Have you ever walked past a rose bush, taken a deep breath, and instantly retrieved a strong memory—along with the emotion that goes with it?
Perhaps it’s the memory of your grandmother’s house and the rose perfume she always wore. Even though you haven’t thought about those days in years, you can now picture the pretty, pink, antique teapot and cups she let you use when the two of you had tea parties on her back deck. A smile forms on your lips and your heart feels full and happy.
What wonderful times those were, and what a wonderful day it is today!
Or maybe a scowl comes to your face and suddenly you feel rotten. The aroma reminds you of the corsage your high school sweetheart gave you for prom…which also ended up being the night he dumped you!
What terrible times those were, and what a terrible day it is today!
Why and how do aromas influence our moods and emotions?
An odor is made up of molecules. These molecules are so tiny you can't see them, but your nose can smell them. The molecules get carried to the receptors in your olfactory nerve and interact with them; then a message is sent to the brain.
The sense of smell is the ONLY one of our five senses that has a direct link to the limbic system, which happens to be the part of the brain that regulates emotion and memories. All our other senses send messages to other receptors of the body before those messages can reach the brain. This is why aromas can bring up so many vivid memories and emotions.
It’s also why aromatherapy is so effective for mood support.
QUESTION – WHAT IS ONE SCENT YOU ASSOCIATE WITH A STRONG EMOTION?
