The Effects of Inhalation Aromatherapy on Postoperative Abdominal Pain: A Three-Arm Randomized Controlled Clinical Trial

Effects of self-acupressure on quality of life and abdominal pain severity among patients with inflammatory bowel disease: A randomized sham-controlled trial

BACKGROUND

Acupressure is being used by patients to relieve functional gastrointestinal disorders.

OBJECTIVE

The impact of acupressure on quality of life (QoL) and pain has been shown in patients with both acute and chronic conditions. However, its effects on individuals with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) remain uncertain. This trial aims to explore the potential effects of self-acupressure on QoL and abdominal pain severity in IBD patients.

METHODS

This randomized sham-controlled trial involved 56 outpatients with IBD referred to the emergency department, who were randomly assigned to either an acupressure group or a sham group. All patients received standard care along with daily follow-up calls. Those in the acupressure group applied pressure at four specific points, while the sham group engaged in superficial self-touch at corresponding points. Both interventions occurred three times daily for four weeks. The quality of life was assessed using the IBDQ-9 questionnaire and a visual analog scale (VAS) at both baseline and endpoint.

RESULTS

The mean IBDQ-9 score was significantly higher in the acupressure group compared to the sham group at the trial's end (P < 0.001). Likewise, the mean VAS score was notably lower in the acupressure group at the endpoint (P < 0.001). Additionally, the change in mean IBDQ-9 scores from baseline to endpoint favored the acupressure group significantly (P < 0.001), and the same significant difference was observed for the mean VAS score change (P < 0.001).

CONCLUSION

Daily follow-up-guided self-acupressure may improve quality of life and alleviate abdominal pain in IBD sufferers.

Aromatherapy and Essential Oils: Holistic Strategies in Complementary and Alternative Medicine for Integral Wellbeing

Complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) encompasses a variety of ancient therapies with origins in cultures such as those of China, Egypt, Greece, Iran, India, and Rome. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) classifies these integrative therapies into five categories: (1) mind-body therapies, (2) biological practices, (3) manipulative and body practices, (4) energy medicine, and (5) whole medical systems, including traditional Chinese medicine and Ayurvedic medicine. This review explores the role of biological practices utilizing aromatic plants, particularly through inhalation aromatherapy and massage with essential oils, as effective complementary strategies within health systems. The review compiles information on the most commonly used plants and essential oils for holistic health maintenance from a complementary and alternative perspective. Given their accessibility and relative safety compared to conventional treatments, these therapies have gained popularity worldwide. Furthermore, the integration of essential oils has been shown to alleviate various psychological and physiological symptoms, including anxiety, depression, fatigue, sleep disorders, neuropathic pain, nausea, and menopausal symptoms. Among the studied plants, lavender has emerged as being particularly notable due to its broad spectrum of therapeutic effects and its designation by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as "Generally Recognized as Safe". Other essential oils under investigation include eucalyptus, damask rose, sandalwood, vetiver, calamus, frankincense, chamomile, lemon, grapefruit, tangerine, orange, sage, rosemary, garlic, and black pepper. This study emphasizes the potential benefits of these aromatic plants in enhancing patient well-being. Additionally, it underscores the importance of conducting further research to ensure the safety and efficacy of these therapies.

Effects of Orange Oil Aromatherapy on Pain and Anxiety During Invasive Interventions in Patients With Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplants

Invasive interventions, such as peripheral intravenous cannula, port needle placement, and blood collection, are often required for both inpatient and outpatient follow-up patients with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. This prospective, randomized controlled experimental study assessed the effect of orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy on pain and anxiety levels in invasive interventions with hematological malignancies and hematopoietic stem cell transplants. It was conducted prospectively with 80 patients with hematological malignancies who were treated in the adult bone marrow transplant unit and adult hematology service of a private hospital between May 2021 and April 2022. The orange oil inhalation used in aromatherapy was applied to patients in the intervention group. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and State-Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) were used for data collection. Regarding the personal characteristics of the patients, 42.5% were ≥61 years old, 60% were men, and 85% were married. VAS pain scores of the intervention group were statistically lower than those of the control group (P < .001). However, there was no statistically significant difference in the STAI scores of groups (P >.05). The study results show that orange oil inhalation has been determined to reduce pain during invasive interventions.