Aromas Can Change Your Mood

One of my favorite things about Ayurveda is how it uses many modalities to balance and strengthen a person.  For example, eating according to one's body type, herbs and/or exercising at a certain time of day can help a person heal.  Ayurveda has many other tools to use like meditation, music and aromatherapy too.  The many methods available are not meant to overwhelm.  Rather, they give a person options and ways to heal even deeper.

One of the most subtle and pleasurable methods is aromatherapy.  The nose and its ability to smell is considered the gateway of the brain.  The smell triggers an unconscious response that can shift a person's state almost immediately.  There is the science of aromatherapy which uses naturally extracted aromatic essences from plants to balance, harmonize and promote the health of body, mind and spirit.  It seeks to unify physiological, psychological and spiritual processes to enhance an individual’s innate healing process.  Ayurveda has always recognized the benefits of aromatherapy.

Scientific studies have documented the use of many essential oils and their ability to alleviate depression, anxiety and stress.  Lavender, rose, orange, bergamont, lemon, sandalwood, clary sage, roman chamomile and geranium were tested and found to be beneficial.  While an experienced aroma therapist can guide one for more complicated cases, anyone can receive immediate benefit from using the essential oils.  The oils can be applied on one's wrists, used in an aroma diffuser, used in baths and added to massage oils.

The aromas can shift a person's mood very quickly.  While the cause for the depression or stress still remains, one experiences a break from the moment.  This break allows one to think more rationally and find a better way to cope.  It also strengthens one on an unconscious level to choose a different response.  Knowing one can shift even for a few minutes means that one is not completely stuck.  There is always a chance to move and heal. 

Stay healthy & well,
Lisa