Analysis of Experimental Researches in Korea on the Effects of Aromatherapy to Relieve Pain.
- Author:
Jeong Sook PARK
1
;
Jeong Eon PARK
;
Jang Soon YANG
;
Hye Weon KWAK
;
Jung An HAN
Author Information
1. Department of Nursing, Keimyung University, Daegu, Korea.
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Aromatherapy;
Pain;
Systematic review
- MeSH:
Arm;
Aromatherapy;
Arthralgia;
Blood Pressure;
Chamaemelum;
Dysmenorrhea;
Female;
Headache;
Humans;
Information Services;
Inhalation;
Korea;
Labor Pain;
Lavandula;
Massage;
Oils;
Oils, Volatile;
Pregnancy;
Surveys and Questionnaires
- From:Korean Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care
2011;14(1):8-19
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:Korean
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE: This study identifies research trends and provides fundamental data related to curative power of aromatherapy to relieve pain in Korea. METHODS: The study analyzed 44 experimental studies on humans that were published in Korea before the end of December, 2009. The key words used for searching were: aroma, aromatherapy, hyang-yobeob, hyanggi-yobeob, hyanggichilyo, aromatherapy and pain, headache, scapulodynia, omodynia, feeling uncomfortable in the perineal region, sense of pain, labor pains, arm pain, menstrual pain, aches, and dysmenorrheal. Those words were found on websites, including those for Korea Education & Research Information Service, the National Assembly Library, KISS, KoreaMed, and NDSL. Collected data were analyzed using descriptive statistics. RESULTS: The results showed that most of essential oils to relieve pain is composed of three to four kinds of oils, including Lavender, Roman chamomile, Rosemary, and Clarysage. Aromatherapy is applied usually by means of massage (50%), inhalation (13.6%), or a combination of the above two (13.6%). Measuring instruments as a dependent variable include VAS, questionnaire, GRS, blood pressure, pulse, and Algometer. Aromatherapy plays an important role in soothing headaches and arthralgia. However, when it comes to labor and menstrual pain, it doesn't seem to be effective. CONCLUSION: The study found that different kinds of oil, frequencies, and periods of time are used for the same symptoms. Further research should employ standardized oil blending, application, duration, and measuring instruments, and more systematically analyze the effects of aromatherapy to establish the effects on relieving pain.
