes dominant upon entering the room. Furthermore, after 20 minutes or more have passed (more than 27 minutes have passed since the start of measurement), when skin temperature is high and rising slowly, HF remains low (see Figure 15(a)), but LF / HF sometimes rises suddenly (see the * in Figure 15(b)). Therefore, it can be seen that the sympathetic nervous system can become dominant after some time has passed since entering the room, when the skin has sufficiently warmed up. Figure 15 is particularly notable for the fact that the parasympathetic nervous system suddenly becomes dominant very soon after entering the room, at least about 5 minutes before skin temperature rises, resulting in a calming effect (relaxed state).

[0054] From the demonstration shown in Figures 14 and 15 above, it was demonstrated that when a person enters this radiant heat chamber, which has a relatively low temperature (38-42°C), the skin temperature rises sufficiently in about five minutes, and the parasympathetic nervous system becomes dominant even earlier, so that five minutes in the chamber is sufficient to obtain a sedative effect (relaxed state) and other sufficient effects on the autonomic nervous system.

[0055] <<Traditional heating room>> Next, as a premise for explaining the embodiment of the radiant heat imparting chamber 10 of the present invention that can give dominance to the parasympathetic nervous system as described above, a conventional heating chamber 100 such as a high-temperature dry sauna or a bedrock bath will be illustrated. Figure 16 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing a bedrock bath as an example of a conventional heating chamber 100 with a user inside.

[0056] In a conventional heating room 100 (hereinafter, also referred to as a "rock bath room 100" as an example), as mentioned above, the temperature of the indoor space 105 of the rock bath room 100 is maintained at 40-60°C and the humidity is maintained at low and high levels of 60-80%, allowing a stay of several tens of minutes or more. Also, in a conventional rock bath room 100, a user 102 is usually required to stay in the room in a seated or prone position as shown in FIG. 16.

[0057] The bedrock bathroom 100 has walls 104 that stand upright and connect to the outer edge of a floor 106 made of rock slabs or the like, and a ceiling 107 that connects to the walls 104 and closes off the top, forming an indoor space 105 that is closed except for an entrance / exit door (not shown). A floor heating system 120 is installed below the floor 106 to heat the rock slabs of the floor 106. In addition, a humidifier 122 and a hot air generator (heater or air conditioner) 124 are installed above the indoor space 105.

[0058] Next, we will explain how heat is transferred to a user 102 who is staying in a seated or prone position inside the bedrock bathroom 100. First, when the floor heating 120 generates heat, the bedrock 121 is warmed and becomes a heat source from the floor 106. As shown by the thick arrow A, the heat from the bedrock 121 is transferred to the air in the indoor space 105 and to the parts of the user 102 that are in contact with the bedrock 121 (such as the buttocks or feet of the user 102 in the example of FIG. 16, which shows the user 102 in a seated position).

[0059] Here, we will discuss how heat is transferred. Heat can be broadly divided into three types: "radiation," "conduction," and "convection." Of these, "radiation" is the phenomenon in which heat is emitted in the form of electromagnetic waves and transferred to distant locations in all directions. Radiant heat does not conduct heat between materials; for example, it transfers heat from a heat source to a user 102 without directly heating the air. "Conduction" is the phenomenon in which heat is transferred by a material, for example, by the propagation of lattice vibrations of atoms and molecules in the air or the movement of free electrons. Only heat from air or objects that the user 102 directly touches is transferred to the user 102. "Convection" is the phenomenon in which heat is transferred by the movement of fluids such as liquids and gases caused by temperature differences. For example, warm air moves upward and cold air moves downward. This is a type of heat transfer in which the fluid itself becomes heated and circulates.

[0060] Therefore, the heat from the rock slab 121 is transferred by "conduction" to the indoor air 105 in contact with the rock slab 121 and to the buttocks, feet, etc. of the user 102 (see bold arrow A). The heat of the heated air then rises by "convection" and warms the entire area around the user 102 (see curved arrow C). This air then warms the user 102 by "conduction." The hot air generated by the hot air generator 124 flows downward by "convection heat" (see curved arrow E) and merges with the above-mentioned "convection heat" (see curved arrow C) from the rock slab 121, thereby evenly increasing the temperature of the air in the indoor space 105 and countering the heat loss caused by heat radiation from the wall 104 and ceiling 107 to the outside (see dotted arrow D). Therefore, in conventional rock bathrooms 100, the user 102 is generally warmed primarily by "conduction heat" and "convection heat."

[0061] The humidifier 122 generates an airflow containing steam or mist (see curved arrow F), which is mixed with the "convection heat (see curved arrows C and E)" from the rock 121 and the hot air generator 124 to increase the humidity of the air in the indoor space 105. Humidity changes the thermal conductivity of the indoor air, and is adjusted to change the efficiency with which the "conduction heat" comes into contact with the skin surface of the user 102 and warms the user 102.

[0062] <<Example of the radiant heat imparting chamber of the present invention>> Next, an embodiment of the radiant heat imparting chamber 10 of the present invention will be described by way of example. Figure 17 is a schematic cross-sectional view showing the radiant heat imparting chamber 10 in a state where a user is inside the chamber.

[0063] As mentioned above, in this radiant heat imparting chamber 10, the temperature of the indoor space 15 is kept at 38°C to 42°C, and the humidity is not particularly set but is usually kept at a low temperature of around 50 to 60%, allowing a stay of several minutes to several tens of minutes or more. Also, unlike conventional bedrock baths 100, in this radiant heat imparting chamber 10, the user 12 does not need to come into contact with the floor 16 or walls 14 in the indoor space (closed space) 15, and in Figure 17, the user is allowed to stay in the room in a standing position.

[0064] This radiant heat imparting room 10 is similar to the bedrock bathroom 100 shown in Figure 16 in that, apart from an entrance / exit door (not shown), it is made up of a floor 16, a wall 14 that stands upright and connects to the outer edge of the floor 16, and a ceiling 17 that is connected to the wall 14 and closes off the top of it, forming a closed indoor space 15. However, in this radiant heat imparting room 10, heat generating means 16 (referred to as "heat medium" in Figure 18) such as pipes or electric heating wires, through which thermal fluid heated by fuel such as gas or electricity flows, is laid out below the floor 16 along the floor plane on the indoor space (closed space) 15 side, and the heat from this heat generating means 16 is not "conducted" directly to the user 12, who is barely in contact with the floor 16.

[0065] Furthermore, the fuel that heats the thermal fluid in the piping 16 and the current to the heating wire 16 do not require enough power to "conduct" the heat to the air in the indoor space 15 and raise the temperature, due to the absence of a humidifier. Therefore, the heat from the heat generating means 16 in the floor 16 directly warms the user 12, who is far away from the heat generating device 16, by "radiation" such as far infrared rays.

[0066] Furthermore, in this radiant heat imparting chamber 10, reflectors (reflecting means) 28 made of aluminum foil or thin plates are arranged along the inner wall surface on the indoor space (closed space) 15 side within the walls 14 and ceiling 17 to prevent heat from radiating from the indoor space 15 to the outside. These reflectors 28 cause radiant heat from the floor 16 to be reflected by the walls 14 and ceiling 17, and the reflected heat is "radiated" to directly warm the user 12 who is separated from the walls 14 and ceiling 17 (see dotted arrow b in Figure 17). Therefore, this radiant heat imparting chamber 10 traps the "radiant heat" from the heat generating device 16 inside.

[0067] Furthermore, although the heat from the heat generating device 16 is low in temperature and has little effect in warming the user 12 by direct "conduction," the heat of the floor 16 heated by the heat generating means 26 and the heat of the walls 14 and ceiling 17 heated by the reflectors 28 are "conducted" to the air in the indoor space 15 that comes into contact with the surfaces of the floor 16, walls 14, and ceiling 17, and heat is transferred within the indoor space 15 by "convection" (see curved arrow g) of that air, thereby warming the user 12. The heat generating means 26 may be disposed in the walls 14 in addition to the floor 16, in which case the reflectors 28 would be disposed on the floor 16 or ceiling 17.

[0068] In other words, the heat from the heat generating means 26 in the floor 16 and wall 14 hardly comes into contact with the floor 16 or wall 14, and warms the user 12, who is far away, mainly through the heat that is directly "radiated" and the heat that is "reflected" from that (which can be said to be radiant heat), and in addition, the user 12 is warmed by the "convection" of the heated air in the indoor space 15, forming an insulating structure similar to that of a thermos.

[0069] Furthermore, Fig. 18 shows a schematic perspective view of a box-shaped radiant heat imparting chamber 10' as a modified example of the radiant heat imparting chamber 10 shown in Fig. 17. Similar to the example of the radiant heat imparting chamber 10 in Fig. 17, this radiant heat imparting chamber 10' has an indoor space (closed space) 15 formed by a floor 16 below which a heat medium (heat generating means) 26 is disposed, and wall portions 14 and a ceiling portion 17 inscribed with a reflector 28, and has a structure in which radiant heat from the heat medium (heat generating means) 26 is irradiated from the floor portion 16 into the indoor space (closed space) 15, and the radiant heat is reflected by the reflectors 28 in the wall portions 14 and ceiling portion 17 and irradiated again into the indoor space (closed space) 15, thereby trapping the heat. However, in the radiant heat imparting chamber 10', The floor 16, walls 14, and ceiling 17 form an integrated housing, and legs 34 are provided below the housing to support it when it is placed on the ground, creating a so-called box-shaped structure that can be moved and installed. In this respect, it differs from the radiant heat imparting chamber 10 in Fig. 17, which is intended to be installed in a room within a building.

[0070] As described above, the radiant heat imparting chamber 10' is a box-shaped chamber that can be moved and installed to a desired location, and is therefore originally equipped with various equipment 29, a distribution board 33, and other power supply means. For example, lighting, speakers, outlets 29 for various electronic devices, a ventilation fan 32, and other devices within the indoor space 15 are disposed on the wall 14. Also, a maintenance room 33 is installed on the wall 14 and is accessible from the outside. The maintenance room 33 includes a distribution board that supplies and controls power to the lighting / speakers / outlets 29, the heat medium 26, the ventilation fan 32, and other devices. In this sense, the heat medium 26 in the radiant heat imparting chamber 10' is assumed to be electrically driven, such as an electric heating wire.

[0071] Furthermore, insulating glass 30 is provided in parts of the walls 14 and ceiling 17, allowing sufficient lighting to enter the interior space 15 as shown in FIG. 18, and an entrance door 31 through which users enter and exit is also formed from part of the insulating glass 30 in the wall 14. This radiant heat imparting room 10' is intended to be installed outdoors or in an empty space in a large building, and allows sufficient lighting to enter through the insulating glass 30. This insulating glass 30 allows sunlight, a typical source of radiant heat in nature, to be irradiated into the interior space 15, sufficiently complementing the radiant heat from the heat transfer medium 26 and reflector 28, making it possible to reduce the power supply to the heat transfer medium 26 and providing the advantage of high energy efficiency.

[0072] Various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, but the embodiments shown in this specification and the drawings are merely examples of the present invention, and it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that various other improvements and modifications exist from the concept and teachings of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0073] 10,10´ Radiant heat imparting device 12 users (subjects) 14 Wall 15 Indoor space (closed space) 16 Floor 17 Ceiling 26 Heat medium (heat generating means) 28 Reflector (reflection means) 29 Equipment (lighting / speakers / power outlets) 30. Insulating Glass 31 Entrance / Exit Door 32 Ventilation door 33 Maintenance Room (Distribution Board) 34 Legs 100 Traditional heating room (rock bath room) 102 users 104 Wall section 105 Indoor space 106 Floor section 107 Ceiling 122 Humidifier 124 Warm air generating device (heater or air conditioner) 120 Underfloor heating 121 Bedrock

Claims

1. A method for improving the psychological and physiological state of a human body by applying radiant heat to the human body standing still indoors to raise the temperature of the skin, including at least the chest, for at least five minutes.

2. A method for improving the psychological and physiological state of the human body as described in claim 1, wherein the application of radiant heat raises the skin temperature, causing the parasympathetic nervous system to become dominant, activating brain function and circulatory function, and maintaining activation of brain function and circulatory function for a predetermined period of time after the application of radiant heat has ended.

3. 3. The method for improving psychological and physiological conditions of a human body according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the temperature in the room is between 38°C and 42°C.

4. A radiant heat imparting chamber forms a closed space surrounded by a floor, wall or ceiling, in which a user can enter and exit and remain stationary, and radiates radiant heat to at least the chest of the user, a heat generating means is disposed inside or outside at least the floor, wall or ceiling portion, and radiates radiant heat through these into the closed space; A radiant heat imparting chamber for improving the psychological and physiological state of the human body, having a structure in which radiant heat is confined within the closed space by arranging a reflecting means inside or outside at least the floor, wall or ceiling part where the heat generating means is not arranged, which reflects the radiant heat from the heat generating means and irradiates the reflected heat into the closed space.

5. A radiant heat-imparting chamber for improving the psychological and physiological states of the human body as described in claim 4, wherein the reflecting means is formed of aluminum foil material or thin plate and is attached along the planar direction of the floor, wall, or ceiling on which the foil material or thin plate is arranged.

6. A radiant heat-imparting chamber for improving the psychological and physiological state of the human body as described in claim 4, wherein the heat generating means is a pipe or an electric heating wire through which a thermal fluid flows, and the pipe or the electric heating wire is laid along the planar direction of the floor, wall or ceiling.

7. The radiant heat imparting chamber for improving the psychological and physiological states of the human body according to any one of claims 4 to 6, wherein a heat insulating material is arranged inside or outside the floor, wall or ceiling.

8. 8. The radiant heat imparting chamber for improving the psychological and physiological states of the human body according to claim 4, wherein a part of the wall or ceiling is formed of a heat insulating glass material.

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