Aromatherapy

Aromatherapy is a holistic therapy that uses essential oils extracted from plants, flowers, herbs, fruits and trees to support physical, emotional and mental wellbeing.

The nose knows! When we inhale an aroma, tiny scent molecules stimulate specialised olfactory receptors high inside the nose. These receptors send electrical signals to the olfactory bulb, situated at the front of the brain.

From there, information travels to several brain regions, including areas associated with:

• Emotion
• Memory
• Behaviour
• Recognition of smells
• Physical and emotional responses

The olfactory pathways connect with regions including the amygdala and hypothalamus. This helps explain why a familiar aroma can quickly evoke a memory, influence how we feel or create a sense of comfort and relaxation. Or simply encourage us to pause and breathe.