Different scents affect people differently. Some may be relaxed by the soothing scent of lavender, whereas another person is energized by the smell. Relieving stress and helping the body is a full time job for the immune system so why not give it a boost with a delectable bouquet that makes you happy?
The use of aromatherapy has had a long and glorious history with mankind. The actual word was not coined until the 1920's by a French chemist, but there have always been essential oils used for a variety of purposes.
We now see these oils being used in body lotions, soaps, candles and even when indulging in a spa massage. The goal of the masseuse is to find a scent that achieves its purpose. Take, for example, a therapist using lavender to soothe and calm someone who is under a lot of stress.
Our sense of smell drives us and influences our behavior. Think about a freshly baked pumpkin pie. Now, if that image was reinforced by the smell of a pumpkin pie, then it will probably make you hungry for a slice.
Our sense of smell plays a huge part in everything we do. Aromatherapy is about using pleasing scents to change your behavior and mood. If you think about it, then consider your reaction to a foul smell.
Scientists and the medical profession are now embracing the fact that an aromatherapist can work wonders on a person's psychological well-being. If the body is relaxed and free of tension, then the mind will follow. Perhaps these discoveries will help influence mental health professionals when dealing with individuals who are Bipolar or suffer from depression.
Aromatherapy is here to stay. Each time we breathe in and smell something that changes our mood or changes the body's response to certain stimuli, we are embracing the concept. Considering how long the practice has been used and how long mankind has responded to these scents, it is fairly certain that there will be continued use for a variety of treatments. Perhaps one day medical science will be able to reproduce those calming effects that lavender and vanilla have on the human body.
