The effect of pleasant olfactory stimulation on physiological responses

  • Kim, Yeon-Kyu (Department of Physiological Anthropology, Kyushu Institute of Design) ;
  • Shigeki Watanuki (Department of Physiological Anthropology, Kyushu Institute of Design)
  • Published : 2001.05.01

Abstract

Using ordors with the different concentration of essential oils, e studied the effect of a pleasant olfactory stimulation on physiological responses. we examined psychological response, mental task and changes in cardiac, immunity and EEG in responses to 150times solution (feel easily) and 500times solution (feel with difficulty) which of essential oil (called PCK) were diluted in propylene glycol, and neutral (water). The 150times solution that was felt pleasant produced significant differences (p<0.05) in relative power change of beta activity in the left frontal region (Fp1, F3, F7) of the brain, and heart rate (HR) deceleration after mental task. these results are consistent with substantial research that has documented cardiac and EEG responses to pleasant stimuli. What is more, 150times solution increased the concentration of s-IgA know as an index of immunity.

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