Aromatherapy's Mind-Smell Connection
D. Braun
Why is smell so strongly linked to memory and emotion?
It is not fully understood, but this is no surprise as the complexities of brain activity are still far from being unravelled and understood. The brain holds far more secrets than we have discovered. What is known is that the sense of smell is registered in a part of the brain which was already developed in our earliest ancestors.
The limbic area of the brain was well developed before man had the power of speech or was able to make tools. The limbic area is concerned with all those activities vital to survival in a sometimes hostile world: sleep, hunger, thirst, memory, sexual response and, or course, smell are all affected by the limbic system.
As modern man developed the 'higher' senses and the brain became larger to accommodate development of speech, intellect and creativity, the ancient knowledge became blunted or buried deep in the unconscious and the limbic area of the brain lost some of its importance. But that ancient knowledge is still there and needs only to be re-awakened.
Essential oils have the power to re-awaken and stimulate the limbic system and the aromas can be used to excellent effect by the aromatherapist.
They also have the power to balance the two hemispheres of the brain. It is known that the left hemisphere of the brain is concerned with logic and intellect, whilst the right is concerned with intuition.
When both hemispheres are in harmony and balanced, we experience feelings of calm and well-being. As we inhale the balancing essential oils, the two hemispheres of the brain come into closer symmetry, whilst the stimulating essential oils make us feel mentally alert and the sedating oils promote deeper feeling of relaxation. The relationship between the brain, the mind and the body is of vital importance in aromatherapy.
When we send pleasing, relaxing messages to the brain during aromatherapy massage, the hypothalamus receives impulses signalling safety and harmony and, in its turn, the body receives the signal that all is well and that the body and mind are in balance.
The effects of essential oils and massage on the various activities of the nervous system form a major part of aromatherapy. We use analgesic oils to relieve pain by damping down the activity of the pain-transmitting nerve endings.
(For quality, targetted essential oil blends for health, please see Akobi Aromas)
About the author: Dee is a Certified Aromatherapist, Certified Reflexologist, and Reiki Master. Her site is AkobiAromas.com - a source of quality aromatherapy, herbal and reflexology information and products.
The latest information and news on Aromatherapy:
Yahoo! News Search Results for aromatherapy
Aromatherapy can make scents for those getting well (Asbury Park Press)
Pam Samson discovered aromatherapy when her sister was battling cancer.
Where to start with aromatherapy (Asbury Park Press)
Aromatherapy is the use of scents to support good health. Aromatherapy relies on essential oils, which are derived from plants. These often are inhaled through the nostrils or applied topically.
For stress reduction, just say ommm (CNN)
Managing the service department of an Atlanta, Georgia, car dealership is a stressful job, according to Debbie Peek.
Workplace Creativity Activated by Reflexology, Chair Massage (PRWeb)
During the current recession, small businesses turn to reflexology and aromatherapy, as part of chair massage treatments in the workplace, to help promote well-being and increase productivity. Scientific studies back the anecdotal evidence from stressful offices around the US. (PRWeb Jan 5, 2009) Read the full story at http://www.prweb.com/releases/2009/01/prweb1808344.htm
Simple touches pump up party (Rocky Mountain News)
Planning a Super Bowl party or another festive event? Here are tips to make it more fun: * Party bags are a favorite. You can never be too old for them! Think cute, simple and fun.
Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort Named One of World?s Top Places to Stay in C...
Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort has been recognized as one of the world?s best places to stay as part of Conde Nast Traveler?s 2009 Gold List. The luxury Riviera Maya property also received perfect scores for its rooms and service, leading to its inclusion in the Gold List?s ?Best by Rooms? and ?Best by Service? categories. The 2009 Gold List appears in the January issue of the magazine and is ...
Warming TREND (Minneapolis-St. Paul Star Tribune)
Here are seven things you can do right now to cozy up your space and soothe your winter-weary soul. And remember: only 72 days until spring!
Junior League donates Pediatric Distraction Station to St. Luke?s (The Woodla...
Special to The Villager St. Luke?s The Woodlands Hospital recently accepted a Distraction Station donated by the Junior League of North Harris and South Montgomery counties.
Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort Named One of Worlds Top Places to Stay in Co...
PUERTO MORELOS, Mexico----Ceiba del Mar Beach & Spa Resort has been recognized as one of the world?s best places to stay as part of Conde Nast Traveler?s 2009 Gold List. The luxury Riviera Maya property also received perfect scores for its rooms and service, leading to its inclusion in the Gold List?s ?Best by Rooms? and ?Best by Service? categories.
Give up detox - it's bad for your health (Evening Standard)
New Year's resolutions normally involve a renunciation of pleasure. You may give up smoking, as I have done with an iron will every year since 1986, or boozing or fatty food. However righteous you feel, you will be unable to suppress a yearning for the lost enjoyment of bad habits.