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PubMed1995

Complementary therapies in nursing. Implications for practice using aromatherapy as an example.

This paper explores the use of aromatherapy within nursing. Beliefs and values which may influence nursing are explored and how these frequently parallel the philosophies that influence complementary therapies. Organisational and professional factors which may influence the use of aromatherapy are considered. The development of policies to guide aromatherapy practice plus identifying the most appropriate person to undertake this care is discussed. Justifying care is explored via the development of research based practice and the generation of appropriate knowledge to guide practice. Although the paper is based on aromatherapy many of the issues raised are relevant to other complementary therapies. Similarly, the word 'nurse' is used but the issues also relate to the practice of aromatherapy within midwifery and health visiting.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2004

Aromatherapy practice in nursing: literature review.

BACKGROUND: The use of aromatherapy in nursing care continues to be popular in many settings. Most of the nursing literature relates to the use of essential oils in low doses for massage or use of the oils as environmental fragrances. Information from the wider literature may add to the evidence base for use of this therapy in nursing. AIM: This paper reports a literature relating to the use of aromatherapy by nurses and critically evaluates the evidence to support this practice. METHOD: Medline, CINAHL, MANTIS and EBSCO Host databases were searched for papers related to use of essential oils and/or aromatherapy. Papers were also obtained through cross-checking of reference lists. A total of 165 articles have been included in this review. Nursing papers were published since 1990 were included, but some references from 1971 onwards relating to scientific research conducted on essential oils were also included. These remain valuable as they are probably the only reference available for a specific oil or property, or show the development of knowledge in this area. Papers were excluded if they consisted only of brief case studies presented in abstract form. The review covers key professional issues and the principal areas of clinical practice where aromatherapy is used. FINDINGS: Despite calls for more research in the 1980s and 1990s, there is still little empirical evidence to support the use of aromatherapy in nursing practice beyond enhancing relaxation. Its popularity needs to be balanced against the potential risks related to allergies, safety and inappropriate use by inexperienced users. CONCLUSIONS: There is great potential for more collaborative research by nurses to explore the clinical applications in greater detail and to move beyond the low dose paradigm of application of essential oils.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2004

A randomized controlled trial of aromatherapy massage in a hospice setting.

Research suggests that patients with cancer, particularly in the palliative care setting, are increasingly using aromatherapy and massage. There is good evidence that these therapies may be helpful for anxiety reduction for short periods, but few studies have looked at the longer term effects. This study was designed to compare the effects of four-week courses of aromatherapy massage and massage alone on physical and psychological symptoms in patients with advanced cancer. Forty-two patients were randomly allocated to receive weekly massages with lavender essential oil and an inert carrier oil (aromatherapy group), an inert carrier oil only (massage group) or no intervention. Outcome measures included a Visual Analogue Scale (VAS) of pain intensity, the Verran and Snyder-Halpern (VSH) sleep scale, the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) scale and the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL). We were unable to demonstrate any significant long-term benefits of aromatherapy or massage in terms of improving pain control, anxiety or quality of life. However, sleep scores improved significantly in both the massage and the combined massage (aromatherapy and massage) groups. There were also statistically significant reductions in depression scores in the massage group. In this study of patients with advanced cancer, the addition of lavender essential oil did not appear to increase the beneficial effects of massage. Our results do suggest, however, that patients with high levels of psychological distress respond best to these therapies.

Adult↗
PubMed1999

An evaluation of aromatherapy massage in palliative care.

The use of complementary therapies, such as massage and aromatherapy massage, is rising in popularity among patients and healthcare professionals. They are increasingly being used to improve the quality of life of patients, but there is little evidence of their efficacy. This study assessed the effects of massage and aromatherapy massage on cancer patients in a palliative care setting. We studied 103 patients, who were randomly allocated to receive massage using a carrier oil (massage) or massage using a carrier oil plus the Roman chamomile essential oil (aromatherapy massage). Outcome measurements included the Rotterdam Symptom Checklist (RSCL), the State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) and a semi-structured questionnaire, administered 2 weeks postmassage, to explore patients' perceptions of massage. There was a statistically significant reduction in anxiety after each massage on the STAI (P < 0.001), and improved scores on the RSCL: psychological (P < 0.001), quality of life (P < 0.01), severe physical (P < 0.05), and severe psychological (P < 0.05) subscales for the combined aromatherapy and massage group. The aromatherapy group's scores improved on all RSCL subscales at the 1% level of significance or better, except for severely restricted activities. The massage group's scores improved on four RSCL subscales but these improvements did not reach statistical significance. Massage with or without essential oils appears to reduce levels of anxiety. The addition of an essential oil seems to enhance the effect of massage and to improve physical and psychological symptoms, as well as overall quality of life.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[The effects of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and life satisfaction of arthritis patients].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of aromatherapy on pain, depression, and feelings of satisfaction in life of arthritis patients. METHOD: This study used a quasi-experimental design with a non-equivalent control group, pre-and post-test. The sample consisted of 40 patients, enrolled in the Rheumatics Center, Kangnam St. Mary's Hospital, South Korea. The essential oils used were lavender, marjoram, eucalyptus, rosemary, and peppermint blended in proportions of 2:1:2:1:1. They were mixed with a carrier oil composed of almond (45%), apricot(45%), and jojoba oil(10%) and they were diluted to 1.5% after blending. The data were analyzed using an 2-test, Fisher's exact test, t-test and paired t-test. RESULT: Aromatherapy significantly decreased both the pain score and the depression score of the experimental group compared with the control group. However, aromatherapy didn't increase the feeling of satisfaction in life of the experimental group compared with the control group. CONCLUSION: The result of this study clearly shows that aromatherapy has major effects on decreasing pain and depression levels. Based on our experiment's findings, we suggest that aromatherapy can be a useful nursing intervention for arthritis patients.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2001

The role of aromatherapy in nursing care.

Aromatherapy is the fastest growing of all complementary therapies among nurses in the United States. Although aromatherapy has been used by the public for recreation for thousands of years and by nurses throughout the world during the last 15 years, it is only in the last few years that aromatherapy has become recognized by US State Boards of Nursing as a legitimate part of holistic nursing. Aromatherapy is now set to become one of the most popular tools that nurses can use to enhance their nursing care and simultaneously empower themselves. This article explores the potential role of aromatherapy in nursing, highlights four essential oils, and suggests practical ways that nurses can begin using this gentle therapy.

Adult↗
PubMed2002

The effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

This study was designed to investigate the effects of aromatherapy on pruritus in patients with chronic renal failure undergoing hemodialysis. The participants were 29 adult patients living in Seoul, Korea. Thirteen patients were assigned to the experimental group and received the aromatherapy massage on the arm 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Pruritus score, skin pH, stratum corneum hydration, and pruritus-related biochemical markers were measured before and after the treatment. The results showed that pruritus score was significantly decreased after aromatherapy. Skin pH showed no significant changes in either group while stratum corneum hydration increased significantly in the experimental group after aromatherapy. The results support the use aromatherapy as a useful and effective method of managing pruritus in patients undergoing hemodialysis.

Adult↗
PubMed2001

Aromatherapy and behaviour disturbances in dementia: a randomized controlled trial.

A random controlled trial of the relaxing effects of an aromatherapy massage on disordered behaviour in dementia was conducted. Twenty-one patients were randomly allocated into one of three conditions, aromatherapy and massage (AM), conversation and aromatherapy (CA) and massage only (M). AM showed the greatest reduction in the frequency of excessive motor behaviour of all three conditions. This reached statistical significance between the hours of three and four pm (p < 0.05). Post hoc analysis suggested that at this time of day the AM consistently reduced motor behaviour when compared with CA (p = 0.05). This provides preliminary evidence of a measurable sedative effect of aromatherapy massage on dementia within a robust scientific paradigm. Further research is recommended with an expanded sample size.

Aged↗
PubMed2006

Reducing the symptoms of lymphoedema: is there a role for aromatherapy?

Lymphoedema is a chronic and debilitating condition caused by lymphatic insufficiency, which may have serious physical, social and psychological implications for the patient. It is usually managed by a combination of strategies aimed at protecting and decongesting the oedematous limb(s) and stimulating the development of supplementary lymphatic pathways to control swelling in the long-term. However, it is not known which therapies are the most effective. Anecdotally, the addition of aromatherapy oils to massage cream may have a positive effect on symptom relief in people with cancer, although evidence is again lacking. This paper describes a randomized trial of self-massage and skin care using a cream containing aromatherapy oils versus self-massage and skin care using a cream without aromatherapy oils on objective limb volume measurements and symptom relief as measured by the Measure Yourself Medical Outcome Profile 2 (MYMOP2) in a sample of people with lymphoedema. Results indicate that self-massage and skin care significantly improved patient-identified symptom relief and wellbeing for this sample. It also slightly, but not significantly reduced limb volume. However, aromatherapy oils, carefully chosen on the basis that they should benefit this group, did not appear to influence any improvement in these measures.

Anthropometry↗
PubMed2003

A pilot study addressing the effect of aromatherapy massage on mood, anxiety and relaxation in adult mental health.

This study was carried out with eight subjects specifically referred for aromatherapy; each received a standardised aromatherapy massage weekly for 6 weeks. The subjects' levels of anxiety and depression were measured using the Hospital Anxiety and Depression (HAD) Scale prior to the first massage and after the final massage. The subjects' levels of mood, anxiety and relaxation were recorded using a visual analogue before and after each massage and then again 6 weeks after the last massage. Comparison was made between the HAD Scale results for each client and also the visual analogue scale results for before and after massage and also first massage and 6 weeks postmassage for the sample group. Improvements were shown in six out of eight subjects' HAD Scale results. Improvements were also shown in all areas when comparing the visual analogue scale results. The study was carried out over an 8-month period. To date there have been few studies addressing the effect of aromatherapy massage on mood, anxiety and relaxation (Therapist 9 (1996) 38). It is acknowledged that there may be a number of reasons for this such as factors related to obtaining a sample group, informed consent, the interaction of current medication regimes and so forth. It is acknowledged that whilst this is a small pilot study a number of methodological issues are raised concerning research into the use of aromatherapy in this clinical field. By reporting on this work, it is hoped that this paper will generate reflection, discussion and debate so forwarding the knowledge base in this discipline.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

Patients' views on the factors which would influence the use of an aromatherapy massage out-patient service.

A descriptive survey was carried out in a private surgical hospital over a 4-week period to ascertain patients' views on the potential use of aromatherapy massage as an out-patient service. A short structured questionnaire was personally distributed to a convenience sample of 240 patients, effecting a response rate of 71% (n = 170). Findings revealed that the majority of respondents would use an aromatherapy massage out-patient service. However, influencing factors were highlighted which would materially affect their decision. Important considerations were: a trained practitioner, reputable premises, the gender of therapist, the cost of treatment, and the degree of confidence in aromatherapy massage. In addition, the influence of the medical profession was interesting. Many respondents prefer to be referred by a GP or consultant. This appeared to be due to lack of knowledge and awareness of aromatherapy massage, and complementary therapies in general. Furthermore, there appeared to be a preferred reliance on the medical profession to take responsibility for health care decisions.

Adult↗
PubMed1997

The use of aromatherapy in hospitalized children with HIV disease.

Aromatherapy has been defined as 'the art--and science--of using essential plant oils in treatments ... a truly holistic therapy, taking into account mind, body and spirit ...' (Davis 1991). Aromatherapy is a valuable means of maintaining optimum health, particularly when the dis-ease of the body or mind is related to stress. The process of hospitalization is a potentially stressful experience that has been well researched (Broome et al 1990, Kachoyeanos & Friedhoff 1993, Strachan 1993, Taylor 1991). This paper examines the ways in which massage and aromatherapy could be of benefit to hospitalized children, particularly those infected with Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV). Wright (1995) states that nurses should encourage self-healing by 'putting the patient in the best condition for nature to act'. Aromatherapy massage has the potential to achieve this through inducing relaxation and reducing the stressful aspects of hospitalization. Thus, the author would like to propose the use of this valuable skill as an extension of the nursing role.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2004

Combined modality treatment of aromatherapy, footsoak, and reflexology relieves fatigue in patients with cancer.

BACKGROUND: Fatigue is one of the most distressful symptoms experienced by patients with advanced cancer. Aromatherapy, footsoak, and reflexology are popular health care modality treatments in Japan, however, the effectiveness of each treatment for cancer-related fatigue has not been fully established. DESIGN AND SUBJECTS: To investigate the effectiveness of combined modality treatment consisting of aromatherapy, footsoak, and reflexology against fatigue, an open study was performed in 20 terminally ill patients with cancer. After a patch test was performed, patients received aromatherapy that was accompanied with footsoak in warm water containing lavender essential oil for 3 minutes, followed by reflexology treatment with jojoba oil containing lavender for 10 min. Fatigue was evaluated using the Cancer Fatigue Scale (CFS) before, 1 hour after, and 4 hours after treatment. RESULTS: Total CFS scores improved significantly after this treatment (from 25.6 +/- 11.0 to 18.1 +/- 10.0, p < 0.001). Among three CFS subscales, physical and cognitive subscale scores were reduced significantly (11.3 +/- 6.1 to 6.7 +/- 6.1, p < 0.001; 4.5 +/- 3.2 to 2.4 +/- 2.4, p < 0.001). No adverse effects were experienced. Because all patients desired to continue this treatment, they received treatment eight times on average. CONCLUSIONS: Combined modality treatment consisting of aromatherapy, footsoak, and reflexology appears to be effective for alleviating fatigue in terminally ill cancer patients. To confirm safety and effectiveness of this combined modality treatment, further investigation including randomized treatment assignment is warranted.

Aged↗
PubMed1997

Essential oils and 'aromatherapy': their modern role in healing.

'Aromatherapy' is one of the most actively growing forms of alternative medicine combining massage together with counselling and a nice odour. Most clients suffer from some kind of stress-related disorder and aromatherapy encourages the healing process largely through relaxation and the relief of stress. Stress is also a major problem in hospitals, hospices and homes for the aged and physically or mentally-challenged. Aromatherapy is welcomed by nurses who want to be closer to their patient and doctors who can refer patients with stress-related disorders who do not respond to conventional medicines. The actual mode of action of essential oils in vivo is still far from known, although there is strong in vitro evidence that essential oils can act as an antimicrobial or antioxidant agent or have a pharmacological effect on various tissues. Studies have shown that essential oils have an effect on brainwaves and can also alter behaviour. It is possible that most of the effect of the oils is probably transmitted through the brain via the olfactory system. Used professionally and safely, aromatherapy can be of great benefit as an adjunct to conventional medicine or used simply as an alternative.

Aromatherapy↗
PubMed2004

Does aromatherapy massage benefit patients with cancer attending a specialist palliative care day centre?

A randomised controlled pilot study was carried out to examine the effects of adjunctive aromatherapy massage on mood, quality of life and physical symptoms in patients with cancer attending a specialist unit. Participants were randomised to conventional day care alone or day care plus weekly aromatherapy massage using a standardised blend of oils for four weeks. At baseline and at weekly intervals, patients rated their mood, quality of life and the intensity and bother of two symptoms most important to them. Forty-six patients were recruited to the study. Due to a large number of withdrawals, only 11 of 23 (48%) patients in the aromatherapy group and 18 of 23 (78%) in the control group completed all four weeks. Mood, physical symptoms and quality of life improved in both groups. There was no statistically significant difference between groups in any of the outcome measures. Despite a lack of measurable benefit, all patients were satisfied with the aromatherapy and wished to continue. Whilst this pilot study has shown that a randomised controlled trial of complementary therapy is feasible, it has also identified several areas that would require further consideration when designing future studies, e.g., the recruitment and retention of appropriate numbers of patients and the outcome measures used.

Aged↗
PubMed2004

[Clinical trial of aromatherapy on postpartum mother's perineal healing].

PURPOSE: This study was designed to verify the effect of aromatherapy on a postpartum mother's perineal healing. METHOD: The research design was a clinical trial. The methods of aromatherapy were applied sitz bath or soap application using essential oils with Lavender, Myrrh, Neroli, Rose, Grapefruit, Mandarin, Orange, and Roman Chamomile. The subjects of this experiment were postpartum mothers who delivered vaginally with an episiotomy. They were allocated to one of three groups; the aroma-sitz bath group, aroma-soap application group or control group. To evaluate the effect of aromatherapy, the perineal healing status was measured using the REEDA scale and smears of episiotomy wound were obtained. The data were analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA, ANCOVA, chi2-test, and multiple response analysis via SPSS program. RESULT: The REEDA scale was significantly low in the experimental group at postpartum 5th and 7th days (P=.009, P=.003), respectively. Most were observed 'few'(5-10 bacteria per field) bacteria in the smears of episiotomy wound. The one bacteria was identified in the 50.8% of subjects in pretest and two bacteria in the 60.3% in posttest. Most frequently identified bacteria were Escherichia coli and Enterococcus faecalis. CONCLUSION: In conclusion, these findings indicate that postpartum aromatherapy for perineal care could be effective in healing the perineum perineal care could be effective in healing the perineum.

Adult↗
PubMed2005

[Effect of aromatherapy massage for the relief of constipation in the elderly].

PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to verify the effect of aromatherapy massage on constipation in the elderly. METHOD: This study for 10 day, employed a randomized control group pretest-posttest design. The experimental group received abdominal massage using essential oils with Rosemary, Lemon, and Peppermint, and the control group received a placebo massage. To evaluate the effect of aromatherapy, the degree of constipation was measured using the CAS(constipation assessment scale) and the number of bowel movements per week. Data was analyzed by repeated measures of ANOVA using the SPSS program. RESULT: The score of CAS of the experimental group was significantly lower than that of the control group. In addition the average number of bowel movements in the experimental group was higher than that of the control group. The effect of aromatherapy lasted 2 weeks after treatment, while the placebo effect lasted 7-10 days after treatment. CONCLUSION: The finding of this study showed that aromatherapy helps relieve constipation in the elderly.

Aged↗
PubMed2005

[The effect of lavender aromatherapy on cognitive function, emotion, and aggressive behavior of elderly with dementia].

PURPOSE: This study was to develop an aromatherapy hand massage program, and to evaluate the effects of lavender aromatherapy on cognitive function, emotion, and aggressive behavior of elderly with dementia of the Alzheimer's type. METHOD: The Research design was a nonequivalent control group non-synchronized quasiexperimental study. Lavender aromatherapy was administrated to experimental group I for 2 weeks, jojoba oil massage was administrated to experimental group II for 2 weeks, and no treatment was administrated to the control group for 2 weeks. Data was analyzed using the chi(2)-test, ANOVA, repeated measures of ANCOVA and ANCOVA in the SPSS program package. RESULT: 1. Experimental group I did not show significant differences in cognitive function in relation to the experimental group II and control group. 2. Experimental group I showed significant differences in emotion and aggressive behavior in relation to the experimental group II and control group. CONCLUSION: A Lavender aromatherapy hand massage program is effective on emotions and aggressive behavior of elderly with dementia of the Alzheimer's type.

Aged↗