JOURNAL

PRESENTATION ON
AQUARIUM THERAPY
PRESENTED BY
S.ALICE SYLVIYA,
M.SC (N( I YEAR,
COLLEGE OF NURSING,
SRIPMS
 INTRODUCTION
Fishes are the most attractive and relaxing species ever.
It gives us happiness by watching their fast and curious
movements in the water.
It is believed that fishes are the sources of positive energy and
also helps in calm and relaxing our body.
Scientifically it is proven that hypnotic effect is produced by
watching the fishes move back and front.
It also has a therapeutic effect on physical and mental disorders.
 DEFINITION

• Aquarium therapy is one of the animal assisted

therapies, where it is interacting with the fish. It
promotes the feeling of well being and positive
effect on mental and physical health.
 HISTORY
• The term ‘aquarium therapy’ was coined in the late 1990s, when
studies first began into the effects of people suffering conditions
like anxiety, depression, high blood pressure, and Alzheimer’s
watching fish.
• Since then, more research has confirmed these early findings:
that fish can indeed have a positive effect on a person’s physical
and mental health.
 HOW DOES AQUARIUM THERAPY WORK?

• Scientists are still debating just how watching fish can help with physical and
mental health conditions in people. Most put it down to the hypnotic effect of
watching fish swim back and forth in their tank; it’s an innately calming
movement, and one that can help to relax the mind and ease muscle tension.
• Others think it goes deeper than that, to something buried in the human
psyche. Alan Beck, director of the Centre of Human-Animal Bond at Purdue
University, in the US, argues that humans have a genetic predisposition
towards nature, and that our preference for seeking out natural environments
is a product of our biological evolution. He believes that people naturally
focus on life and lifelike processes – a tendency which can have many
positive effects within the body.
• In a recent study conducted at the University of Exeter, fish were slowly added to a
large tank in front of a group of test participants. Researchers found that the more
fish, the greater the effect on mood and heart rate – confirming definitively that
watching fish, and not just water, can have a positive impact.
• Nancy Edward, Nursing professor conducted a study that daily exposure to
aquarium therapy improves the nutritional status of Alzheimer’s patients. There was
an increase in 21% of the food they consumed before.
 INDICATIONS
A. Children with ADHD
B. Autism
C. Hypertensive patients
D. Stress and anxiety patients
E. Post op pain
F. Alzheimers disease
 WHAT HAPPENS IN A AQUARIUM
THERAPY
• Research conducted by perdue, states that exposing the people to observe fish tank for 15
minutes each day is beneficial in stimulation of neurotransmitter serotonin which leads to
increased production of endorphins..
• These hormones provides a calming and relaxing effect.
 WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF
AQUARIUM THERAPY?
• Reduces Heart Rate
• In a recent study, aquarium therapy was found to reduce heart rate by as much as
3% in just 10 minutes – helping an individual feel calm and relaxed. It’s hoped that
such treatment could be of particular benefit to those with anxiety and panic
disorders.
• Lowers Blood Pressure
• The same study also revealed that watching an aquarium display can help lower
blood pressure, in some cases by as much as 4%. This effect increased as fish
were added – demonstrating the potential power of aquarium therapy in treating
physical ailments related to the heart.
• Decreases Muscle Tension
• Almost every study into the effects of aquarium therapy found that it can help to
decrease muscle tension, an ailment which contributes to a range of physical and
mental conditions. It’s hoped that repeat treatments could help reduce chronic pain
and ease the symptoms of conditions like anxiety.
• Boosts Mood
• Watching colourful fish swim about merrily has always been an enjoyable
experience, so it makes sense that it helps to boost mood. Several studies have
reported a notable improvement in people’s moods after watching an aquarium
display, confirming that our gilled friends can indeed make us feel happier and more
relaxed.
• Reduces chronic pain
• Increases relaxation
• Improves productivity at work
• Improves sleep quality
• Improves attention and concentration