ANATOMY OF OLFACTION AND ITS ROLE ON EMOTIONAL DISORDERS
Mon. Nov. 30, 2009
Aromatherapy oils themselves can bring about changes in emotional behaviour on a subtle level by creating changes in moods on a subliminal level. Scent can also distract us from our emotions by shifting our focus of attention, or simply by inducing positive memories and emotions related to the scent. By using aromatherapy to help balance emotional states, we in turn affect our mental and physical states, enhancing our life, attitudes, relationships and sexuality.
Aromatherapy functions on an emotional level, affecting both the mental and the physical simultaneously. Aromatherapy oils offer these effects without impairing a person’s thought processes and bodily functions, or causing detrimental side effects as opposed to pharmaceutical drugs. (Oils have to be used in appropriate doses.) Therefore, aromatherapy as a treatment for emotional states is highly valuable and highly effective. Although aromatherapy should not be considered a miracle cure for serious emotional issues, the use of essential oils may assist, sometimes greatly, with particular emotional issues. Additionally, the proper use of essential oils may enhance your emotional outlook and provide support and help balance your emotions during the day. The use of essential oils for emotional well-being is what is often first thought of when someone thinks of the term "aromatherapy."
Through our sense of smell we can influence our moods and emotions. Inhalation of aromatherapy oils has primary effects. Relaxing and pleasant smells stimulate emotional responses of pleasure and relaxation. From a holistic perspective, aromatherapy is a form of preventive health care. Most aromatherapists believe that aromatherapy should not be used as a substitute for mainstream medical care, but as an adjunct to it.
Essential oils are comprised of naturally occurring chemicals that work in synergy with one another. By using essential oils that have calming properties, you can elicit what is known as the relaxation response—a state of well-being characterized by calmness in both body and mind. The chemical make-up of the essential oil will determine the effect that it will have on a person. This explains why some oils stimulate, whilst others have a calming effect.
Words such as “relaxing” or “uplifting” have more to do with odor description and emotional response rather than physiological effect, although the two are related.
Therefore some oils such as bergamot and lemon can be sedating to the nervous system but uplifting to the spirit, while those such as jasmine and ylang ylang can be nerve stimulants but relaxing on an emotional level. Because essential oils evaporate quickly (known as being "volatile"), their molecules are easily inhaled. Without providing an intimidating lesson in olfaction (the science of the sense of smell), the inhalation of these naturally occurring synergistic chemicals provide triggers to our brain. These triggers effect our emotions. Inhalation of these wondrous molecules also provides physical benefit which may also work together to aid in our emotional state.
When considering the emotional response to a particular oil it seems more suitable to look at the temperament of the individual under a particular circumstance, rather than to predict a set reaction. A variety of factors would include how the oil was applied, how much was used;, what circumstances it was applied under;, the age, sex, personality of the individual; the state of mind of the individual; if they have any previous experience with the particular oil; the ability to smell or not smell. As individual needs are considered, we begin to see the versatility of the essential oils.
The first modern study on aromatherapy was done by French chemist Gattefosse, whose work showed that the essential oils can very easily penetrate the skin and mingle with our body's extra-cellular liquids like blood. The circulation of these body fluids then carries the oils to the different organs. The study showed that even smelling these oils stimulate the brain's limbic system via the olfactory nerve and alters our emotional and mental behaviour.
Published clinical studies show positive results on (among other things) sleep problems and emotional, stress-related disorders. Although aromatherapy can help ease the symptoms of depression, it's best to use aromatherapy to support other treatments if your depression is severe or unmanageable. Studies in animals show sedative and stimulant effects of specific essential oils as well as positive effects on behavior and the immune system. Functional imaging studies in humans support the influence of odors on the limbic system and its emotional pathways. A recent Scottish study found that aromatherapy has a measurably calming effect on the symptoms of dementia in elderly people.
Aromatherapists have long held that the mind, via the emotions, responds to aroma. But how does aromatherapy affect mood? The effects of aromatherapy are theorized to result from the effect of odorantmolecules from essential oils on the brain’s emotional center, the limbic system. When the fragrance of aromatherapy oils is inhaled, a strong chemical stimulus is sent to the brain where it is analyzed and often gives rise to a positive emotional response. This triggers an emotional response. The different essential oils' fragrance plays an important part in therapeutically treating emotional disorders through the olfactory glands.
When any substance is inhaled, the olfactory nerve is stimulated providing a direct pathway to the brain's limbic system, or emotional 'control centre'. The limbic system is a primitive part of the brain concerned with basic emotions, mood and memories. The components of the limbic system govern emotional states, behavioural drives and help to store and retrieve memories. Stimulation of the components of the limbic system by aromatherapy brings about aroma’s ability to affect conscious thought and reaction. It is the link between the cerebral cortex and the unconscious functions of the brain system.
The limbic system is especially susceptible to the effects of aroma, and through it, it is possible to influence a person’s attitude, mood and disposition by introducing them to certain scents.
The stimulation of the limbic system by the aroma molecules also causes reactions in both the nervous system and the endocrine (hormonal) system.
The hypothalamus and pituitary glands are stimulated, influencing hormones, stress levels, sexual arousal, body temperature, digestion, insulin production, appetite, thirst and repulsion. Stimulation of the hormonal system affects the nervous system, balancing the two halves of the autonomic nervous system, the parasympathetic and the sympathetic.
Therefore hormones in the body can balance emotions and physical states bought on by negative emotional states. Of our five primary senses, the olfactory is the only one that transmits information directly from the nose into the limbic center of the brain, the seat of emotions and memory. Recent brain scan research has shown that different scents affect brainwave production; for example, with some increasing alpha (relaxation) waves and others affecting beta (alertness) waves. Aromatherapy is effective with many disorders, including stress, anxiety, pain, PMS, depression, certain types of male impotence, and many others. This primitive area of the brain, also a gateway to the subconscious, is involved with memory, emotion, mood expression and instinctual behaviours relating to such things as self-preservation. Odour stimuli in the limbic system trigger the release of various neurotransmitters such as cartooning, encephalin and endorphins, which help to increase feelings of well-being and regulate mood.
The aromas can stimulate hypothalamus (the gland that controls the endocrine system and many bodily functions) which may activate the pituitary gland that produces hormones which further affect emotions. Through this process Aromatherapy controls emotional imbalances like stress, sadness, grief, tension and anxiety that manifest themselves in physical conditions such as sleep problems, depressed immune function and digestive disorders. Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils to bring about physiological and emotional changes. The limited research done so far indicates that aromatherapy is helpful for a number of disorders, such as stress related complaints. Aromatherapy is the therapeutic use of essential oils made from plants and flowers. It is a healing art that aims to rejuvenate body, mind and spirit. The different smells (aromas), and the chemical constituents of the oils, are said to produce different emotional and physiological reactions.
Some researchers believe that when people experience mood changes or physical changes, it is because the smell has triggered a memory. For instance, if a person feels relaxed when they smell cinnamon, it might be because cinnamon conjures up pleasant childhood memories. However, practitioners maintain that inhaling an essential oil will usually trigger a predictable response, even if the person doesn’t have any memories associated with the smell.
Aromatherapists speak of aromachology to describe the powerful effect essential oils, have on the mind. Aromatherapists consider body and mind intrinsically related, and essential oils, which are extracted from the aromatic material of plants, work holistically on the person. They have the ability to effectively treat the mind in conditions, such as those arising from stress. Physical illness that leads to emotional distress can also benefit from aromatherapy. Enhanced emotional well-being and a more positive mindset can then enhance physical health.
Aromatherapy is the use of essential oils and other natural aromatic compounds from plants to effect emotional and physical health The oils are referred to as “essential” because they are the “essence” of the plant. Olfactory sense has a powerful effect on our emotional and physical health. Aromatherapy can be used to alter mood, inspire confidence, ease moderate depression, and increase energetic feeling. In France, many aromatherapy essential oils are perceived in a similar way as prescription drugs are in the United States. Aromatherapy comes in many forms, e.g. essential oil, mists, sticks, candles, infusions, massage creams and oils, mineral bath formulas, and absolutes.
We may not realize it, but our sense of smell can affect our emotions and behaviours. What happens when we smell something pleasant to our senses? We relax and feel comfort and joy. Fragrance has also been used over hundreds of years to induce desired spiritual states and therefore creating intense mental and emotional impact, for example, Buddhism using sandalwood, and Judaism/Christianity using frankincense and myrrh. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) also frequently uses aromatic herbs not only internally, but often for external conditions. In fact, the use of aromatic herbs in TCM such as ginger (Sheng Jiang), cinnamon (Gui Zhi) for example, date back to the era of the first pharmaceutical classic, "Shen Nong Ben Cao Jing" (Shen Nong's Pharmacopoeia Classic), written in 2,800 B.C.
Essential oils have been used particularly for many emotional conditions, because of the affect that smell has on our emotions and behaviour. In the past, this was not understood, but today, we know that when we smell, the aroma goes to our Limbic system via the olfactory pathway (our nose). The Limbic system is the region of the brain that acts as the link between higher cognitive function, and emotional responses. The Limbic system provides the hypothalamus with emotional input (both input and reactions to sensory information), which can affect homeostasis and physiological responses. The Limbic systems' link to emotions and physiological functions is important in the use of aromatherapy and emotional uses.
From the TCM perspective, fragrances greatly affect the Lung and Heart energy system and the Spirit (Shen), mainly because of its direct access to the brain (through the nose) and its resulting emotional effects on the Spirit (Shen).
The essential oils used are determined by the massage therapist. They are chosen to therapeutically treat the emotional disorders of the client through the olfactory glands (through smell). Aromatherapy massage works when essential oils are inhaled by the client. When the fragrant oils are inhaled, a chemical message is sent to the brain which triggers a certain emotional response. In aromatherapy massage, the emotional response elicited by aromatherapy essential oils is combined with the sense of touch to produce relaxation or stimulation, peace or euphoria, depending on the client's needs. Other possible effects are stress relief, pain relief, relief from sleep disorders or, alternatively, rejuvenating and energizing the mind and body.
Aromatherapy has a useful role in altering emotional states as it can be employed in self-soothing through massage, vaporization and bathing. Emotions, memories and aroma are linked. Our sense of smell is directly connected to, and influences our nervous system.
Essential oils can directly affect our emotional condition through the olfactory system and thereby aid in holistic healing. You can use Aromatherapy in the following ways:
• By mixing essential oils with carrier oils and rubbing it or massaging it into the skin. The oils will filter into your bloodstream through the skin and help you achieve results.
• By inhaling these oils, either by adding a few drops in your bath or burning them with water in an ‘oil burner’.
• Soaking the body in the tub with 1- 3 drops of the oils in 2 tablespoons of carrier and inhaling the luxurious vapors is an excellent way to bust stress, relieve emotional fatigue and anxiety. The vapors penetrate the skin and reach the brain, where they stimulate the nerves and send down a cool, revitalizing and relaxing sensation all throughout the body.
Which Emotional Imbalances Can Be Cured With Aromatherapy?
Among the many emotional disturbances affecting humans, Aromatherapy has been found affective in:
Anger
Bergamot, Jasmine, Neroli, Orange, Patchouli, Petitgrain, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang
Anxiety
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Confidence
Bay Laurel, Bergamot, Cypress, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Orange, Rosemary
Depression
On a systemic level the euphoric oils address depression arising from sympathetic nervous hyperfunctioning from sensory, emotional or mental overstimulation (including grief, fear and shock). On a focal level, however, they also work symptomatically to help relieve any kind of depression. As such, they may be used short-term until systemic treatment is available or begun, and regardless of whether the more long-term treatment involves aromatherapy alone or also includes counseling, nutrition, herbal medicine, nutritional supplementation or any other form of natural therapy. In some cases, as in depression with chronic low self-esteem and insecurity, euphoric oils should not be used continuously on their own. At the very least, they should combined with one or two other oil types that address the systemic condition presenting. The main euphoric oils include Jasmine, Ylang-ylang, Neroli, Rose, Tuberose, Clary sage, Nutmeg, Patchouli, Vetiver, Atlas cedarwood, Sandalwood and Myrrh. From the fragrance energetics point of view these oils are predominantly floral-sweet, woody and rooty.
Fatigue, Exhaustion and Burnout
Basil, Bergamot, Black Pepper, Clary Sage, Cypress, Frankincense, Ginger, Grapefruit, Helichrysum, Jasmine, Lemon, Patchouli, Peppermint, Rosemary, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Fear
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Roman Chamomile Sandalwood, Vetiver
Grief
Cypress, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Neroli, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Happiness and Peace
Bergamot, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Lemon, Neroli, Orange, Rose, Sandalwood, Ylang Ylang
Insecurity
Bergamot, Cedarwood, Frankincense, Jasmine, Sandalwood, Vetiver
Irritability
Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Roman Chamomile, Sandalwood
Loneliness
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Helichrysum, Roman Chamomile, Rose
Mental Boost
If you're tired and lack concentration, you may need a mental pick-me-up. Eucalyptus, peppermint and rosemary are all mentally stimulating oils. Each of these oils will revitalise your mind and help you to overcome bouts of fatigue and restlessness. Eucalyptus and peppermint are revitalising and uplifting. Rosemary can help you concentrate and focus your attention.
Panic and Panic Attacks
Frankincense, Helichrysum, Lavender, Neroli, Rose
Stress
Bergamot, Clary Sage, Frankincense, Geranium, Grapefruit, Jasmine, Lavender, Mandarin, Neroli, Patchouli, Roman Chamomile, Rose, Sandalwood, Vetiver, Ylang Ylang
Reducing Stress: Aromatherapy uses the all powerful sense of smell in relieving stress and encouraging better health. Essential oils such as lavender, jasmine, rosemary, geranium and ylang ylang have been found effective in alleviating anxiety, depression, sense of guilt, helplessness, restlessness, irritability and exhaustion.
Treating Insomnia: A research found that elderly people, who earlier found it difficult to sleep, ‘slept like babies’ when lavender aroma was wafted through their rooms at night.
Relaxation and Stress Relief
A small amount of clary sage or lavender can help you unwind at the end of a stressful day. Lavender is can help you sleep and is excellent for insomniacs. Clary sage is good if you are feeling emotionally drained or nervous.
Aromatherapy has been found helpful in Improving Concentration and in Generating an Overall Sense of Wellness among people.
However, the benefits of Aromatherapy are very personal and you must consult your GP before taking up this Alternative Therapy. It is important, that you treat any list of essential oils used for emotional well-being as a starting point. Within the confines of safety, experiment and utilize those oils that bring about the purpose that you seek.
Bergamot relieves from stress. Affirmation: It is wise & healthy to let go & surrender. I am completely relaxed & at peace with myself and the world. – Bergamot repairs and restores balance while supporting the body's physical and emotional shield against stress.
Clary Sage is calming, euphoric and balancing, Clary sage oil is for prolonged over stimulation leading to mental, emotional and physical tension and restlessness.
Ginger generates warmth, vitality, centering and grounding, thereby helping relieve physical and emotional coldness and tiredness. It will address spacey-ness, low motivation and sensual or emotional inhibition.
Helichrysum is useful for emotional bruising.
Lavender is emotionally balancing. One on the most popular aromatherapy aromas is lavender. Lavender essential oil has a calming scent which makes it an excellent tonic for the nervous system disorders and helps in treating migraines, headaches, hypertension, insomnia, anxiety, depression, nervous tension, irritability and emotional stress. It’s refreshing aroma removes nervous exhaustion and restlessness and increases mental activity. Lavender essential oil induces sleep and hence it is often recommended for insomnia.
Lemongrass promotes relaxed focus, poise and clarity both mentally and emotionally, helps with confusion, lack of perspective and reactive loss of "cool."
Marjoram is warming, comforting and calming, it is a sedative in larger doses. This EO is great for internal turmoil, irritability and hysteria, creates peace of mind and aids in healing emotional wounds.
Peppermint helps break through emotional knots and conflicts, and relieves mental brooding.
Tangerine oil is a good example. The smell of tangerine helps provide emotional balance and bring on a positive outlook. Sweet tangerine oil is a wonderful oil to use alone or in a blend for those winter blues that often occur in the colder, grayer times of the year. The aroma also blends nicely with many oils and has the added advantage of being one of the more inexpensive essential oils.
The oil of a rose, laden with Citronellol, does triple duty as a perfume, an effective agent against the herpes simplex virus, and an uplifting aromatic that can help one open emotionally after a traumatizing experience. Rose essential oil, is known for aiding during times of grief. Your past experiences with the aroma of rose oil, however, may impact its effectiveness for use during times of grief.
Neroli (from the flower of bitter oranges), like Bergamot, regulates the Qi - and like Jasmine flower oil, comforts the mind and heart. Neroli is called for at a core level, for the type of depression that comes from nervous and emotional exhaustion. Neroli uplifts the mind and Spirit with its potential to nourish and unify a fragmented mind. Neroli is specifically indicated for individuals who, in order to escape from emotional pain and suffering, cut themselves off from their feelings and senses.
Essential oils evaporate easily and create distinct mental and emotional atmospheres, they make excellent air fresheners.
Essential oils that are of particular benefit in the treatment of stress are; lavender, jasmine, chamomile, rose, neroli, bergamot, Melissa, clary sage, marjoram and frankincense.
Essential oils useful in the treatment of anxiety are; bergamot, chamomile, neroli, ylang ylang, melissa, frankincense, cedarwood, lavender, vetiver and rose.
Mild depression which may have arisen due to difficulties in life, fears, grief and loss responds well to treatment with aromatherapy oils of; rose, jasmine, basil, clary sage, lavender, neroli, bergamot, melissa and sandalwood.
A five minute foot bath with hot water and oils of rosemary, chamomile, melissa or lavender can be used as a preventative measure for headaches and migraines, as can a regular aromatherapy massage. The oils most often recommended for treatment of stress and tension related headaches and migraines are; rose, marjoram, melissa, lavender, peppermint, eucalyptus and chamomile.
Aromatherapy oils useful in the treatment of insomnia are; lavender, ylang ylang, chamomile, clary sage, neroli, sandalwood and vetiver.
Essential Oils that have Aphrodisiac Properties and help to relax and build confidence are; sandalwood, patchouli, ylang ylang, jasmine, black pepper, cardamom, and clary sage
What follows are a few recipes for uplifting and releasing depressed emotional states - use your intuition to find the right one. Often, the single essential oil or blend you find most attractive will be the one that serves you best.
Experiment, explore, and have fun with these fantastic gifts of nature. Where a carrier oil is indicated - blends with carriers are intended specifically for aromatherapy massage (self-massae is very effective, as well as a simple massage from a friend or loved one).
For releasing and opening the heart:
1 drop Rose 4 drops Sweet Orange or Bergamot
Brightening, refreshing and uplifting:
4 drops Bergamot 1 drop Ylang Ylang 4 drops Grapefruit
4 drops Bergamot 4 drops Clary Sage 1 drop Frankincense
4 drops Bergamot or Sweet Orange 4 drops Clary Sage
1 drop Frankincense 4 drops Lemon Nourishing:
4 drops (Roman) Chamomile 25 mls. Carrier oil of choice
Floral and earthy (uplifting and softening to Spirit):
1 drop Neroli 4 drops Orange
3 drops Chamomile 4 drops Bergamot 1 drop Helichrysum
Stress essential oil blend: 4 drops orange, 3 drops lavender, 1 drop ylang ylang. This blend works together to stimulate the release of the body's natural stress reducing chemicals that calm all reactions and offer emotional support. Orange and ylang ylang will calm and lift the gloom and doom of depression. Once the stress or depression is lifted, one can maintain a brighter outlook when facing challenging situations. Lavender offers the "take a deep breath" moment to stabilize and think before you react. Over time, maintaining stability and emotional agility, confidence, relaxation and peace of mind will be your natural graceful state. This formula is a must for children and nervous pets.
Single oils can also be used, and should be investigated so one can learn the different energies of each plant. For depression associated with negativity: Bergamot, Chamomile, Helichrysum, Neroli, or Sweet Orange. For a profound lack of joy, try Rose, Jasmine, Patchouli, or Ylang Ylang. For overthinking and worry, try Frankincense, Lemon, Marjoram, Myrrh or Vetiver. For pessimism, regret and remorse, try Clary Sage, Cypress, Hyssop, or Pine needle. For doubt of one's capacity to cope with overwhelming situations, try Juniper Berry.
Aromatic Blessings,
Marlene Mitchell
www.aromatherapyinstitute.com
info@aromatherapyinstitute.com
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