The Sense of Smell and Emotional Response
Smell is a specialised chemical sense. It is interesting to note that the olfactory cells are the only place in the human body where the central nervous system is in direct contact with the external environment. When we detect the smell of something, there is a direct contact between the molecules of scent and our own receptors.
The message regarding the molecule of scent is passed along the olfactory nerve to the nerve centre in the brain. The neurons of the olfactory nerve, control the inner responses, i.e. emotions and memories, as well as the body's hormones. There is no generally accepted classification of the basic types of smells recognized by man. The sense of smell can be very sensitive, sensing minute concentrations of some substances in the air.
There is considerable individual variation in the activity of the sense of smell. Adaption can occur to pleasant as well as nasty smells, due to changes in both the receptors and the central connections.
It is important to remember that the inhalation of the aromas of essential oils also has a profound and instantaneous effect on us today. The limbic lobe of the brain receives information about smell via the olfactory nerve and this part of the brain is also concerned with our emotional memory. The limbic system produces the autonomic responses that accompany emotional states and behaviours.
Particular scents can trigger strong, emotional responses which are pleasant or unpleasant according to our own individual experience. Which smells do you find repellent? What are your favourite scents? Perhaps the perfume of a favourite blossom or newly-mown grass, the scents of the garden after light summer rain, the smell of your favourite meal cooking or the perfume worn by a friend, the special scent of a baby or small child.
When oils are inhaled, micro-molecules of essential oils travel through the nasal passages to the limbic system of the brain which is the seat of memory and emotion.
The breathing in of essential oils is thought to trigger memories and emotions within the limbic system, which in turn stimulates a response within the entire system.
With the memory comes instant recall of the associated emotion - pleasure, happiness, laughter, affection or perhaps sadness, pain, grief.
For this reason, it is important to always heed the emotional responses to the aroma of the essential oils you intend to use. If the scent is in any way repellent, then it is wise to adjust your choice of oils for your blend. The subconscious, emotional responses are telling you something of vital importance and you would be wise to listen. Otherwise, you severely curtail the degree of benefit given.
Smell takes a direct, physical route to the brain because they employ nerve cells as transmitters and receivers. Odours travel directly through the olfactory system in the nose and the front part of the head into the limbic area of the brain which processes the smell.
Dee is a Doctor of Reflexology, Homeopathic Practitioner, Certified Aromatherapist, and Reiki Master. Her site is AkobiAromas.com - a source of quality aromatherapy, herbal and reflexology information and products.
 Google News Updated : Thu, 21 Aug 2008 18:13:20 GMT Dems Pounce on McCain Admission He Doesn't Know How Many Houses He ... - Washington Post
Washington Post - By Michael D. Shear SEDONA, Ariz.-- Sen. John McCain said in an interview that he did not know how many houses he and his wife own, a comment that Democrats immediately seized on as evidence that the Republican nominee is out of touch with the economic ... McCain not sure how many houses he owns McCain unsure how many homes he has Publ.Date : Thu, 21 Aug 2008 14:16:19 GMT GameStop's Profit Nearly Triples - Wall Street Journal
Wall Street Journal - By MIKE BARRIS GameStop Corp.'s fiscal second-quarter net income nearly tripled as results topped expectations, and the company predicted strong results for the rest of the year. UPDATE: GameStop Earnings Surge In Second Quarter; Forecast In Line Earnings roundup: Heinz, GameStop Publ.Date : Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:15:29 GMT Hamlet 2: The First One Was Better - TIME
TIME - There's nothing remarkable, or witty, or particularly engaging about Hamlet 2, a ragged comedy about a failed actor who tries to mount a science-fiction musical sequel to Shakespeare's tragedy in a Tucson, Ariz. Anything goes in 'Hamlet 2' Brit Star Coogan Makes US Splash in Hamlet 2 Publ.Date : Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:42:50 GMT Obama to campaign in Eau Claire, Wis - Chicago Sun-Times
Chicago Sun-Times - FROM AP MADISON, Wis. - Sen. Barack Obama will campaign in Wisconsin for the first time in two months this weekend. His campaign says the Illinois senator will stop in the western city of Eau Claire on Sunday. Commentary: Why Obama has to get mad to win McCain Closes Gap on Obama In Poll as Conventions Loom Publ.Date : Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:36:45 GMT Apple Sued Over iPhone 3G Reception Problems - InformationWeek
InformationWeek - An Alabama woman alleges that the handset isn't as fast as advertised, and she's seeking class-action status to represent other customers affected by the "defective" iPhone 3G. Apple Faces Suit Over iPhone 3G Glitches Apple hit with class action suit over 'defective' iPhone 3G Publ.Date : Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:17:44 GMT Student shot at Tennessee high school dies - CNN
CNN - (CNN) -- A student died Thursday after being shot at Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, police said. Students and staff wait outside Central High School in Knoxville, Tennessee, after a fatal shooting Thursday. Deputy: 16-Year-Old Dies in Tenn. School Shooting Student Fatally Shot By Classmate In Tenn. Publ.Date : Thu, 21 Aug 2008 16:21:11 GMT 'House Bunny' pins its limited charms on Faris - USA Today
USA Today - No movie called The House Bunny would be complete without the appearance of Hef himself. Not surprisingly, it opens with festivities at the Playboy Mansion, though the scene soon switches to a college campus. Anna Faris Glams Up House Bunny Premiere Film Review: The House Bunny Publ.Date : Thu, 21 Aug 2008 17:33:11 GMT RSS Software |
PARLOT::Ebooks, Scripts,
Websites, and more... As the old saying goes, are you "a picture of... Read More Herb Fraiche essential oil is derived from essential oils complex... Read More Cayenne is a constipation home remedy that is effective in... Read More If you're concerned about the condition of an older family... Read More Do you ever think about just how important good health... Read More Massage Therapy is a massage session that takes place in... Read More A historyHerbs have been used for hundreds of years before... Read More The Origin of AromatherapySince the beginning ? from the time... Read More Now, more that ever, concerned physicians are beginning to ask... Read More Motion sickness is a normal response to real, perceived, or... Read More What is something that goes up but never comes down?... Read More "Accidental" discoveries are made each day. Common substances can sometimes... Read More Allergies and asthma arise from loss of the body's natural... Read More Pranic Therapy Part I - An IntroductionPranic Therapy is an... Read More Last week the media circus surrounding the flu vaccine reached... Read More Tea Tree Oil (Melaleuca alternifolia) has a proven history of... Read More Immunoglobulin E is an antibody, which is secreted from the... Read More First showers of monsoon are heartily welcomed by everyone after... Read More Ever have a bee sting? Try rubbing an aspirin on... Read More It is a sad fact that most people pay little... Read More Indoor air pollution in the form of dander, dust and... Read More When the immune system in our body finds or realizes... Read More Smell is a specialised chemical sense. It is interesting to... Read More When a person has a stutter or a parent realises... Read More Nothing turns a commonplace, ho-hum room into a radiant, inviting... Read More
Adsense
websites
How To Find Your Way To Healthy Longevity
Herbe Fraiche Essential Oil : A Combination of Forest Essences
A Constipation Home Remedy - Cayenne
Alzheimer?s Home Testing Manual Now Available Online
Warning! It Is Possible That You May Die Before Your Time!
Massage Therapy
Herbs Can Heal You or Save Your Life
Evolution of Aromatherapy
Headache, Hypnosis, And Stress, A Case History
Natural Remedy for Motion Sickness
Tips for Staying Young Eternally
Superb Skin Disorder Relief found in Common Diaper Rash Ointment
Why Do So Many People Seem To Have Allergies?
Pranic Therapy - Part I
Flu Vaccine Hysteria
What is Tea Tree Oil? Benefits?
How To Cure Your Incurable Nasal Allergy
Keeping Well When Monsoon Dwells
Home Remedies
A Stitch In Time Saves Nine - Prevention not Cure
Air Purifiers And Air Filters Can Help The Health Of Allergy And Asthma Sufferers
How to Cure Allergy Naturally?
The Sense of Smell and Emotional Response
Cause Of Stuttering
Aromatherapy Candles
Affordable and Reliable Web Hosting Starting at $4.49/Month
Muget Des Bois: A Healing Victory
Known by its other name as Lily of the Valley... Read More
Not Sure About the Mind?Body Connection? You Already Use It To Produce Pain Relief
But Not Nearly Often EnoughIf you're skeptical about your ability... Read More
Biofeedback: Applying the Mind to Health
What is biofeedback?In biofeedback you expand self-awareness and practice powerful... Read More
Kyolic Clears Constipation and Strengthens Your Colon
Garlic is another wonder herb. It has action in all... Read More
How the Subconscious Reasons When It Communicates With You About Pain Relief
The subconscious is a strange creature. It doesn't know what... Read More
Thyme: Elegance Drifting Through the Ages of Time
Thyme is a herb that has been cultivated for centuries... Read More
Going Back to the Basics: Revival of Traditional Treatment through Herbs
Herbal medicine has its origins in ancient cultures including those... Read More
Aloe Vera - The Medicine And Beauty Treatment Of Choice For Millenniums
I can remember as a young boy that my grandmother... Read More
Using Asian Herbal Combinations for Treating Hemorrhoids
Asian HerbsI have found Chinese herb formulations quite effective in... Read More
You Can Stop Biting Your Nails, Heres How!
Are you tired of being self-conscious about your hands and... Read More
Constipation Remedy Using Apples and Other Juices
Here are two constipation remedies that you can use for... Read More
Fraicheur DAgrume (Citrus Fruits): Freshness in a Bottle
Citrus oils are perhaps one of the more popular essential... Read More
A Constipation Remedy Using Potassium and Prunes
Potassium and prunes are a natural constipation remedy that you... Read More
Herbal Medicine: An Ounce Of Prevention
In recent years the issue of Alternative Healing has taken... Read More
Eucalyptus Pure Essential Oil
Eucalyptus pure essential oil is obtained from the leaves and... Read More
Fun is a Powerful Alternative Medicine - Just Dont Confuse it with Funny
You're familiar with the phrase, "there's the rub," meaning "there... Read More
Mental Health Maintenance Is Made Simple
Your mental health is often drastically improved when you use... Read More
Gallbladder Disorders And How To Treat Them Using Natural Remedies
The gallbladder is a 3 to 4 inch-long pear-shaped organ... Read More
Why Air Purifiers Are Not Always The Answer To Indoor Air Quality Problems
Air purifier filters are not always the answer to air... Read More
The Stammering/Stuttering Speech Course
The five day speech course for stuttering/stammering.The first two days... Read More
Reflexology Therapy
Reflexology therapy, (an ancient art practiced by early Egyptians), is... Read More
What Causes Osteoporosis and Ten Changes You Can Make to Reduce Your Risk of Osteoporosis
Ten Simple Lifestyle Changes You Can Make to Reduce Your... Read More
Learn About Falun Dafa
I have been practicing an advanced form of qigong for... Read More
How To Have Optimal Health and Energy: Seven Key Steps
Hello!Alan Allard here?You have my respect for taking action to... Read More
Working with an Intuitive Counselor: Opening the Door to Yourself
"Oh, I've had a psychic reading before. They read some... Read More
Alternative Medicine |