Abstract
This study aimed to obtain data for guidance on self-care measures for women with premenstrual syndrome by comparing physiological and psychological changes in female students using a footbath with and without aromatic oils.【Subjects and Methods】The subjects were 20 healthy female students (average age, 21.4±1.0years). They were divided into two groups of 10, and their feet were bathed with or without aromatic oils of lemon essence for 15 minutes. Physiological parameters including body temperature, pulse rate, blood pressure, and skin surface temperature of the hands and feet were measured. To determine psychological changes, a questionnaire including relaxation scales and the Moos Menstrual Distress Questionnaire (MDQ) were completed by all the subjects before and after the footbath.【Results】In both the groups, pulses rate and blood pressures decreased just after the footbath, while the skin surface temperatures of the feet increased after the footbath. In addition, the scores after the footbath for 'feeling refreshed' in the relaxation scales and for 'uplifted mood' in MDQ were significantly higher in the aromatic oil group than in the control group. The scores for 'pain' and 'reduced concentration' in MDQ were significantly lower in the aromatic oil group than in the control group after the footbath.【Conclusions】It is suggested that relaxation was achieved in the aromatic oil group.
