Why is smell so strongly linked to memory and emotion?It is not fully understood, but this is no surprise as
complexities of brain activity are still far from being unravelled and understood. The brain holds far more secrets than we have discovered. What is known is that
sense of smell is registered in a part of
brain which was already developed in our earliest ancestors.
The limbic area of
brain was well developed before man had
power of speech or was able to make tools. The limbic area is concerned with all those activities vital to survival in a sometimes hostile world: sleep, hunger, thirst, memory, sexual response and, or course, smell are all affected by
limbic system.
As modern man developed
'higher' senses and
brain became larger to accommodate development of speech, intellect and creativity,
ancient knowledge became blunted or buried deep in
unconscious and
limbic area of
brain lost some of its importance. But that ancient knowledge is still there and needs only to be re-awakened.
Essential oils have
power to re-awaken and stimulate
limbic system and
aromas can be used to excellent effect by
aromatherapist.
They also have
power to balance
two hemispheres of
brain. It is known that
left hemisphere of
brain is concerned with logic and intellect, whilst
right is concerned with intuition.