As much as we love essential oils and all the wonderful things they can do for us, it certainly helps to know how they work within our bodies to enable us to use them optimally . The mechanism also forms a scientific basis to establish their myriad positive effects on the body, mind and soul. The aim of this article is not to confuse the reader with complex theories and jargon but to put across facts about aromatherapy in a simple and easy-to-understand manner. Essential oils can enter the body via two routes – the nose (inhalation) and the skin (topic application, massage, baths). INHALATION : Essential oil particles are quickly picked up by the tiny hairs in our nostrils (cilia) and are absorbed into the mucous lining from where the aroma reaches the ‘smell center’ in the brain (olfactory bulb). The olfactory center converts the aroma into a neural code which is relayed across to the ‘emotion center’ (limbic system) and further to the ‘short-term memory center’ (hippocampus) and the ‘long term memory center’ (hypothalamus). The information is then passed on to the ‘master gland’ (pituitary gland) and other endocrine glands to ecrete‘feel good’ hormones and to restorehormonal balance. To put it straight, here is how it goes: Nose —-> Smell center —-> Emotional center —-> Short term memory —-> Long term memory —-> Master gland —-> Endocrine system In this simple way, the brain establishes a strong connection between certain smells, emotions and memories and responds to it in a predictable way.
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HOW DO ESSENTIAL OILS WORK IN OUR BODIES?
