Case study: Monitoring the effectiveness of aromatherapeutic breathing with heart rate variability biofeedback

Abstract

Heart rate variability (HRV) can be used as an objective measure of mental health and workplace stress. Workplace stress is associated with poor performance and organizations desire optimal performance from employees. In this case study, the researcher utilizes a heart rate variability biofeedback (HRVB) tool to biologically monitor the effectiveness of aromatherapeutic breathing intervention for his client, a manager who works in an educational center in Hong Kong. The researcher presents a review of each of the four sessions he has conducted with his client. Both aromatherapeutic breathing with “earth” (ABwE) and HRVB were used during the sessions, and the client was able to shift her physiology profoundly. Results were promising, and the researcher recommends using ABwE as an important intervention and agent for change for stressful clients.

Keywords

• biofeedback
• heart rate variability
• heart rate variability biofeedback
• workplace stress