A Comparison between Effects of Aroma Massage and Meridian Massage on Constipation and Stress in Women College Students

Abstract

Purpose: This study was done to compare the effects of abdominal aroma massage and meridian massage on constipation and stress in college women with functional constipation. Methods: The participants were 38 college women, 18 were in the aroma group and 20 in the meridian group. The aroma massage was given using aroma oil which was a mixture of lemon, lavender, rosemary, and cyprus. The meridian massage was given at 9 accupoints which influence intestinal functions. The treatment was given 5 days a week for 4 weeks. A constipation severity score, weekly defecation frequency, and a stress response score were measured before and every week of 4 weeks of the experiment. Results: While there was no significant difference between two groups, there was a significant difference within the groups in the constipation severity (aroma group: 1st week, meridian group: except 4th week), defecation frequency (aroma group: 3rd week, meridian group: 2nd and 3rd week), and stress (aroma group: all weeks, meridian group: except 4th week) after different duration of experiment. Conclusion: Based on these results, both abdominal massages relieved constipation and stress. Resorting to either types of massage will contribute to the reduction of use of stool softeners, suppositories, or enemas.

Complementary and Alternative Therapies for Chronic Constipation

“…In spite of this, the 3 articles were in lack of sham control and blind method and of very small sample size. In brief, these 17 studies showed that massage increased defecation frequency [ 63 , 65 , 66 , 76 ], relieved abdominal pain syndrome [ 66 ], and decreased Gastrointestinal Symptoms Rating Scale [ 66 ] and Constipation Assessment Scale [ 71 ] but could not decrease laxative use [ 66 ].…”

“…Various mediums have been used in manipulation of massage, but it is unclear which methods are better. Aroma oil, which is often used in massage, did not seem to be more effective than the meridian massage [ 65 ]. Massage may work on constipation in children and seniors.…”

The effects of aroma massage and foot bath on psychophysiological response in stroke patients

“…First, back massage and foot bath were found to reduce stress. Satou et al 24 ) found significant decrease in psychological stress after aromatherapy massage using aroma oil on elderly patients under long-term hospitalization, and Chung & Choi 25 ) found that the effects of aroma massage on stress in women college students. In addition, the findings of the present study were consistent with previous research results in that Kim & Kim 26 ) found that aroma self-foot reflexology massage can be utilized as an effective intervention for stress and fatigue, and Effati-Daryani et al 27 ) found that Lavender cream with foot bath can be used for reducing their stress, anxiety and depression.…”

The Effects of Essential Oil Inhalation on the Stress and Sympathetic Nerve Activity

“…방법에는 복부마사지가 스트레에 완화에 미치는 영향 (Chung MY et al, 2011) 손 마사지가 스트레스 반응에 미치 는 영향 (Lee HS et al, 2007), 근전도 바이오 피드백, 침 요법, 척주교정, 발반사 요법, 운동요법, 요가요법 (Kiser et al, 2008) (Buckle, 2003). 이는 호흡을 통해 전신에 퍼져 효소들과 화학적 반응을 하기 때문에 그 효과가 우수 하며 심리적, 신체적 이완의 상승효과를 가져오게 된다 (Oh HK et al, 2001).…”