Aromatherapy
& Essential Oils

The two parts of the limbic system that play a major role in processing our emotions are the Amygdala and the Hippocampus. Interestingly enough both of these are located within less than an inch from the olfactory nerve. The olfactory is our sense of smell. The Amygdala is involved in experiencing emotion and also in emotional memory; while the Hippocampus encompasses memory, the short-term memory and long-term memory. What does this mean? Well it means that certain smells will remind us of a trauma and put us in a fight or flight response, while other smells will remind us of a good memory that brings feelings of love, support and safety. As an example: Let’s say your grandmother who you had a very loving and supportive relationship with as a child always had the scent of lavender. Now as an adult when you are feeling the need for support or love all you need to do is smell lavender and this will return you instantly to that memory and experience of love and support from your grandmother. Our sense of smell is very powerful!

How then does Aromatherapy work in healing?

When using essential oils and inhaling them specifically, the molecules travel up the nose into the Amygdala and Hippocampus or collectively the Limbic system; this may release a stored emotional block, both in the subconscious and in various bodily systems or cellular memory. Using Aromatherapy along with Energy Work, Hypnotherapy or Integrated Imagery may help in having a deeper more complete healing experience. Science has shown that in many cases these combinations have helped to resolve unexplained physical problems that were rooted in past emotional trauma.

Again, I am amazed at how completely connected we are and how many paths we have available to us to create health and wholeness if only we look. Sometimes, something as simple as a smell can bring help and healing. There is also a process that I use to help people to let go of an experience using these essential oils along with affirmations. There are specific oils that carry certain properties to release particular emotions. I have seen some amazing shifts and transformation, some even with myself.

This is another reason I use only Young Living Essential Oils, because these powerful little molecules are traveling up your nose into your brain...I want those molecules to be as pure and organic as possible if they are going into the brain. Click here if you are interested in using Young Living Essential Oils