ABSTRACT
<i>Objective</i>: In order to assess usefulness, applicability and problems of aromatherapy in the modern medical practice.<br> <i>Method</i>: We conducted a questionnaire survey on the recognition and utilization of complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) and medical aromatherapy in a professional school of acupuncture and Judo-therapy in Osaka City. The respondents were 866 students at the school.<br> <i>Results</i>: We found that 97.1% of the respondents had experienced at least one CAM therapy and 25.8% had aromatherapy. Compared to male students, more female students used aromatherapy. Perceived effectiveness of aromatherapy for purpose of the use ranged between 73.8% and 89.2%. Approximately 70.0% of the respondents were interested in medical aromatherapy, and 89.4% expected this therapy for psychosomatic/mental diseases. Main problems pointed out were collecting more scientific evidence and reducing the costs.<br> <i>Conclusion</i>: The results suggest that aromatherapy may become more widespread and one of the options to make the current clinical practice more satisfactory for patients.<br>