Thriving Magazine, August 2022, Issue 14

Finding Peace and Balance Through Aromatherapy

Using essential oils to connect the mind, body and spirit, and influence memories is quite fascinating and well researched. It’s called aromatherapy, and for good reason. Associating rosemary, for example, with the learning of a specific subject matter can create a pathway in the brain and increase the recollection of that material during a test. The same principle works when using lavender to calm the mind during stressful times. When lavender essential oil is inhaled every time a stressful event is encountered, we can train our brains to override the emotion/event to reclaim control and feel at peace.

Understanding how our mind, body and spirit work, and using tools and methods to support our needs can go a long way. For example, did you know that the amygdala in your brain is responsible for a lot of the emotions and physiological responses you experience? Good or bad, that little gland can be a great tool to maintain balance and create long-lasting memories, or it can remind you of traumatic events in an infinite loop. That’s why it’s important to nurture that little fella and promote the building of good memories that make you feel peace and happiness. Plus, you can influence the amygdala through scent. Deep down, you may already know this, but just haven’t connected the dots yet... A scent you have been exposed to that you love or despise could find its way into your memories for as long as you live. So it better be a good one, right? This scent will be associated with an experience, a situation or a person, and your body will make an imprint of the emotion associated with that event and fragrance. When either the scent or event shows up again, the whole memory comes right back. Knowing that simple human mechanism, we can influence the outcome very easily. We can even change the way our brains react to certain memories with deliberate training.

Using the spectrum of floral and citrus essences such as neroli, orange, lemon or bergamot can help uplift the spirit, balance emotions and increase energy. Using earthy essences such as cypress, pine or spruce can help to ground you, increase circulation and boost the immune system.

Strategically and repetitively using essential oils of superior quality that are not synthetic or altered with fillers can help build strong healthy pathways among the mind, the body and the spirit. Keeping your favorite oils in tiny bottles, bracelets or necklaces to be accessible on demand is an effective way to practice aromatherapy, and can support a sense of balance and well-being.

AUGUST 2022 • ISSUE 14 | ThriveVB.com | ( 757) 829.7174 | 7

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