Aromatherapy
Our sense of smell is established to be 10,000 times more sharp than other senses. Scent travels faster to the brain than both sight or sound, and registers even faster than pain. The sense of smell is linked directly to the deepest parts of the brain and the mind.
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What is it?
If you need improvement in health problems from anxiety to poor sleep, you may want to consider aromatherapy. In this kind of treatment, you use extracts from plants called essential oils, by either breathing them through your nose or putting them on your skin. Some people put the oils on their skin when they get a massage or take a bath.
Research shows that aromatherapy can have health benefits. It may:
- Ease stress, anxiety, and depression
- Boost feelings of relaxation
- Improve sleep
How does Aromatherapy work?
Our sense of smell is established to be 10,000 times more sharp than other senses. Scent travels faster to the brain than both sight or sound, and registers even faster than pain. The sense of smell is linked directly to the deepest parts of the brain and the mind.
‘Essential oils’ become gases and spread quickly, going directly to the ‘limbic system’ in the brain, this system is our primary response unconsciously controlling elements such as our breathing. Aromas can alter our brain chemistry.
So before you have even registered the smell in your conscious brain, a chain of reactions has already happened, both physical and hormonal such as releasing endorphins to boost your mood or relaxing the central nervous system helping you to feel calm.
Have you ever wondered why smelling your favourite aroma makes you feel immediately calm or energised?
How do I do it?
You can use your own or a loved one’s favourite perfume or aftershave or try essential oils such as Lavender or Chamomile. These smells can be put on your pillow or on your duvet to give you a sense of relaxation.
- You can also use your favourite smells on your clothing to carry around with you a sense of calmness throughout the day.
- Be careful when you are using essential oils as to whether they can be applied directly to your skin.
- Some oils can be used in the bath, or you can try bubble bath or bath bombs.
- You can buy bath bombs that contain essential oils from shops such as Lush. Holland and Barrett and other health shops will sell bottles of essential oils. You can also use oils in a burner or vaporiser.
- Remember: It’s important that you like the smell - if you are unsure about essential oils, try Lavender to start with. Lavender is a good all rounder.