|
Back to Aromatherapy
|
 What
is Aromatherapy & How it Works
Aromatherapy (aro•ma•ther•a•py) is defined as the use of
volatile plant oils such as essential oils, for psychological
and physical well-being. In other words aromatherapy is the use
of selected fragrant substances in lotions and inhalants in an
effort to affect mood and promote health.
The way that we respond to particular smell or scent on an
emotional or physiologic level is triggered more strongly than
any other sense. For example, you walk into a kitchen and smell
fresh baked apple pie and you instantly think of your
grandmother’s kitchen when you were little and she was baking
for the holidays. You experience a feeling of hunger, warmth,
love and other fond memories of that time. A single smell can
trigger a whole string of forgotten memories and emotions.
The area of the brain that is associated with a sense of smell
is the same area as that is associated with memory. The
olfactory nerves that are responsible for carrying “smell” to
our brain are located within the nasal cavity and respond to
particular scents. Because the olfactory nerves are a direct
extension of the brain's limbic system the reaction to smell is
relayed immediately. They send the information to the part of
the brain where memory and emotions lie. This area connects with
another part of the brain called the hypothalamus and pituitary
gland, which governs our hormonal systems. These scents trigger
a variety of chemical reactions and actions within the body,
including the release of certain chemicals. Three types are
listed and briefly described below:
The first of these chemicals is called “Enkephalin”. When
released into the body it reduces pain and creates a feeling of
well-being. The second of these chemicals is called “Endorphins”
and also reduces pain. It can also induce sexual feelings. The
third is called “Serotonin” and aids the body to relax and has a
calming effect.
Some of the more popular scents are:
Benzoin
Bergamot
Cedar
Wood
Roman
Chamomile
Clary
Sage
Cypress
Eucalyptus
Frankincense
Geranium
Grapefruit
Jasmine
Juniper
Berry
Lavender Provence
Lemon
Sweet
Marjoram
Myrrh
Neroli
Sweet
Orange
Patchouli
Peppermint
Petitgrain
Rose
Rosemary
Rosewood
Australian Sandalwood
Tangerine
Tea
Tree
Vetiver
Ylang
Ylang
| Right cell |
