Aromatherapy Positively Affects Mood, Eeg Patterns of Alertness and Math Computations

Aromatherapy Positively Affects Mood, EEG Patterns of Alertness

And Math Computations

This study was done on volunteers of University of Miami Medical School; there were 40 adults in all their average age was in the 30. 30 female and 10 males, 43% White, 15% African American and 42% Hispanic. The purpose of this study was to see if aromatherapy positively effect people in the brain. The participants were randomly selected in 2 separate groups. Before any study was done the volunteers took a pre- test containing math problems, anxiety levels and visual test. The researcher recorded the participants mood, EEG patterns and the accuracy plus speed of person. Then the two groups were given 2 different aromas. One group had Lavender and the other Rosemary. The aromatherapy was given by a researcher and helps the volunteers to a massage chair. Three drops of Lavender or Rosemary essential oil were mixed with 10% concentrated in grapeseed oil. It was held underneath their noses for 3 minutes. After the 3 minutes each group was given anxiety level test and visual test also some math problems. The result show that the Lavender group was relaxed, increased in beta power and did the math problems quick and accurate had less depressed moods but increased drowsiness. With the Rosemary group they were relaxed but decreased in beta power and increased alertness they also showed the in the math problems they worked fast but weren't very accurate. The researcher were surprised to find that the Lavender group improved being Lavender is a very relaxing scent. The author and researchers was Miguel A. Diego, Nancy Jones, Tiffany Fields and Maria Hernandez-Reif from the University Of Miami School Of Medicine. Also, Saul Schanberg, Cynthia Kuhn and Virginia McAdam of Duke University of Medical School and Robert and Mary Galamaga from Miami Aromatherapy, Inc.

In this research I found that it is what I expected. I knew that Lavender was a relaxing and soothing aroma, so when I saw that it lessened the mood of depression I knew they were heading to the right direction. I believe that this study will help me as a massage therapist. I am now more knowledgeable on what certain aromas can do to people. I can use it while I'm massaging a client. I will be able to help them at work or at home with their families.