Using Ryodoraku Measurement to Evaluate the Impact of Environmental Noise on Human Physiological Response

Abstract

According to relevant studies on the influence of indoor sound environment on human responses, long-term exposure to excessive indoor noise can have a significant effect on human physiological responses, such as heart rate variability, electroencephalography and blood pressure. Moreover, it may cause tinnitus, palpitation and headache. In order to find out the impact of noise environment on human physiological response changes, this study undertook experiments in a Lab with a precise control of environmental factors and based on the viewpoint of meridian of traditional Chinese medicine, the changes in human autonomic nervous response and the degree of effect on corresponding meridians after 45 min stimulation of white noise environment at 40 dB (A), 50 dB (A), 60 dB (A) and 70 dB (A) sound pressure levels, were evaluated. The analysis of the experimental results found that, the human Heart Constrictor meridians, Heart meridians and Triple Heater meridians were related to pericardium, blood vessel and blood circulation system; and are likely to be influenced by the noise environment stimulation. When the noise sound pressure level exceeded 60 dB (A), the human Bladder meridians and Gall Bladder meridians related to ears, eyes, shoulder joints, digestive system and endocrine system could be influenced significantly.