We continue our five-part look at the senses, exploring in depth how each relates to all aspects of our existence, and our health. Today, we’ll examine the sense of Smell.
You catch a whiff of Old Spice cologne in a crowd, and are suddenly transported to your childhood, watching your dad slap on his aftershave. Or you’re grocery shopping, and the aroma from the bakery makes you think of your grandmother.
It’s not just your imagination – your sense of smell is a powerful memory trigger. Your olfactory nerve is right next to the amygdala, the part of the brain governing emotions, and emotional memory. Some research has shown that if you want to remember something, sniff a specific fragrance while you’re learning it. When you want to recall the details of the information, sniff that same fragrance again.
So powerful are our physical, mental, emotional and spiritual connections to our sense of smell that the complimentary practice of aromatherapy is frequently now offered in medical facilities and holistic health care centers.
The name “aromatherapy” is relatively new, but the practice is literally ancient. Greek mythology credited the gods with using aromatic oils. Hippocrates, whose healthy lifestyle teachings are at the core of many classes offered at Optimum Health Institute (OHI), used aromatic oils for health and well-being.
While scientific tests haven’t clinically proven aromatherapy has measurable health benefits, there is enough evidence to show that some essential oils can definitely improve a person’s mood. Because our mental state has a direct impact on our physical well-being, an elevated mood can positively impact our stress level, help our body naturally improve immune response, and add to our general sense of well-being.
Combining aromatherapy with massage enhances the body’s ability to relax, detoxify and come into a healthy, natural balance.
Some of the most popular and stimulating essential oils – lavender for relaxation, peppermint for energy and tea tree oil for cleansing and antimicrobial properties – are available through the Optimum Health Store. You can order them by calling 888-643-7867.
Learning how to make that connection in your body, mind, and spirit is what we share at the Optimum Health Institute. Honor yourself in a transformative environment at our missions in San Diego or Austin. We can help you achieve your mental, physical, emotional and spiritual goals for optimal health in 2013. Call us at (800) 993-4325 to make your reservation.