Saeki Y
Complementary Therapies in Medicine, 2000
ABSTRACT:
OBJECTIVES:
This study was designed to investigate the effect of foot-bath with or without the essential oil of lavender on the autonomic nervous system.
DESIGN:
Randomized crossover controlled study.
SETTING:
Nursing college, Nagano, Japan.
INTERVENTION:
Young women sat with their feet soaked in hot water for 10 minutes with and without the essential oil.
OUTCOME MEASURES:
An electrocardiogram, finger tip blood flow and respiratory rate were recorded. Autonomic function was evaluated using spectral analysis of heart rate variability.
RESULTS:
The foot-bath caused no changes in heart or respiratory rates, but produced a significant increase in blood flow. Using spectral analysis, the parasympathetic nerve activity increased significantly during the both types of foot-bath. In the case of the foot-bath with the addition of essential oil of lavender, there were delayed changes to the balance of autonomic activity in the direction associated with relaxation.
CONCLUSION:
A hot foot-bath and oil of lavender appear to be associated with small but significant changes in autonomic activity.
CITATION:
Saeki Y. The effect of foot-bath with or without the essential oil of lavender on the autonomic nervous system: a randomized trial. Complement Ther Med. 2000;8(1):2-7.
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