Effects of Aromatherapy Massage on Dry Eye Disease via the Autonomic Nervous System Regulation
Hsiu-Yin Kuo,
Chang-Tsen Hung,
Chin-Cheng Hsieh,
Hsiao-Chuan Wen,
Chao-Kai Chang
Issue:
Volume 8, Issue 4, December 2022
Pages:
76-82
Received:
28 September 2022
Accepted:
14 October 2022
Published:
28 October 2022
DOI:
10.11648/j.jfmhc.20220804.11
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Views:
Abstract: Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES), also called as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), which is the condition of having dry eyes. Essential oils have drawn attention from researchers, practitioners, and therapists for their biological activities, due to pharmacological responses in the nervous system. Although there are limited reports regarding the effects of essential oils on dry eye disease, massaging clary sage and rosewood oils around the eyes, head, and neck may help alleviate dry eye. Purpose: In this study assessed the effects of an 8-week aromatherapy massage on tear secretion and autonomic nervous function adjustment in patients with dry eye symptoms. Methods: Sixty patients with dry eye symptoms aged 50–78 years were recruited and divided into three groups: massaged with a base (grapeseed) oil, essential (0.8% clary sage and rosewood) oils, and control (no treatment) groups. Ocular surface disease index, ocular surface analyzer, and heart rate variability were assessed. Overall, 8 cycles were performed over a period of 2 months. Results: Aromatherapy massage is using massage oil or lotion containing essential oils. These molecules will inhale or absorbed through the skin during the massage. The results showed that aromatherapy massage improved lipid layer quality, blinking quality, meniscus height, and noninvasive tear black-up time. Heart rate, standard deviation of heartbeat interval, low-frequency (LF) power, normalized LF power ratio (LF%), high-frequency (HF) power, and normalized HF power ratio (HF%) were altered in the aromatherapy massage group. Conclusion: The effects of aromatherapy massage on dry eye symptoms were improved through the lipid layer, blinking quality, meniscus height, and noninvasive tear black-up time. Aromatherapy massage using 0.8% clary sage and rosewood oils improved dry eye symptoms through autonomic activities.
Abstract: Background: Dry eye syndrome (DES), also called as keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), which is the condition of having dry eyes. Essential oils have drawn attention from researchers, practitioners, and therapists for their biological activities, due to pharmacological responses in the nervous system. Although there are limited reports regarding the ...
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