Scentsual Healing

Ever notice a certain scent or aroma can spark a distant memory, nurture fond emotions or put your mind at ease? The sweet fragrance of plumeria reminds me of special occasions in Hawai‘i, or the chance to recall the music and moments from Lei Day celebrations as a child; the sea breeze and ocean scent calms me, and that notable lingering perfume mom would wear seemed everlastingly full of love after an embrace.

Studies indicate scent, emotion, memory and an overall sense of well-being are all connected. Oftentimes, a whiff of something reminiscent of a past experience will bring about memories, trigger brain reactions and enrich your senses. In fact, aromatherapy is directly connected to your health because it passes through the nose, moves to the olfactory bulb and into the limbic system. The limbic system is the part of your brain that is connected to your behavioral and emotional state. Thus, the potential healing power of scents can make a noticeable impact on your mind and health.

Harnessing the use of aromatherapy and essential oils can alleviate issues related to stress, brain function, motivation and other ailments. Typically, the aroma of a fragrance is defined by its top, middle or base notes. The more pronounced the fragrance and duration of the scent will impact its category. Top notes have a direct strong scent that quickly fades; middle notes are distinguishable after the top note fades and tend to linger, while base notes ascend gradually and last for a lengthy amount of time.

Generally speaking, there are at least eight separate types of distinguished aroma families: citrus, floral, herbaceous, camphoraceous (strong odor), minty, spicy, musky and earthy. Focusing on some of the more popular aromas ... citrus provides a bright, cheerful and happy fragrance that is deemed uplifting, helpful for energy and deodorizing. Floral is associated with romance, calming, feminine notes, and is often used for solace, mood and sleep. And minty is attributed to assistance with fatigue, headaches, offering clarity and pain relief.

Some of the most sought-after aromas include: lavender with classically timeless tranquil and sweet floral notes aimed at offering gentle relaxation and balance for mood peppermint for freshness, invigoration and clarity, and lemon for crisp stress reduction and positive emotions. Lesser-known aromas include: litsea Cubeba, an evergreen citrus shrub used for gastro-intestinal ailments, and Ylang-Ylang, derived from a tropical tree and associated with a happy heart and lowering blood pressure.

There are several different ways to utilize essential oils and harness their aroma benefits. The easiest method is to simply open a bottle and enjoy the fragrance after removing the cap. A soft subtle sniff and waft of the scent will allow you to experience the aroma. Diffusers also evaporate the oil into the air allowing the fragrance to permeate the room. Experts suggest the oil be diluted depending on its strength, fragrance and size of the room.

Lastly, topical is a common method to apply the essential oil to your body to reap its benefits. Application to the skin, in lotion or oil can offer a host of benefits and positive experiences. Precaution is urged as most essential oils are highly concentrated and need to be diluted before skin application to avoid irritation. And certain types of aromatherapy are not advised for children, pets and pregnant women, consult with your doctor or a health professional prior to use.