Breathing method for continuously alleviating stress

Abstract

Provided is a breathing method by which it is possible to easily and continuously alleviate stress.　This breathing method for continuously alleviating stress comprises performing defined breathing which is breathing at intervals of 0.20 Hz or less under a fragrant atmosphere generated from a fragrance composition containing at least one selected from the group consisting of Jasminum sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene.

Description

Breathing techniques for sustained stress reduction

[0001] The present disclosure relates to breathing techniques.

[0002] In recent years, methods for reducing stress have been proposed, such as by practicing yoga or by having people smell fragrances.

[0003] Patent Document 1 describes a yoga practice method in which yoga breathing techniques are practiced using specific yoga aids, and also describes that yoga is practiced for the purpose of relieving stress, etc.

[0004] Patent Document 2 describes that natural fragrances such as rose have stress-relieving effects such as relaxation and anxiety relief.

[0005] JP 2019-103538 A JP 06-264089 A

[0006] Yuri MASAOKA, Sandy JACK, Christopher J. WARBURTON, and Ikuo HOMMA, “Breathing Patterns Associated with Trait Anxiety and Breathlessness in Humans”, Japanese Journal of Physiology, 2004, Vol. 54, 465-470

[0007] As described in Patent Document 1, yoga breathing techniques and the like are utilized to relieve stress associated with mental tension, etc. However, such breathing techniques typically require a certain level of skill, and therefore may not be effective enough to relieve stress. In addition, the stress-relieving effect is temporary, and there is a risk that the effect will not last once breathing has stopped.

[0008] Furthermore, as described in Patent Document 2, there are cases where stress can be relieved to some extent simply by smelling a specific scent emitted from a fragrance. However, in general, the stress-relieving effect of smelling a specific scent is temporary and does not last.

[0009] Therefore, the subject of the present disclosure is to provide a breathing technique that can easily and sustainably reduce stress.

[0010] <Aspect 1> A breathing method for sustained stress relief, comprising performing specific breathing at an interval of 0.20 Hz or less in an atmosphere of a fragrance generated from a fragrance composition containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene. <Aspect 2> The breathing method of Aspect 1, wherein the specific breathing comprises inhaling air through the nose and exhaling air through the nose or mouth. <Aspect 3> The breathing method of Aspect 1 or 2, wherein the specific breathing is performed for one minute or more. <Aspect 4> The breathing method of Aspect 3, wherein, when one set of the specific breathing performed for one minute or more is performed, the set is performed one or more times. <Aspect 5> The breathing method of any of Aspects 1 to 4, wherein, after performing the specific breathing, breathing is performed in a resting state without being conscious of the specific breathing. <Aspect 6> The breathing method of Aspect 5, wherein breathing in a resting state is performed for five minutes or more. Aspect 7: The breathing method according to Aspect 5 or 6, wherein the ratio of the average number of breaths per 60 seconds after 8 minutes of breathing in a resting state to the average number of breaths per 60 seconds during normal breathing measured in advance at rest before performing the breathing method is less than 1.0. Aspect 8: A fragrance composition for breathing method that provides sustained stress relief, comprising at least one member selected from the group consisting of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene. Aspect 9: A cosmetic for breathing method that provides sustained stress relief, comprising the fragrance composition according to Aspect 8. Aspect 10: The fragrance composition according to Aspect 8, which is housed in a container and / or package bearing a description that the composition is for use in the breathing method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7. Aspect 11: The cosmetic according to Aspect 9, which is housed in a container and / or package bearing a description that the composition is for use in the breathing method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7. Aspect 12: A sheet or display displaying the breathing method according to any one of Aspects 1 to 7. Aspect 13: A system comprising the sheet or display according to aspect 12 and a diffuser that diffuses the fragrance composition according to aspect 8.

[0011] According to the present disclosure, a breathing method that can easily and sustainably reduce stress can be provided.

[0012] FIG. 1 is a graph showing the rate of change in respiration rate after a stress task with the scent of jasmine sambac (Jasmine Sambac) and the presence or absence of specific breathing. FIG. 2 is a graph showing the rate of change in respiration rate after a stress task with the scent of DMB (1,4-dimethoxybenzene) and the presence or absence of specific breathing. FIG. 3 is a graph showing the rate of change in respiration rate after a stress task with the scent of rose oil and the presence or absence of specific breathing. FIG. 4 is a graph showing the rate of change in a confusion index with the scent of jasmine sambac (Jasmine Sambac) and the presence or absence of specific breathing. FIG. 5 is a graph showing the rate of change in a confusion index with the scent of rose oil and the presence or absence of specific breathing. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an embodiment of a sheet displaying a breathing exercise method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing another embodiment of a sheet displaying a breathing exercise method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a display displaying a breathing exercise method according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0013] The present disclosure is not limited to the following embodiments, and various modifications can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0014] The breathing method of the present disclosure includes performing specific breathing at an interval of 0.20 Hz or less in an atmosphere containing a fragrance generated from a fragrance composition containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, and can provide sustained stress relief.

[0015] Although not limited by the principle, it is believed that the principle of action of the breathing method of the present disclosure, which allows for easy and sustained stress relief, is as follows.

[0016] In the present disclosure, breathing at an interval of 0.20 Hz or less (sometimes referred to as "specific breathing") is slower than normal breathing, occurring approximately 10 times every 50 seconds. While such slow breathing is easy to perform, it has similar properties to, for example, yoga breathing, and therefore reduces the breathing rate compared to normal breathing, providing a degree of stress relief even when performed alone. However, once this specific breathing is stopped, breathing typically returns to normal, and the breathing rate returns to the normal breathing rate. As a result, the stress relief effect of performing specific breathing is no longer achieved.

[0017] The present inventors have found that when such slow specific breathing is performed in an atmosphere containing an aroma (sometimes referred to as a "specific aroma") emitted from a fragrance composition containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, the breathing rate continues to be lower than the breathing rate during normal breathing even after the specific breathing has stopped, and the stress relief effect is sustained. In other words, it is believed that the combination of the specific aroma and the specific breathing contributed to sustained stress reduction.

[0018] The definitions of terms used in this disclosure are as follows:

[0019] In this disclosure, "stress is continuously reduced" means that stress can be felt reduced during and for a certain period after specific breathing, or that the breathing rate is reduced compared to normal breathing. Note that in this disclosure, "breathing methods that continuously reduce stress" are different from methods of surgery, treatment, or diagnosis for humans.

[0020] <Breathing Method for Sustained Stress Reduction> The breathing method of the present disclosure is carried out in an atmosphere of a fragrance generated from a fragrance composition containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene.

[0021] <Fragrance Composition> The fragrance composition used in the breathing method of the present disclosure contains at least one selected from the group consisting of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, and is therefore capable of emitting a specific fragrance associated with these components. When the specific breathing method of the present disclosure is performed using such a fragrance composition, stress can be sustainedly reduced, and therefore such a composition can also be referred to as a fragrance composition for use in a breathing method that sustainably reduces stress. Furthermore, the fragrance composition may be prepared, for example, by appropriately mixing jasmine sambac and / or 1,4-dimethoxybenzene with oils, or a commercially available product such as an essential oil containing such components may be used. From the viewpoint of sustained stress-reducing effects, it is preferable that the fragrance composition contain jasmine sambac.

[0022] (Jasmine Sambac) Jasmine sambac (Japanese name: Matsurika) is a plant native to India or China. On the other hand, jasmine is native to India or Egypt, and jasmine sambac and jasmine are different plants. Here, "jasmine sambac" in the present disclosure can refer not only to components derived from natural ingredients extracted from the plant jasmine sambac, but also to components derived from artificial ingredients blended to imitate the scent of jasmine sambac. Examples of major components of natural jasmine sambac include α-farnesene, benzyl acetate, and benzyl alcohol. Components derived from artificial ingredients can be obtained, for example, by blending these components (α-farnesene, benzyl acetate, benzyl alcohol, etc.).

[0023] (1,4-Dimethoxybenzene) 1,4-Dimethoxybenzene is a component that has a moist, fresh green note and a calming scent. 1,4-Dimethoxybenzene is known as the aroma component of lotus, and can be obtained by extraction from lotus or synthetically.

[0024] The fragrance composition may be used as is or diluted to generate a fragrance. Therefore, the amounts of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene in the fragrance composition may be appropriately adjusted depending on the form in which the fragrance composition is used, and are not particularly limited. The blending amounts of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene can each be, for example, 0.001% by mass or more, 0.005% by mass or more, 0.01% by mass or more, 0.03% by mass or more, 0.05% by mass or more, 0.07% by mass or more, 0.1% by mass or more, 1.0% by mass or more, 5.0% by mass or more, 10% by mass or more, 20% by mass or more, 30% by mass or more, 40% by mass or more, or 50% by mass or more, and can also be less than 100% by mass, 90% by mass or less, 70% by mass or less, 50% by mass or less, 30% by mass or less, 10% by mass or less, 5.0% by mass or less, 3.0% by mass or less, 1.0% by mass or less, 0.5% by mass or less, or 0.1% by mass or less, relative to the total amount of the composition.

[0025] (Optional Components) The fragrance composition may contain various components other than jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, as appropriate, provided that the components do not adversely affect the effects of the present disclosure. Examples of the various components include surfactants (e.g., anionic surfactants, cationic surfactants, amphoteric surfactants, and nonionic surfactants), thickeners, humectants, dispersants, water-soluble polymers, film-forming agents, sequestering agents, lower alcohols (e.g., ethanol), polyhydric alcohols (e.g., ethylene glycol), higher alcohols, various extracts, sugars, amino acids, organic amines, polymer emulsions, chelating agents, UV absorbers, pH adjusters, skin nutrients, vitamins, water-soluble drugs, buffers, preservatives, antioxidants, stabilizers, propellants, fillers, fresheners, pigments, dyes, coloring materials, fragrances, water, and oils. The optional components may be used alone or in combination.

[0026] (Usage Form) There are no particular limitations on the usage form of the fragrance composition for obtaining a fragrant atmosphere emitted from the fragrance composition. For example, the fragrance composition may be used in a diffuser, either as is or diluted, or in a bathtub or washbasin. The diffuser is not particularly limited, and examples include containers such as open bottles, containers equipped with absorbent articles (e.g., fibrous materials such as cotton, paper, and nonwoven fabric, and wood materials (e.g., rattan, reed, bamboo, and wisteria)) that can absorb the fragrance composition in the container and release it into the room, and containers that can release the fragrance composition into the room by ultrasound or heating. The fragrance composition may be heated as needed.

[0027] The fragrance composition may be used as it is or after dilution in a spray container. The fragrance composition in the spray container may be appropriately sprayed in the space of a room, or may be sprayed onto the walls, floor, or curtains of a room, or onto clothing worn by the user.

[0028] The fragrance composition may be used as is or diluted by being absorbed into an absorbent article (for example, fibrous materials such as cotton, paper, nonwoven fabric, and wood materials (for example, rattan, reed, bamboo, and wisteria)).

[0029] Alternatively, the fragrance composition may be in the form of a cosmetic and applied to the skin, etc. The form of the cosmetic is not particularly limited, and for example, emulsion, cream, liquid, etc. When the specific breathing technique of the present disclosure is practiced using a cosmetic containing the fragrance composition of the present disclosure, stress can be continuously reduced, and therefore such a cosmetic can also be called a cosmetic for a breathing technique that continuously reduces stress.

[0030] The product form of the cosmetics is not particularly limited, and examples include fragrance cosmetics such as perfume, eau de toilette, and eau de cologne; skin care cosmetics such as serum, lotion, moisturizing gel, massage gel, emulsion, and cream; facial cosmetics such as packs; makeup cosmetics such as foundation and eye shadow; sunscreen cosmetics (sunscreen agents); body cosmetics; skin cleansers such as makeup remover and body shampoo; hair cosmetics such as hair liquid, hair tonic, hair conditioner, shampoo, rinse, and hair growth agent; shaving cosmetics such as shaving cream, pre-shave lotion, and after-shave lotion; ointments, etc.

[0031] The cosmetic preparation can be applied to any part of the body, for example, to any part of the skin surface (body surface). Specifically, it can be applied appropriately to the skin surface of the face (lips, eyes, eyelids, cheeks, forehead, between the eyebrows, nose, etc.), head (scalp), ears, hands, arms, neck, legs, feet, chest, abdomen, back, etc. Here, skin also includes nails, which are hardened due to changes in the keratin of the epidermis of the skin.

[0032] The flavor composition may be used in an edible form (e.g., gum, candy, beverage), in which case the jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene may be formulated to meet safety standards for edible use.

[0033] The fragrance composition or the cosmetic containing the fragrance composition can be housed in a container and / or package bearing a description indicating that it is for the breathing method of the present disclosure, as described above, thereby making it clear that the fragrance composition or cosmetic to be used is for the breathing method of the present disclosure. Such a description can be written on at least one of the outside and / or inside of the container or package.

[0034] <Breathing at an Interval of 0.20 Hz or Less (Specific Breathing)> The breathing method of the present disclosure includes breathing at an interval of 0.20 Hz or less. Here, "0.20 Hz" is a value calculated from 10 breaths per 50 seconds. That is, for example, breathing at an interval of 0.20 Hz means breathing 10 times every 50 seconds. Furthermore, in the present disclosure, "breathing" refers to the action of inhaling and exhaling, and this series of actions is counted as one breath. This series of actions may include holding your breath between inhaling and exhaling. It is preferable to breathe by inhaling through the nose and exhaling through the nose or mouth. Breathing in this manner allows the breathing method of the present disclosure to be practiced while more effectively experiencing the scent associated with the fragrance composition, thereby further improving the effect of sustained stress reduction.

[0035] From the viewpoint of sustained stress reduction, the breathing rate is preferably 0.18 Hz (9 times per 50 seconds) or less, 0.16 Hz (8 times per 50 seconds) or less, 0.15 Hz (9 times per 60 seconds) or less, 0.14 Hz (7 times per 50 seconds) or less, 0.12 Hz (6 times per 50 seconds) or less, 0.10 Hz (6 times per 60 seconds) or less, 0.08 Hz (4 times per 50 seconds) or less, or 0.06 Hz (3 times per 50 seconds) or less. The lower limit of the breathing interval is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 0.01 Hz (1 time per 100 seconds) or more, 0.03 Hz (3 times per 100 seconds) or more, or 0.05 Hz (3 times per 60 seconds) or more.

[0036] From the viewpoint of sustained stress reduction, the specific breathing is preferably performed for 1 minute or more, 1.5 minutes or more, or 2 minutes or more. There is no particular upper limit on the time for the specific breathing, and it is preferably, for example, 10 minutes or less, 8 minutes or less, 7 minutes or less, 6 minutes or less, or 5 minutes or less. The specific breathing performed within this time period may be performed at the same interval or at different intervals. For example, breathing may be performed at an interval of 0.20 Hz each time, or breathing may be performed at an interval of 0.20 Hz followed by an interval of 0.15 Hz.

[0037] From the viewpoint of sustained stress reduction, it is preferable to perform one or more, two or more, or three or more sets of specific breathing, for example, for one set of 1 minute or more, 1.5 minutes or more, or 2 minutes or more. There is no particular upper limit to the number of times such a set can be performed, and it can be 50 or less, 30 or less, 15 or less, 10 or less, 7 or less, or 5 or less.

[0038] A reduction in breathing rate can have a stress-reducing effect such as a relaxation effect. By combining a specific scent with specific breathing, the breathing rate is reduced at least while the specific breathing is being performed, thereby reducing stress. According to the breathing method of the present disclosure, even after the specific breathing is completed, the breathing rate can be reduced to be lower than the breathing rate during normal breathing. Therefore, in the breathing method of the present disclosure, after performing the specific breathing, it is preferable to perform breathing in a calm state without paying attention to the specific breathing. If, after the specific breathing, the specific breathing is followed by normal breathing in a calm state without paying attention to the specific breathing, the breathing rate naturally decreases, thereby naturally maintaining the stress-reducing effect associated with the relaxation effect and the like.

[0039] From the viewpoint of continuously reducing stress, breathing in a resting state after specific breathing is preferably performed for 5 minutes or more, 7 minutes or more, or 10 minutes or more. There is no particular upper limit to the breathing time, and it can be, for example, 30 minutes or less, 25 minutes or less, 20 minutes or less, 17 minutes or less, or 15 minutes or less.

[0040] According to the breathing method of the present disclosure, even after the specific breathing has been completed, the respiratory rate can be reduced to be lower than that during normal breathing. In some embodiments, according to the breathing method of the present disclosure, the ratio of the average respiratory rate per 60 seconds after 8 minutes of breathing in a resting state to the average respiratory rate per 60 seconds during normal breathing measured in advance at rest before performing the breathing method can be less than 1.0, 0.98 or less, 0.97 or less, 0.96 or less, 0.95 or less, 0.94 or less, 0.93 or less, 0.92 or less, 0.91 or less, or 0.90 or less. The lower limit of this ratio is not particularly limited, and can be, for example, 0.50 or more, 0.60 or more, 0.70 or more, 0.75 or more, or 0.80 or more.

[0041] <<Sheet Displaying Breathing Techniques>> In some embodiments, a sheet displaying the breathing techniques of the present disclosure is provided (FIGS. 6 and 7). Examples of such sheets include, but are not limited to, flyers, sales leaflets, instruction manuals, pamphlets, and catalogs. A sheet displaying the breathing techniques of the present disclosure allows a user to accurately practice the method of the present disclosure while looking at the sheet, thereby enabling more sustained stress relief.

[0042] There are no particular restrictions on the content and format of the breathing techniques of the present disclosure to be written on the sheet, and the content of the breathing techniques described above can be written as appropriate using, for example, text, drawings, photographs, etc.

[0043] Such a sheet may consist of one sheet or two or more sheets, and may be in a folded state.

[0044] The shape of the sheet is not particularly limited, and examples thereof include polygons (e.g., triangles, squares, rectangles, diamonds, pentagons, hexagons, and octagons), circles, and ellipses. The sheet shape may be irregular. FIG. 7 shows an example of an irregularly shaped sheet, and such a sheet can form a container capable of storing, for example, the above-mentioned fragrance composition or cosmetics containing the fragrance composition. In this case, the breathing method of the present disclosure may be displayed on the inner and / or outer surface of the container. However, from the viewpoint of the design of the container's appearance, it is preferable that such display be displayed on the inner surface of the container.

[0045] Furthermore, a sheet that is not irregular in shape, for example, a rectangular sheet as shown in Fig. 6, can be joined at its short sides and long sides to form a package capable of storing, for example, the above-mentioned fragrance composition or cosmetics containing the fragrance composition. In this case, the display of the breathing method of the present disclosure may be written on the inside and / or outside surface of the package, but from the viewpoint of the design quality of the package appearance, it is preferable that such display be written on the inside surface of the container.

[0046] <<Display Displaying Breathing Technique>> In some embodiments, a display displaying the breathing technique of the present disclosure described above is provided ( FIG. 8 ). Such a display is not particularly limited, and examples include displays of smartphones, mobile phones, tablet devices, laptop computers, monitors, televisions, and the like. A display displaying the breathing technique of the present disclosure also allows a user to accurately practice the method of the present disclosure while looking at the display, thereby enabling more sustained stress relief.

[0047] There are no particular restrictions on the content and display format of the breathing techniques of the present disclosure that are displayed on the display, and the content of the breathing techniques described above can be displayed as appropriate through images such as still images (e.g., text, drawings, photographs) and / or moving images (e.g., animations).

[0048] There are no particular limitations on the means for providing an image to the display, and it is possible to employ, for example, a monitor image, a touch panel image, etc. The image may be provided based on image information stored in the display, or may be provided via wired or wireless means.

[0049] In addition to the breathing exercise instructions, the display can also display, for example, the performance of the fragrance emitted from the fragrance composition, psychological information about the user, and so on.

[0050] System Including a Sheet or Display Indicating a Breathing Method and a Diffuser In some embodiments, a system is provided that includes a sheet or display indicative of the breathing method of the present disclosure described above and a diffuser for diffusing the fragrance composition of the present disclosure described above. Such a system can be suitably used when practicing the breathing method of the present disclosure, for example, when selling fragrance compositions or fragrance cosmetics while practicing the breathing method of the present disclosure, or when practicing the breathing method of the present disclosure in a classroom or the like. There are no particular limitations on the diffuser for diffusing the fragrance composition, and the diffusers described above can be similarly used.

[0051] The present invention will be explained in more detail with reference to the following test examples and examples, but the present invention is not limited to these.

[0052] Test Example 1 In Test Example 1, the stress reduction effect was examined based on the results of the respiration rate change test shown below. Here, the Y-axis values ​​in Figures 1 to 3 represent the respiration rate change rate, and are the ratio of the average respiration rate per 60 seconds during breathing acquired at a predetermined timing (e.g., during a stressful challenge) to the average respiration rate per 60 seconds during normal breathing measured in advance while at rest before performing a breathing technique. A value less than 1.0 indicates a lower respiration rate than normal breathing, and it can be said that a stress reduction effect, such as a relaxing effect, is achieved. The average respiration rate is the average number of breaths per minute (60 seconds) (breaths / min) calculated based on the respiration rate data obtained by consistently monitoring the respiration rate at each timing: pre-rest (rest before performing a breathing technique), stressful challenge, specific breathing, and post-rest using the thoracic and abdominal respiratory sensor shown below. The respiratory rate during post-rest was measured starting one minute after the end of specific breathing, and the average value was calculated for each stage: 2 to 5 minutes (post-rest 1), 6 to 9 minutes (post-rest 2), and 10 to 13 minutes (post-rest 3).

[0053] <Test on rate of change of respiratory rate> The test was carried out using the following experimental protocol 1 and apparatus. The results are shown in Figures 1 to 3.

[0054] (Experimental Protocol 1) Fragrance conditions: (A) Unscented, (B) Jasmine sambac (Jasmine sambac) scent (fragrance composition used: ethanol solution containing 0.05% jasmine sambac absolute), (C) 1,4-dimethoxybenzene (DMB) scent (fragrance composition used: ethanol solution containing 0.05% DMB), (D) Rose oil scent (fragrance composition used: ethanol solution containing 0.05% rose oil) Subjects: Ordinary female monitors aged 27 to 42. The same subject underwent the test under conditions of (A) unscented and one of the scents (B) to (D). Each scent condition was randomly assigned to each subject, with 15 subjects under (B), 5 under (C), and 5 under (D). Experimental environment: A room maintained at a constant temperature and humidity of 24°C and 40% RH. Fragrance presentation: A cotton strip onto which 5 μL of the fragrance composition had been dropped was attached under the subject's nose. Test procedure: (1) Breathing in a resting state (normal breathing) for 3 minutes (pre-rest period); (2) Stress task presented for 15 minutes (stress task period); (3) Specific breathing for 5 minutes (specific breathing period); (4) Breathing in a resting state for 15 minutes (post-rest period). If specific breathing (3) was not performed, breathing in a resting state (4) was performed for 20 minutes. The Kraepelin test was also used as the stress task. The subjects were asked to perform specific breathing at intervals of 0.20 Hz or less. Specifically, the subjects were asked to first exhale lightly, then slowly inhale through their nose while counting 1, 2, 3, 4 in their heads, hold their breath, and then exhale slowly and deeply through their mouths while counting 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10 in their heads.

[0055] (Device) Chest and abdominal respiration sensor (AP-U033, manufactured by Miyuki Giken Co., Ltd.)

[0056] <Results> Figures 1 to 3 show that when specific breathing is performed after a stressful task is presented, the respiratory rate is lower than the respiratory rate during normal breathing, regardless of whether or not a scent is present, i.e., stress is reduced. Furthermore, as can be seen from Figure 3, in the case of rose oil, which is known to have a stress-reducing effect, the presence or absence of the scent does not affect the decrease in respiratory rate after specific breathing, and in the post-rest 1 stage, that is, within a short period of 2 to 5 minutes after the end of specific breathing, the decreased respiratory rate returns to the respiratory rate during normal breathing (the line where the respiratory rate of change is 1).

[0057] On the other hand, as is clear from Figures 1 and 2, in the case of the scents of jasmine sambac (Jasmine sambac) and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, the reduced respiratory rate returned to normal slower than in the case of the scent of rose oil, as shown in the dotted circle in the figure, and the respiratory rate was able to be maintained at a level lower than normal until post-rest 2 or post-rest 3, that is, for approximately 6 to 15 minutes after the end of specific breathing. In other words, the results of Figures 1 and 2 confirm that the breathing method of the present disclosure can continuously reduce stress even after the end of specific breathing.

[0058] Furthermore, as shown in Figures 1 to 3, when a stressful task was presented, the respiratory rate increased compared to the respiratory rate during normal breathing. When only the scent was smelled without specific breathing, the increased respiratory rate tended to return to the respiratory rate during normal breathing (the line where the respiratory rate of change is 1) more quickly than when no scent was present. Based on these results, it was predicted that when the scent was smelled, the decreased respiratory rate after specific breathing would also return to the respiratory rate during normal breathing more quickly. However, contrary to this prediction, it was unexpectedly found that in the case of the scents of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene, the decreased respiratory rate returned to the normal respiratory rate more slowly.

[0059] Test Example 2 In Test Example 2, the fragrance composition (B) was used to examine the stress-reducing effect of the scent of jasmine sambac and the presence or absence of specific breathing, based on the results of the test for the rate of change in the confusion index shown below.

[0060] <Test for Rate of Change in Confusion Index> Three questions on the confusion scale of the Transient Mood Scale (TMS) ("unmotivated," "unable to concentrate," and "unable to think clearly") were presented to 20 general female monitors aged 27 to 42 years old during the pre-rest period (1) and after the specific breathing exercise (3) in Experimental Protocol 1 above. Each item was assigned a score of 1 to 5, with higher scores indicating stronger moods, and the sum of the three items was used as the scale score. The scents used were (B) Jasmine Sambac (Jasmine sambac) and (D) Rose oil, as described in Experimental Protocol 1 above. These scents were randomly assigned to each subject, with 15 subjects receiving (B) and 5 subjects receiving (D).

[0061] The ratio of the average score of the scale after the specific breathing exercise (3) to the average score of the scale before the pre-rest exercise (1) was calculated and used as the rate of change in the confusion index. The results are shown in Figures 4 and 5.

[0062] <Results> As is clear from the results in Figure 4, when the breathing method of the present disclosure is performed in an atmosphere containing the scent of Jasmine Sambac (Jasmine sambac), the rate of change in the confusion index decreases, as shown in the dotted circle in the figure, i.e., it was confirmed that the confusion that had increased due to the stress task significantly decreases.

[0063] Furthermore, as can be seen from the results of Figure 5, even when the breathing method of the present disclosure was performed in an atmosphere containing the scent of rose oil, the rate of change in the confusion index remained almost unchanged.

Claims

1. A breathing method for sustained stress relief, comprising performing specific breathing at an interval of 0.20 Hz or less in an atmosphere of a fragrance generated from a fragrance composition containing at least one member selected from the group consisting of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene.

2. The breathing method of claim 1, wherein the specific breathing includes breathing air in through the nose and breathing out through the nose or mouth.

3. The breathing method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the specific breathing is performed for one minute or more.

4. The breathing method according to claim 3, wherein the specific breathing performed for one minute or more constitutes one set, and the set is performed one or more times.

5. A breathing method according to claim 1 or 2, in which after performing said specific breathing, breathing is performed in a calm state without being conscious of said specific breathing.

6. The breathing method of claim 5, wherein said quiet breathing is performed for 5 minutes or more.

7. The breathing method according to claim 5, wherein the ratio of the average respiratory rate per 60 seconds 8 minutes after breathing in a resting state to the average respiratory rate per 60 seconds during normal breathing measured while at rest before performing said breathing method is less than 1.

0.

8. A fragrance composition for respiratory therapy which contains at least one member selected from the group consisting of jasmine sambac and 1,4-dimethoxybenzene and which provides sustained stress relief.

9. A cosmetic preparation for respiratory therapy which contains the fragrance composition according to claim 8 and which provides sustained stress relief.

10. The fragrance composition according to claim 8, which is contained in a container and / or package bearing a statement that it is for the breathing method according to claim 1 or 2.

11. The cosmetic material according to claim 9, which is contained in a container and / or package bearing a statement that it is for the breathing method according to claim 1 or 2.

12. A sheet or display showing the breathing method according to claim 1 or 2.

13. A system comprising the sheet or display of claim 12 and a diffuser for diffusing the fragrance composition of claim 8.