POTENTIAL OF AROMATHERAPY AS A LIFESTYLE MEASURE IN BLOOD PRESSURE REDUCTION: AN ANCIENT PRACTICE INCORPORATED IN MODERN MEDICINE: PILOT PROJECT

Abstract

Objective: Aromatherapy is ancient practice of using natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being. Despite its long history there is paucity of scientific evidence regarding autonomic response to aromatherapy. Purpose of this prospective study is to evaluate potential beneficial effects of aromatherapy using essential oils Ylang Ylang and Citrus on blood pressure and heart rate in real life practice. Design and method: In this prospective study 52 subjects were involved (mean age 59,2; 71% men) with verified and treated hypertension. The subjects were divided into two groups. Treatment group (N = 21) received aromatherapy and a control group (N = 31) did not receive aromatherapy prior to seeing a nephrologist. Blood pressure measurements were taken before and after aromatherapy. Blood pressure was measured using Omron M6 device as defined by ESH/ESC guidelines and central blood pressure and Pulse Wave Velocity were measured using MobiloGraph. Due to statistical requirements blood pressure was analyzed separately by systolic and diastolic component through paired samples t-test. Statistical differences were tested on significance level of 5%. Results: Statistically significant reduction in systolic (t(20) = 6.338, p = 0.000)) and diastolic blood pressure (t(20) = 4.557, p = 0.000) was found in the treatment group. There was statistically significant improvement in heart rate within treatment group (t(20) = 5.206, p = 0.000)). Heart rate was lowered from 79 ± 12 bpm to 72 ± 11 bpm. Control group had significantly higher systolic (135 ± 18 mmHg) and diastolic (92 ± 13 mmHg) central blood pressure compared to the treatment group (119 ± 10 mmHg and 77 ± 10 mmHg respectively). T-test (students’ t-test) was used for statistical analysis. Conclusions: This pilot study suggests there may be a beneficial effect of short term aromatherapy on blood pressure and heart rate reduction. This practice could be utilized in variety of clinical scenarios such as lessening the white coat effect. Additional studies with larger patient population and longer follow up are needed to gain better insights into the effect of aromatherapy on autonomic system.