Each subject in the experimental group received one 30-min aromatherapy treatment session a week for 8 weeks (eight sessions in total). The treatment was a massage with essential oils of lavender, rose geranium, rose and jasmine diluted in almond and evening primrose oil. No treatment was provided to subjects in the control group, who continued their usual daily routines. The control group was provided the aromatherapy massage therapy after the 8 weeks had expired; however, the data were not collected.
The aromatherapy massage was given to subjects in the experimental group by the same certified aromatherapist (participants did not know her personally) at the same time and on the same day each week. The treatment involved an abdominal, back and arm massage with essential oils of lavender, rose geranium, rose and jasmine in a 4:2:1:1 ratio, diluted almond (90%) and evening primrose oil (10%) at a final concentration of 3%. The massage treatment room was isolated and equipped with beds warmed by heating pads. Participants were requested to lie on a bed and rest after the abdominal massage.