Background
Traditional Chinese aromatherapy has a long history within Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM). We aimed to explore clinical intervention effects of JieYuAnShen (JYAS) sachet, a form of TCM-guided aromatherapy designed specifically for hospitalized cancer patients with anxiety-related insomnia.
Methodology
Cancer patients with anxiety insomnia met the inclusion criteria were enrolled. The patients were randomly divided into control group (100 cases) and experimental group (106 cases). The control group was given sleep health education, experimental group was given JYAS sachet on the basis of sleep health education. Psychological distress thermometer, Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAMA), Athens insomnia scale (AIS), Hamilton Depression Scale (HAMD), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI) were used.
Results
The baseline proportion of sleep disorders in the control group and the experimental group was 52 (96.3%) and 78 (97.5%), respectively. On the 8th day and 15th day after the JYAS sachet intervention, the percentage decreased to 34 (63.0%) and 31(57.4%), respectively (P<0.05). Additionally, compared with control group, the mean HAMA score decreased from 15.51 at baseline to 14.08 on the 8th day and 13.23 on the 15th day, with statistically significant differences (P<0.05). The mean AIS score also showed a significant decrease from 4.91 at baseline to 4.27 on the 8th day and 4.26 on the 15th day (P<0.05). For the distress thermometer scores, 67.5% of patients in the experimental group had stress (distress thermometer≥4) at the beginning, which decreased to 54.9% on the 8th day following JYAS sachet treatment, showing statistical significance (P<0.05).
Conclusions
These findings suggest that JieYuAnShen (JYAS) sachet, with traditional Chinese aromatherapy formulated based on TCM principles, provides measurable benefits in alleviating anxiety-related insomnia and psychological distress in cancer patients. This evidence offers a solid foundation for incorporating TCM-based aromatherapy as a holistic mind-body intervention aimed at promoting balance and well-being in cancer patients.