Effects of Aroma Massage on Constipation in Women College Students

아로마 복부마사지가 여대생의 변비에 미치는 효과

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to identify the effects of abdominal aroma massage on constipation in college women with functional constipation. Methods: The participants were 24 college women residing in a dormitory of D college located in Gangwon Province. Thirteen were selected for the abdominal aroma massage group (experimental) and 11 for the simple abdominal massage group (control). The experimental treatment was abdominal aroma massage given 5 days a week for 2 weeks. The aroma massage was given using aroma oil mixed with lemon, lavender, rosemary, and cyprus with carrier oil. Weekly defecation frequency, length of time for defecation, and constipation assessment score were measured before the treatment and at 1 week, and 2 weeks after the treatment. Effects of the treatment were tested using repeated measures ANOVA with the SPSS program. Results: There was no significant difference between the two groups, but there was a significant difference within the experimental group in length of time for defecation (1st and 2nd week) and in constipation assessment score (2nd week). Conclusion: Results of this study indicate that abdominal aroma massage is useful in relieving constipation and can contribute to the reduction of use of stool softeners, suppositories, or enemas. after different duration of experiment.