How aroma affects us
Aromas have a strong psychological influence over us. Aromas used positively are beneficial and therapeutic, like a walk in a rose garden or a pine forest is uplifting and brings about a sense of well being and triggers sweet memories.
Our sense of smell has somewhat being dulled by our modern living as we rely more on vision and hearing. When we take a walk in nature, we stimulate our vision with pleasant scenery and feel the fresh crisp air, but at a subconscious level, we swim in a sea of aromas. The subtle essences of nature, the fragrance of flowers, leaves and earth silently communicate with us. In our hustle and bustle of life, we neglect to enjoy the scents, and often consciously remind ourselves to "smell the roses".
Our sense of smell effects our emotions and memory, the pituitary regulation, the release of hormones and intellectual connection.
Aromas, odors or smells are aromatic particles carried in the air in the form of mist or molecules. We perceive this information through our sense of smell which works through the olfactory bulb above the nasal cavity. Nerve cells in the nasal cavity detect aromas and pass the information through the olfactory bulb and into the brain.
Aromas then link through the *limbic area of the brain to the areas that affect many of our human functions and regulate and control bodily processes such as hormones, digestion and breathing. This explains why aromas have a powerful effect on the mind and emotions.
The limbic system plays a critical role in health. It can trigger depression and anxiety, signalling the brain to stimulate the release of adrenal steroid hormones, which activate stress symptoms, which is a major factor in many modern lifestyle disabilities and illnesses, like our digestive system, immune function and raised blood pressure.
Inhaling essential oils can reverse this cycle. Essential oil molecules penetrate the body through the nose which reaches the deep recesses of our brain, cross the chemical barriers and brings the body back into harmony by encouraging the natural forces within to realign. Aromatherapy's healing potential stems from its ability to promote relaxation and stimulation on the various bodily system. It promotes well being and provides a way to improve quality of life on the physical, emotional and spiritual level.
Essential Oil blends artfully and synergistically created help to restore the body to health, strengthen the mind and balance emotions.
* Limbic system is a complex system of nerves and networks in the brain, involving several areas near the edge of the cortex concerned with instinct and mood. It controls the basic emotions (fear, pleasure, anger) and drives (hunger, sex, dominance, care of offspring)
