The Effect of Aroma Massage on Constipation in Elderly Individuals

Background: Constipation is a health problem commonly seen in the elderly individuals. Abdominal massage is thought to stimulate the rectal loading by increasing intra-abdominal pressure.

Purpose: To determine effects of aromatherapy massage on constipation in the elderly individuals.

Methods: Forty eight elderly individuals with constipation were randomized to aromatherapy massage, and control groups. Massage was applied with oil blend to the experimental group during 3 weeks, once a day and lasting 15 min.

Results: During aroma massage and after aroma massage in intervention group, mean scores related to 'defecation number', 'amount of feces' and 'consistency of feces' were increased and these increases were statistically significant. The mean scores related to 'straining during defecation' and 'feeling of incomplete discharge of feces' were decreased.

Conclusion: It was determined that aroma massage practice has increased 'frequency of defecation', 'amount of feces' and 'consistency of feces' but decreased the 'straining during defecation' and 'feeling of incomplete discharge of feces'.