| How do essential
oils work on the mind and body? |
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Essential oils enter the body in two ways, via the sense of smell
– referred to as the olfactory system, and via the skin.
When we breathe in the vapours from the essential oil the aroma
triggers a response in the cilia (nasal hairs) of the nose, which
then sends a signal to the limbic system in the brain. This is
the part of the brain that is responsible for memory and emotions.
That is why when you smell something it can often remind you of
a person or a place.
When the aroma from the essential oils triggers the limbic system
it then travels to the hypothalamus then along to the pituitary
gland and onto the other glands in the body, which can trigger
various hormonal responses. This is why certain essential oils
can affect our emotions or moods.
Not only does the essential oil travel to the brain, it is also
absorbed into the bloodstream via the lungs when we breathe in
the vapours from the oil. This then gets into our circulation
and in turn into the cells and tissues and organs of the body.
This has an effect to some degree on the body.
The oils are eliminated via the kidneys, sweat and air we breathe
out (expired air).
The effect of the oil can take place in just minutes.
When the oils are massaged into the skin, or are applied via
a compress or applied to the skin in some other way, the oils,
being made up of tiny molecules, enter the bloodstream via the
skin and then into the various tissues and organs of the body.
The oils are eliminated via the kidneys, sweat and expired air.
So, essential oils can work on us both psychologically and physiologically.
Not everyone will enjoy the same essential oil aroma. Everyone
will have different preferences to different smells. This can
be for a number of reasons including memory association. Some
people can smell something and it will remind them of a happy
time in their life or of someone they love. Another person can
smell that exact same thing and have a bad memory associated with
that smell and therefore not really like the aroma or essential
oil.
Tranquil Sounds conducts informative free workshops on Aromatherapy
and the use of essential oils. If you would like more information,
please submit your details and we will contact you with dates and
locations.
Michelle
Vranes has worked in the essential oils industry for many years
and is part owner of viva-aroma, an exciting new concept in aromatherapy.
She has authored many articles and publications on essential oils
and aromatherapy. Michelle's expertise is highly valued and sought
after in the industry.
Visit the viva-aroma website at http://www.viva-aroma.com.au.
Phone: +613 9346 7598
Fax: +613 9346 7712
Mail: P.O. Box 1072 Moonee Ponds, Victoria, Australia, 3039
| Health related topics found
on any Tranquil Sounds page should not be used for diagnosing
purposes or be substituted for medical advice. As with any
new or ongoing treatment, always consult your professional
healthcare providers before changing an existing or beginning
a new treatment. Please read the Tranquil
Sounds Disclaimer. |
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