Aromatherapy - Introduction - Essential Oils, Your Olfactory System, and Your Emotions

Essential Oils, Your Olfactory System, and Your Emotions

"The sense of smell, has, by reflex action, an enormous influence on the function of the central nervous system"

-- Italian Doctors, Gatti and Cajola.

Research has shown that certain essential oils, when inhaled, have the power to alter your moods and emotions. Each time you inhale an odouriferous substance, molecules are absorbed by your smell receptors located in your nasal cavity. When these receptors are activated by smell molecules, they send messages through attached nerve fibres to the olfactory bulb. This section of the brain stimulates the body in many ways.

Different chemicals in odour molecules cause different nerve impulses to be sent. Depending on the type and amount of essential oils used, different body reactions can occur. Certain essential oils trigger the brain to release specific neurochemicals such as endorphins, serotonin, and enkephalin. These substances reduce pain and inflammation, calm and relax the body, and create a feeling of well-being.

Some essential oils that are known to be stimulating include: Peppermint, Rosemary, Juniper, Pine, Grapefruit, and Geranium.

Some essential oils that are known to be relaxing include Lavender, Frankincense, Myrrh, Ylang Ylang, and Cedarwood.

Essential Oils & Your Immune System

Your lymphatic system is part of your body's "drainage system". It is comprised of a web of vessels that carry lymph, a yellowish liquid, throughout the body. Lymph carries fluids, waste products, and toxins from all cells in your body and brings them to specialized lymph nodes, or glands, that work to filter these substances. Your lymphatic system also contains white blood cells that kill and digest harmful bacteria, fungi, viruses and cancerous cells that are dangerous to your body.

Once the lymph nodes filter these substances, they are eliminated through perspiration, urine, feces and breath. Lymph glands are important for removing all toxins from your body and if toxins are not removed quickly, your body may be hindered as a result.

Anything that constricts the flow of lymph, such as a tight bra, underwear, or other constricting clothing, can cause a buildup of toxins in that area. This is a popular theory as to one possible cause of cancer.

Aluminum-containing antiperspirants (check the label) prevent your body from naturally sweating. This may cause waste material to remain in the lymphatic system, causing a back-log effect. It is best to use an all natural, aluminum free deodorant.