The Effect of Olfactory Stimulus by Odor on Relaxation -- A Psychophysiological Study

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the relaxation effects of odor on the human body through the changes of physiological parameters after stress loading. Subjects were 6 healthy adults. We measured electroencephalogram (EEG), heart rate (HR), blood pressure (BP), and respiratory rate (RR) as physiological parameters. Profile of Mood States (POMS) was used for examining the psychological condition and Kraepelin test was used for loading stress for 15 minutes. Lavender was used in the experiment, and a drop (0.05 ml) of essential oil was applied to the inner surface of the both wrists for each subject. EEG results indicated that the power value of the ? wave was expanded by the stimulus of odor. HR and SBP were significantly decreased uponapplication of odor (P<0.05). RR was significantly changed upon its application (P<0.01). These results suggest that odor is effective for human body relaxation against stress.