RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN EMOTIONS AND ODOURS
Different smells can evoke strong emotional reactions. In surveys on odour reactions, responses show that many of our olfactory likes and dislikes are based purely on emotional associations. The science behind this, how scent connects us to and evokes certain emotions, is proven true based on 'associative learning. Associative learning is how certain events or senses relate to past experiences that may trigger a positive or negative feeling associated with that memory.
According to a 2016 study in the scientific journal Brain Sciences, » odours that evoke positive autobiographical memories can increase positive emotions, decrease negative mood states, disrupt cravings, and reduce physiological indices of stress, including systemic markers of inflammation.
IMPACT OF AROMATHERAPY AND ESSENTIAL OILS
Some studies measured the effects of aromatherapy on the anxiety, vital signs and sleep quality of hospital patients having stents fitted. Compared to a control group, the aromatherapy participants indicated reduced anxiety levels, increased Sleep and stabilized blood pressure. It is thought that aromatherapy benefits emotional well-being via the power of the mind-body connection facilitated by the limbic system.