[COMMENT: After we finally stop laughing at the utter absurdity of using aromatherapy, of all things, to treat MCS (BIG DUH), we do have to wonder what "period effects" are that restricted the results in the first period??? Seriously, can we do some REAL research for a change and stop trying to "relax" people in the hopes that relaxing will make medical conditions go away? Relaxing doesn't cure cancer, it doesn't cure brain tumors, and it won't cure MCS. Big waste of research $$$]
The feasibility of aromatherapy massage to reduce symptoms of Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance: A pilot study.
Araki A, Watanabe K, Eitaki Y, Kawai T, Kishi R. Complement Ther Med. 2012 Dec;20(6):400-8. doi: 10.1016/j.ctim.2012.07.005. Epub 2012 Aug 16.
Hokkaido University Graduate School of Medicine, Department of Public Health Sciences, Japan; Hokkaido University, Centre for Environmental and Health Sciences, Japan.
Abstract
OBJECTIVES:
Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI) is an acquired disorder with multiple recurrent symptoms, which is associated with diverse environmental factors that are tolerated by the majority of people. IEI is an illness of uncertain aetiology, making it difficult to treat using conventional medicine. Therefore, there is a need for novel therapies to control the symptoms of IEI. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of aromatherapy massage for individuals with IEI.
Idiopathic Environmental Intolerance (IEI) is an acquired disorder with multiple recurrent symptoms, which is associated with diverse environmental factors that are tolerated by the majority of people. IEI is an illness of uncertain aetiology, making it difficult to treat using conventional medicine. Therefore, there is a need for novel therapies to control the symptoms of IEI. The objective of this study was to evaluate the feasibility and impact of aromatherapy massage for individuals with IEI.
DESIGN:
Non-blinded crossover trial.
Non-blinded crossover trial.
SETTING:
IEI patients who attended a clinic in Sapporo city were recruited, and sixteen patients were enrolled. Participants were clinically examined by an experienced medical doctor and met the criteria included in the working definition of IEI disorder.
IEI patients who attended a clinic in Sapporo city were recruited, and sixteen patients were enrolled. Participants were clinically examined by an experienced medical doctor and met the criteria included in the working definition of IEI disorder.
INTERVENTIONS:
During the active period, participants received four one-hour aromatherapy massage sessions every two weeks. During the control period, the participants did not receive any massages.
During the active period, participants received four one-hour aromatherapy massage sessions every two weeks. During the control period, the participants did not receive any massages.
MAIN OUTCOME MEASUREMENTS:
Scores on the IEI-scales trigger checklist, symptoms, life impact, and the State Anxiety Inventory were assessed before and after each period. Short-term mood enhancement was evaluated using the Profiles of Mood Status (POMS) before and after sessions.
Scores on the IEI-scales trigger checklist, symptoms, life impact, and the State Anxiety Inventory were assessed before and after each period. Short-term mood enhancement was evaluated using the Profiles of Mood Status (POMS) before and after sessions.
RESULTS:
Due to period effects, evaluation of the results had to be restricted to the first period, and the result showed no effect of intervention. All six sub-scales of the POMS improved after each session (mean score differences: 4.89-1.33, P<0.05).
Due to period effects, evaluation of the results had to be restricted to the first period, and the result showed no effect of intervention. All six sub-scales of the POMS improved after each session (mean score differences: 4.89-1.33, P<0.05).
CONCLUSIONS:
Aromatherapy was well tolerated by subjects with IEI; however, aromatherapy, as applied in this study, did not suggest any specific effects on IEI condition.
Aromatherapy was well tolerated by subjects with IEI; however, aromatherapy, as applied in this study, did not suggest any specific effects on IEI condition.
PMID: 23131370 [PubMed - in process]
