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Chung and Choi: A Comparison between Effects of Aroma Massage and Meridian Massage on Constipation and Stress in Women College Students
Original Article
Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing

Journal of Korean Academy of Nursing 2011; 41(1): 26-35.

Published online: 28 February 2011

DOI: https://doi.org/10.4040/jkan.2011.41.1.26

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

Miyoung Chung1, 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, eschoi@catholic.ac.kr

Received 7 August 2010       Accepted 25 February 2011

© 2011 Korean Society of Nursing Science

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 and Tables

Figure 1
Research design. CSI = constipation severity instrument; SRI = stress response inventory.
jkan-41-26-g001
Figure 2
Aroma massage.
jkan-41-26-g002
Figure 3
Meridian massage.
jkan-41-26-g003
Table 1
Homogeneity Test for General Characteristics and Bowel Movement of Participants
jkan-41-26-i001

*Fisher's exact test.

Table 2
Homogeneity Test of Research Variables
jkan-41-26-i002

CSI = constipation severity instrument; SRI = stress response inventory.

Table 3
Comparison of CSI Score, Number of Defecations, and SRI Score for the two Groups
jkan-41-26-i003

a,b,c,d,e,f,g,h,i,j,k,l,m,n: Same letters are significantly different; G = group; T = time.

Notes

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

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