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The Evolution of Aromatherapy
The ancient civilizations of
Arabia, Babylon, China, Egypt, Greece, India, and Rome all used
the aromas of scented plants, flowers, and woods to heal and
protect. Religious and spiritual ceremonies have used aromas
to arouse mankind’s deeply spiritual nature from the dawn
of time. Today, the science of aromatherapy, which is a holistic
healing practice, uses essential oils and herbs, to treat stress-related
illnesses, muscular, circulatory, respiratory, and digestive
ailments, and even skin problems.
The Effects of Scent on Emotions
Essential oils influence our
emotions within seconds of inhalation. For instance, clary sage
stimulates the thalamus to release a hormone called encephalon,
a neurochemical that creates a sense of euphoria and provides
pain relief. Lavender and chamomile fuel the release of serotonin,
which has a calming effect on fear, stress, aggravation, or insomnia.
Scents activate the deep part
of the brain, where memories are stored. You can recreate pleasant
memories and share them with your family and friends through
the use of smells. For instance, my mother often baked a cake
just before we kids arrived home from school. Now that I've grown
up, we don't eat as much cake in our home, but sharing a vanilla
scent with my children often prompts them to share stories about
their grandmother.
Smells are a powerful link with
the memories of our past. My mother used to tell me stories of
her grandmother, whose home smelled like baked cinnamon rolls
in the morning and exotic, tangy spices in the evening.
The sense of smell, a potent
tool in Interior Design Psychology, brings a feeling of harmony
and serenity to any room in a home. Embrace the scents you love
and those that conjure pleasant memories, and make the use of
scent an integral part of your overall design plan.
Copyright (c) 2004 by Jeanette
J. Fisher |
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