The nose is one of the first places an essential oil enters the body to do its work.
It is important to understand our olfactory system and how it connects absorbing the scent of essential oils so that they can be utilized within body.
The olfactory pathway and our sense of smell connect mind and memory. The Olfactory system is where aromatherapy begins. We inhale a scent and our nerve cells in the olfactory bulb transport the molecules to the limbic system. The important part of the limbic system for this research is the Hippocampus. The Hippocampus plays a vital role in learning, forming short-term memory, and retaining long term memories. The Hippocampus is one of the first regions of the brain to suffer damage in Alzheimer’s.
“Because the Hippocampus is closely related with learning and memory the compounds found in essential oils can be potential drugs in Alzheimer therapies.”
(PubMed Essential Oils and Pure Volatile Compounds as Potential Drugs in Alzheimer’s Disease)
The odor molecules travel to the Hypothalamus where the chemistry of essential oils call on the pituitary to release endorphins and enkephalins. They act as natural pain killers or create a feel good sensation. The chemistry of essential oils with their therapeutic effects creates a release of endorphins and enkephalins in the body. Within these hormones is serotonin, a happy chemical or feel good hormone making one feel relaxed and calm. A second hormone epinephrine keeps you alert and stimulated. The therapeutic and restorative properties of essential oils may help regulate and control anxiety, stress, anger, or pain within the body when inhaled and passed through the olfactory system.
In addition to our limbic system, our brains are divided into left and right hemispheres. The right brain is our soul, ego, creativity and our true being. When Lavender oil is inhaled and it influences the feeling of calm, relaxation or safety, it is the signal that the emotional right brain is doing its job. The left side of the brain is the cognitive side. This part of your brain recalls the scent that you just inhaled. It associates Lavender with those particular emotions, memories and past experiences on how that smell will effect the body and the mind. The beauty of our left/right brain is it works together to influence and integrate our mind and body.
An exercise to do everyday to balance the hemispheres of the brain is super brain yoga. A quick and easy exercise that takes only 5 minutes. There is a demonstration of Super Brain Yoga on YouTube. Pick an essential oil that is calling to you for that particular day. Put a couple drops of essential oil in the palm of your hand. With a finger from your other hand release the essential oils natural energy by circling your finger clockwise three times. Bring it to your nose and inhale. Now you are ready to proceed with doing Super Brain Yoga. It’s amazing how you will find a balance in how you think and feel.