Our sense of smell acts like a switch for memories and emotions in our brain. It's linked to a special part of our brain that stores our memories and feelings. Just as your thigh bone is connected to your knee bone, our sense of smell is connected to a memory and emotion area known as the limbic system. This system reacts to smells based on the memories we have connected to those scents, which can make us experience different emotions.
Essential oils are created from plants. They're a blend of various tiny components of plants that can easily turn into vapor. When we inhale the aroma of essential oils, these tiny components interact with the smell sensors in our nose. This interaction has the power to evoke specific emotions. Different essential oils have distinct smells and effects due to their unique chemical composition.
When we breathe in the fragrance of essential oils, these minuscule components travel from our nose to our brain, particularly influencing the emotional centre called the amygdala. Essential oils can also be absorbed through our skin.
Recent studies have illuminated the vital role our sense of smell plays in our overall health. Essential oils have been used for generations to address a variety of concerns, and modern research is shedding light on their mechanisms. They possess the potential to assist both our physical and emotional well-being. For instance, certain oils can help regulate hormones, support thyroid function, and even enhance our mood.
You might be familiar with natural perfumes made from essential oils. These perfumes blend essential oils with plant extracts to preserve the plant's natural potency. When we inhale or apply these oils to our skin, they enter our body and exert an influence on our emotions and bodily functions. They can alleviate issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, pain, and sleep troubles.
Although scientists are still uncovering the exact mechanisms of essential oils, they believe that some oils might trigger the release of specific chemicals in our brain that strengthen our neural connections. Inhaling essential oils communicates with our limbic system through the smell receptors in our nose. This prompts our brain to produce chemicals that impact our mood.
Emerging studies also indicate that essential oils could be a promising method to support our brain's processing system and the electrical signals in our nerve cells.
Both scientific research and real-world experiences confirm that aromatherapy, which involves using the scents of essential oils, can assist with various mental health conditions. It can help reduce feelings of stress, anxiety, and sadness.
As a kinesiologist, I've integrated essential oils not only to enhance my mindset and uplift my emotions, but also to create oil combinations that target specific meridians & chakra. This approach assists my clients in alleviating their symptoms, realigning their energy, and boosting their overall vitality.
REFERENCES
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McCaffrey R, Thomas DJ, Kinzelman AO. The effects of lavender and rosemary essential oils on test-taking anxiety among graduate nursing students. Hollist Nurs Pract. 2009;23(2):88-93.