The Effect of Aromatherapy Abdominal Massage on Alleviating Menstrual Pain in Nursing Students : A Prospective Randomized Cross-Over Study

Dysmenorrhea is a common cause of sickness absenteeism from both classes and work. This study investigated the effect of aromatherapy massage on a group of nursing students who are suffering of primary dysmenorrhea. A randomized blind clinical trial of crossover design was used. In the first treatme...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Evidence-based complementary and alternative medicine 2013-01, Vol.2013 (2013), p.1-6
Main Authors: Marzouk, Tyseer M. F., El-Nemer, Amina M. R., Baraka, Hany N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Abdomen
Absenteeism
Alternative medicine
Analgesics
Aromatherapy
Biofeedback
Bleeding
Cinnamon
Clinical trials
Essential oils
Intervention
Medical research
Menstruation
Nursing
Obstetrics
Oils & fats
Pain
Randomization
Students
Teenagers
Womens health
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Summary:Dysmenorrhea is a common cause of sickness absenteeism from both classes and work. This study investigated the effect of aromatherapy massage on a group of nursing students who are suffering of primary dysmenorrhea. A randomized blind clinical trial of crossover design was used. In the first treatment phase, group 1 (n=48) received aromatherapy abdominal massage once daily for seven days prior to menstruation using the essential oils (cinnamon, clove, rose, and lavender in a base of almond oil). Group 2 (n=47) received the same intervention but with placebo oil (almond oil). In the second treatment phase, the two groups switched to alternate regimen. Level and duration of pain and the amount of menstrual bleeding were evaluated at the baseline and after each treatment phase. During both treatment phases, the level and duration of menstrual pain and the amount of menstrual bleeding were significantly lower in the aromatherapy group than in the placebo group. These results suggests that aromatherapy is effective in alleviating menstrual pain, its duration and excessive menstrual bleeding. Aromatherapy can be provided as a nonpharmacological pain relief measure and as a part of nursing care given to girls suffering of dysmenorrhea, or excessive menstrual bleeding.
ISSN:1741-427X
1741-4288
DOI:10.1155/2013/742421