Most sensory nerves send their information to distributive centres of the brain that then inform the higher centres. For example, information from the eyes and ears goes to the visual and auditory cortex of the brain to be processed. We can then use our rational mind to work with what we see and hear like the words on this page, or the sound of someone’s voice.
The sense of smell however, is not distributed first to the higher centres. Once our olfactory nerve is stimulated by a scent the information travels immediately and firstly to the limbic system in the brain.
This is the emotional centre. Before it does anything else, smell triggers emotions. It is in this manner that aromatherapy works. Scented oils can be added to massage oil and lotion or to the water of a Hot Stone Massage that stimulate specific responses in the body. Oil can be used to relax or enliven, heal or concentrate.
The essential oil blend stimulates the body’s natural self-healing response. To cite one example, research in neuroimmunology has found that citrus scent stimulates the immune system to fight disease. The essential oil blend used in aromatherapy is customized to the client’s needs.