Effect of inhaling fragrances on relieving pricking pain

Abstract

This study was designed to determine the effect of inhalation of fragrances on the sensation of pricking pain by measuring autonomic responses. Electrical stimulation was applied to the antebrachium or brachium of subjects to stimulate a pricking pain and skin blood flow (BF) and skin conductance level (SCL) at the finger-tip were measured. Subjective pain sensation was evaluated using the Visual Analogue Scale. Pain stimulation produced a significant increase in SCL and a significant decrease in BF at both the antebrachium and brachium. Application of cold to the stimulation site using an ice-water pack reduced BF and SCL responses and subjective pain sensation. Application of heat with a hot water bottle caused a significant increase in pain sensation and enhancement of BF and SCL responses. The inhalation of favourite fragrances tended to decrease SCL and BF responses, but only the SCL response in the antebrachium decreased to a significant degree. These results suggest that inhaling fragrance has an effect in the relief of pricking pain sensation and the suppression of autonomic responses, although it is weaker than the effect found with the application of cold. It is possible that aromatherapy may have more palliative effect on chronic rather than pricking pain.