The effects of aromas and odors on the central nervous system have been well-documented. It’s the reason most aromatherapy applications involve impacting a person’s mood or eliciting a positive psychological response. For instance, certain herbal extracts and essential oils like lavender and rosemary have been proven to trigger alertness in the brain and have been shown to increase electrical activity in the nervous system. Researchers measure the level of relaxation or alertness, depending on what type of aroma the subject was exposed to.
These types of base experiments are done to establish the effects of aromatherapy In order that they can then be studied on various health issues. For instance, one study noted that aromas not only influenced taste and mood, they also influenced memory. Memory improvement was measured after exposure to certain aromas. Taste and smell complement each other and aromatherapy exploits this connection between the body’s response and the brain’s reaction. These are triggered by inhaling aromatic oils. New positive associations are created with the opportunity to experiment with new aromas. It’s a good idea to experiment with new scents and see how they can affect your mood.
An individual’s sensitivity to essential oils could be inherited. For instance, while the soothing impact of lavender is well known, the extent to which it calms an individual can vary greatly. This is why it’s important for you, as an aromatherapy practitioner, to discover various substances that may be more suitable to you and your or your client’s condition.
The choice is up to you as to how you want to experiment with aromatherapy. Some people prefer massage and others will never steer away from simply burning candles. Just remember that there are many options for diffusing scents. Diffusers, hot baths with oils and herbal salts are all also accepted ways to practice aromatherapy. Be sure and detail your experiments and the results. Doing so will help you find the right combination of aromas and therapies for enhanced overall wellness.
Feature Image by Colin Behrens from Pixabay
