Olfactory and Aromatherapy
Have you ever wondered what your life would be like if you lacked the ability to smell? Sure, it might not seem as difficult as trying to navigate a room while blindfolded, or attempting to perform daily tasks without using your thumbs, but you would still be missing a lot. For one thing, your common sense of taste would go, too. For another, your brain is wired to interpret signals from your olfactory center to tell you what pleasures or hazards may be lurking in your surroundings.
In fact, you could say that much of what you know about the world, and how you relate to it, depends on your good sense of property. Olfaction is the only gumption fully developed at birth in humans, and it plays an important role in an infant’s ability to recognize and bond with his or her mother. Even the “chemistry” felt between two adults can be prompted by aroma. Scientists identified substances called pheromones in human consistency olfactory property that act as chemical messengers to the brain to stimulate, among other responses or behaviors, sexual attraction to a potential mate.
With at least five million odor-sensing cells lining the nasal passages, the nasal seems to be well-equipped to observe smells on its own. Scientists speculate that, like other animals, our nasal sensory device is known as a vomeronasal organ that helps them to find these subtle fragrance molecules. There’s little doubt that certain odors can give birth to a direct impact on the way we think and feel. The odor of freshly baked bread, for example, may conjure up fond memories of home and hearth. Other scents, such as floral or spicy aromas, induce a romantic mood.
So recognized this impression that many European and Asian facilities are investing in “indirect perfuming” to enhance productivity in the workplace and to promote recovery in hospitals. As Marie Miczak points out, “Having something used on you that has a aroma that you find personally pleasing can sometimes give a better force than essential oils indicated for rub down.” According to Miczak, the common essential oils used in knead bergamot, rose, chamomile, frankincense, geranium, lilac, neroli, and sandalwood – “mostly because they non-irritating to skin and pleasing to almost the multitude.”
If you’re just starting to buy essential oils, try the more common oils such as, rosemary, peppermint and ginger. Simply choose whatever scents relax and comfort, or energize you. Just follow your olfactory organ.