What is Aromatherapy?

Fragrances are not only used to smell nice, but certain essences have the benefits of reducing stress, anxiety and help with sleep. In addition, certains scents are energizing and up-lifting. When scents are used in this way, it is called aromatherapy. The exact definition of aromatherapy by the Merriam Webster dictionary is “inhalation or bodily application (as by massage) of fragrant essential oils (as from flowers and fruits) for therapeutic purposes”, or more broadly “the use of aroma to enhance a feeling of well-being”.

Although many do not believe in the benefits of aromatherapy, studies have shown that certain chemical compounds in various essences affect our olfactory system, sending various signals to the brain and altering brain waves. (Note: brain waves determine our mood, for example slower brain waves cause us to be calmer. More on this subject coming up in future blog posts!) A study conducted by the New York Olfactory research Fund has actually found a 63% decrease in stress levels in patients undergoing an MRI when vanilla essence was pumped into the air. In addition, hotels spray lavender essence onto your pillows at night to enhance sleeping.

Now, perfume brands are taking the benefits or aromatherapy to their advantage, by releasing fragrances proven to make you feel a certain way. For example, Clinique’s “Happy”, Shisheido’s “Energizing and Lancôme’s “Aromatic” are all fragrances that use the science of aromatherapy in their perfumes!

“The Story of Perfume.” Office for Science and Society, 10 July 2017, www.mcgill.ca/oss/article/history/story-perfume.

“Aromatherapy.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/aromatherapy.