Open Access, Peer-reviewed
eISSN 2093-758X
    J Korean Acad Nurs. 2011 Feb;41(1):26-35. Korean.
    Published online Feb 28, 2011.
    https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2011.41.1.26
    © 2011 Korean Society of Nursing Science
    Original Article

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

    Miyoung Chung,1 and Euysoon Choi2
      • 1Full-time Lecture, Department of Nursing, Sunmoon University, Asan, Korea.
      • 2Professor, College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, Seoul, Korea.
    • Address reprint requests to: Choi, Euysoon. College of Nursing, The Catholic University of Korea, 505 Banpo-dong, Seocho-gu, Seoul 137-701, Korea. Tel: +82-2-2258-7401, Fax: +82-2-2258-7772, Email: eschoi@catholic.ac.kr
    Received August 07, 2010; Accepted February 25, 2011.

    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.

    Keywords
    Aromatherapy; Meridians; Massage; Constipation; Stress

    Figures

    Figure 1
    Research design. CSI = constipation severity instrument; SRI = stress response inventory.

    Figure 2
    Aroma massage.

    Figure 3
    Meridian massage.

    Tables

    Table 1
    Homogeneity Test for General Characteristics and Bowel Movement of Participants

    Table 2
    Homogeneity Test of Research Variables

    Table 3
    Comparison of CSI Score, Number of Defecations, and SRI Score for the two Groups

    Notes

    This article is a revision of the first author's doctoral thesis from the Catholic University of Korea.

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    MeSH Terms
    Acupressure*
    Aromatherapy*
    Massage*
    Abdomen
    Acupuncture Points
    Adult
    Constipation/nursing
    Constipation/therapy*
    Female
    Humans
    Questionnaires
    Stress, Psychological/nursing
    Stress, Psychological/therapy*
    Students/psychology*
    Young Adult
    Metrics
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