Massage oil and fragrant herbs and flowers

Study on the effect of aroma massage on constipation

Diğdem Lafcı, Mağfiret Kaşikçi

November 2022

Metabolism / Stomach / Intestines

Wellness with treatments

Constipation is a common health problem in older people. Abdominal massage is thought to stimulate rectal filling by increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

The aim of this study from Mersın University was to investigate the effects of aromatherapy massage on constipation in the elderly.

Forty-eight elderly people with constipation were randomly assigned to an aromatherapy massage group and a control group . Massage was performed in the experimental group for 15 minutes once a day for three weeks using a blend of oils.

During and after the aromatherapy massage, the average values for stool frequency, stool quantity and stool consistency increased significantly in the intervention group. The average values for "pressing during bowel movements" and "feeling of incomplete evacuation" decreased.

The aromatherapy massage increased stool frequency, stool quantity and stool consistency, while it reduced straining during bowel movements and the feeling of incomplete evacuation.

The most important information on the study at a glance

Indications: Constipation
Institution: Mersın University, Faculty of Nursing, Department of Nursing, Mersın TR-33010, Turkey
Title: Study on the effect of aroma massage on constipation
Brief description: The study shows that aromatherapy massage relieves constipation in older people and improves stool frequency, quantity and consistency.
Original title: The effect of aroma massage on constipation in elderly individuals
Link to the study: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/36372282/