Aroma is defined as scent or odor so it seems aromatherapy should be defined as therapy or treatment with scent. Modern aromatherapy also includes the topical use of essential oils diluted in a carrier oil. It may also include ingestion of oils which is sometimes referred to as aromatic medicine. This type of aromatherapy requires additional training or consultation with a trained professional. The use of traditional aromatherapy or treatment using aroma the use of topical applications can be utilized at home by just about anyone.
The effects of scent memory aren't limited to essential oils in any way. An aroma of any kind can transport you to a different time. For example, the smell of freshly baked bread may bring you back to your childhood helping your grandma bake. Maybe the smell of fresh rain or cut grass makes you think of summer. Conversely, you may find a scent brings up negative emotions if it’s associated with a traumatic or unpleasant past experience. These feelings may even come up subconsciously. In some instances, the scent doesn’t even have to be perceivable to you to have an impact on your emotions.
In this quick 10 minute video discover how the olfactory system works and how scent can impact our emotions.