There is much more to aromatherapy than meets the eye (or nose!). When you smell a pleasant scent, your mood is instantly uplifted. An important smell also has the capacity to influence your mood and bring up new memories. For instance, when you smell cookies baking in the oven, your body experiences a physiological reaction which can offer powerful physical and emotional benefits. You may feel nostalgic, happy, or energetic!
Not only does a smell trigger a reaction in the brain, but it can also offer other concrete therapeutic benefits. For instance, the naturally occurring chemicals in the fresh-smelling eucalyptus tree have the power to help relieve congestion.
There are many benefits to aromatherapy treatments, which involve studying how our bodies react to certain types of smells. Believe it or not, our olfactory sense has a large influence on the way that we perceive the world. We see things differently when we smell a fragrant flower or open a new book. However, aromatherapy is hardly a new or alternative treatment. It has been used for thousands of years to help promote physical and emotional health of people of all different cultures!
Think about your favorite smell and how it makes you feel! An agreeable scent can improve your memory, enhance your creativity, and help you relax. Even some weight-loss techniques involve aromatherapy—using the scent of cinnamon or vanilla to help reduce your sugar cravings and cause you to eat less.
You can buy a scented candle or oils to create a sense of relaxation and cheerfulness in your own home. Here are some popular scents and their uses:
- Vanilla – helps to promote cheerfulness
- Ginger – soothes your stomach and increases your energy
- Lavender – traditionally used to relieve stress
- Peppermint – helps to prevent depression
- Lemon – increases feelings of alertness
- Eucalyptus – sniff a little eucalyptus to relieve congestion
- Basil – improves concentration
Aside from helping us feel happy and upbeat, aromatherapy is widely used in conjunction with medical treatments. It is used to help patients in hospitals, spas, and offices throughout the world. Think about it--by putting a vase of flowers by your desk, you are using aromatherapy to boost your mood! So, take some time to inhale and really smell those roses.
