A study of the effect of lavender floral-water eye-mask aromatherapy on the autonomous nervous system

IntroductionIn contrast to traditional essential aromatherapy, few studies have focused on floral-water eye-mask aromatherapy. This paper presents the effects of using eye-mask aromatherapy treatment with lavender floral water on the autonomous nervous system by using the neural network (NN) based data analysis method.MethodsTwenty two students with long term stress were given eye-mask aromatherapy treatment. Two eyes with the makeup cotton sheets moistened lavender floral water. Heart rate variability (HRV) was measured to estimate the status of the autonomic nervous system before and after the treatment. The NN data relationship analysis method was used to explore the relationship between the eye-mask aromatherapy and the psychological factors associated with HRV.ResultsFrom the NN based data analysis, relationship weightings of psychological factors of the autonomic nervous system changed from 1.6 to 9.1 times after the eye-mask aromatherapy. Moreover, the physical stress index was reduced by 33.5% and total power of HRV was increased by 44.5%, which demonstrated that stress relief occurred as a result of the lavender floral-water eye-mask aromatherapy. The balance of the autonomic nervous system was also improved because the LF/HF ratio was closer near the normal value of healthy people.ConclusionsThe floral-water eye-mask aromatherapy provides an opportunity for use in integrative care by regulating the autonomic nervous system and reducing stress. Details on the principle actions of eye-mask aromatherapy on the autonomic nervous system is indicated from the NN data analysis, which is significant for the application of this potential aromatherapy intervention.