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Research: SAEKI, Department of A
Listed in Issue 64
Abstract
SAEKI, Department of Anatomy and Physiology, Nagano College of Nursing, Japan investigated the effect of a foot bath with or without lavender essential oil on the autonomic nervous system .
Background
Methodology
In this randomized, controlled, cross-over study, young women sat with their feet soaking in hot water, with or without lavender essential oil, for 10 minutes. An electrocardiogram (ECG), finger tip blood flow and respiratory rate were recorded. Spectral analysis of heart rate variability was used to evaluate autonomic function.
Results
Foot bathing (with or without lavender essential oil) caused a significant increase in finger tip blood flow, but no changes in heart or respiratory rates, and a significant increase in parasympathetic nerve activity (as evaluated by spectral analysis). The foot bath with lavender essential oil caused delayed changes in the balance of autonomic activity in the direction associated with relaxation .
Conclusion
A hot foot bath and lavender essential oil appear to be associated with small but significant changes in autonomic activity .
References
Saeki Y. The effect of foot-bath with or without the essential oil of lavender on the autonomic nervous system: a randomized trial. Complementary Therapies in Medicine 8 (1): 2-7. Mar 2000.
