The Effectiveness of the Combination of Lemon Aromatherapy and Acupressure on Xerostomic Complaints

Abstract

Background

Xerostomia (dry mouth) is an oral manifestation that is often considered by patients with chronic kidney failure. The mechanism of action of the combination of lemon and acupressure can stimulate saliva which will deliver these stimuli into the autonomic nervous system and stimulate the parasympathetic nerves optimally to produce saliva which can be used by xerostomia needed by hemodialysis.

Objective

To analyze the effectiveness of the combination of lemon aromatheraphy and acupressure on xerostomia complaints.

Method

This study uses Quasi Experiment Design by designing Pre Test and Post Test with Control Group Design. In this study there were 32 samples divided into 2 intervention groups (n = 16) and controls (n = 16). The combination of lemon and acupressure aromatherapy is given 3 times a week for 4 weeks. Measurement of xerostomia complaints using an S-XI questionnaire, measurements were made 3 times, before intervention (pre test), at week 2 and at week 4.

Results

Giving a combination of lemon aromatherapy and acupressure was more effective than acupressure with a Difference mean of the pre test-week 4 is -6,000 and SD 1,032 (p = 0,000) and the effect of using the results of 1,2 was significant (strong).

Conclusion

The combination of lemon aromatherapy and acupressure is more effective in reducing xerostomia complaints compared to lemon acupressure and aromatherapy effective in reducing xerostomia complaint.