두통환자에 대한 아로마치료법의 임상적 고찰

Abstract

In this research, aroma massage, inhalation, and diffusion treatment were used to the subjects aged from 30 to 70 who complained of headaches in rural areas. The purpose of this research is to examine the effects of aromatherapy on headaches and physiological signs (blood pressure, pulse rate, respiration rate) and to provide the results as preliminary data for the usage of aromatherapy as a complementary alternative treatment in dealing with pain caused by headaches. The experiment was conducted from Apr. 1 to July 24, 2005 and the subjects were the patients who had been visiting a health center in N City for headaches. Data were collected at both pretest and posttest and the changes between two periods were compared. Aroma massage was applied on the back and the sides of the neck, the forehead, the temples, and around the eyes six times for two week-period. In between massages, whenever headaches occurred the subjects were advised to inhale aroma from a aroma-scented handkerchief and from a aroma lamp. The severeness of the headaches and changes in the physiological signs were measured before and after the treatment. The findings were as follows: 1. The severeness of the headache after the treatment was reduced significantly. 2. In terms of blood pressure, there was no change in the systole but there was a significant drop in the diastole. 3. Pulse rate dropped significantly after the treatment. 4. Respiration rate dropped significantly after the treatment. As the above findings show, aromatherapy can be an effective complimentary alternative treatment for patients of all ages who suffer from headaches by relieving the pain through relaxation.