The Benefits of Aromatherapy for Students

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Introduction
Aromatherapy is defined as the therapeutic usage of fragrant liquids in order to advance mental and physical health (Lua & Zakaria, 2012). These therapeutic oils are made from the distilling or steaming of plants (Lua & Zakaria, 2012). Some various uses of aromatherapy include wound-healing, sedative, antibacterial, analgesic, calming, and stimulating effects (Lua & Zakaria, 2012). Aromatherapy claims to have its roots in India as well as ancient Egypt (Lua & Zakaria, 2012). Studies that show that the use of oils, such as lavender, can be used to control symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, and pain in patients of postoperative events (Kim, Kim, Yeo, Hong, Lee, & Jeon, 2011). Essential oils provide individuals relief from fatigue and allow them to have a better mood and overall better mental and physical health (Takeda, Tsujuta, Kaya, Takemura, & Oku, 2008).
This study will be conducted using the olfactory system, testing multiple essential oils. The most effective way to alleviate stress and anxiety is through central nervous system stimulation, which can be produced through the olfactory system (Takeda et al., 2008). The olfactory system stimulation produces “pleasant” and “unpleasant” emotions making a change in the autonomic nervous system and endocrine system producing central commands (Takeda et al., 2008).
The purpose of this study is to test the theory that essential oils will elicit a positive response through the use of olfactory stimulation. The use of essential oils, in particular lavender, clary sage, and bergamot, can be beneficial to individuals who lead a high-stress lifestyle, especially students in nursing school. The use of alternative medicine is often overlooked in the healthcare world, but throu...

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...S., Kim, H., Yeo, J., Hong, S., Lee, J., & Jeon, Y. (2011). The effect of lavender oil on stress by spectral index values and needle insertion pain in volunteers. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 17(9), 823-826.
LoBiondo-Wood, G., & Haber, J. (2010). Nursing research. (7 ed.). St. Louis, MO: Mosby Inc.
Lua, P., & Zakaria, N. (2012). A brief review of current scientific evidence involving aromatherapy use for nausea and vomiting . The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 18(6), 534-540. doi: 10.1089/acm.2010.0862
Merriam-webster dictionary . (2013 ). Retrieved from http://www.merriam-webster.com/
Takeda, H., Tsujita, J., Kaya, M., Takemura, M., & Oku, Y. (2008). Differences between the physiologic and psychologic effects of aromatherapy body treatments. The Journal of Alternative and Complementary Medicine, 14(6), 655-661.

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