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Hippocrates, the “father of medicine” believed that “the way to health is by using aromatic baths and scented massage”.
Through the nose
When we pick up molecules of scent, receptors transport these straight to the limbic system for processing and identification. Limbic system is where memories are stored. The scent will now evoke a feeling, a memory. This can encourage relaxation, induce sense of well being and reduce stress and tension.
Through the skin
Essential oil enters the blood stream and transported around the body. Once in the body, essential oils work on a chemical level mimicking hormones, reducing muscle spasms and relieving pain. It takes about 20 minutes to get into the bloodstream and effects can last for about 3 days.
Aromatherapy can help you deal with stress by treating the symptoms or addressing the cause. Aromatherapy treatment includes health assessment with a certified aromatherapist, body massages with essential oils, blends for bath, inhalations, diffusers and pampering blends for the hair, skin and body.
Julia Lawless book mentioned the three distinct modes of action on how essential oils inter-relate with the human body: pharmacological, physiological and psychological.
a.
Pharmacological effect – essential oils enters the bloodstream and chemical reaction occurs within the body, organs, glands, etc.
b. Physiological effect – essential oils affecting the system of the body i.e. relaxing, uplifting, sedating, etc.
c. Psychological effect – essential oils’ aroma stimulates a person’s response
She also mentioned that during the Psychology of Perfumery Conference in 1991, it was agreed that "while pharmacological effects may be very similar from one person to another, psychological effects are bound to be different." The psychological effect of a particular scent varies from one person to another depending on various factors such as past associations with the odor, age, sex, personality type, environment and inability to smell or anosimia.
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