Essential oils consist of tiny aromatic molecules that are absorbed via the skin, and whilst breathing they enter the lungs. These therapeutic constituents enter the bloodstream and are carried around the body where they can deliver their beneficial healing powers. Because they are highly concentrated, only a small quantity of essential oil is required to bring about results. The soothing combination of beautiful aromas, massage, aromatic baths and other treatments all work to regulate, balance, heal and maintain your entire being by working with nature, and not against it. The chemistry of an essential oil is extremely complex, and a typical example of oil will contain an elaborate mixture of aromatic constituents such as alcohols, aldehydes, esters, ketones, lactones, phenols, terpenes and sesquiterpenes that combine to produce a unique set of therapeutic qualities. Essential oils work through the respiratory system via the nose. The delicate sensory cells located in the lining of the nasal cavity pick up a smell. Its then carried to the limbic system via the blood stream, the aroma given off has a direct effect on our emotions. Molecules are then carried to the lungs where they are diffused through the alveoli of the lungs into the blood stream.
Olfactory System
The olfactory system is responsible for the sense of smell. This system detects odours that are inhaled through the nose. The nose opens into two nasal passages which opens into the nasal cavity which is situated behind the nose. The nasal cavity is connected to the back of the throat. Air is inhaled through the nostrils, it enters the nasal passages, travels through the nasal cavity, then passes into the trachea, then onto the lungs. The inside of the nose is lined with a moist, thin layer of tissue called a mucous membrane. This membrane is responsible for warming and moistening the air as well as filtering out dust and germs and any other small particles that might irritate the lungs. The olfactory epithelium, situated high in the roof of the nasal cavity, are specialised cells within the mucous membrane. There are at least 10 million cell receptors in the nose. Once stimulated the receptors send signals via the olfactory nerve to the olfactory bulb. The olfactory bulb is situated just above the nasal cavity. In the bulb, the receptor cell fibres connect with the olfactory nerves sending impulses to the brain which then interprets the smells.
The Limbic System
The limbic system of the brain is a group of structures which govern emotions and behavior. The limbic system, and the hippocampus and amygdala, is involved in the formation of long-term memory, and is closely associated with the olfactory structures (having to do with the sense of smell). The limbic system supports a variety of functions including emotion, behavior, motivation, long-term memory, and olfaction. Emotional life is largely housed in the limbic system, and it has a great deal to do with the formation of memories. “On the physical plane, odoriferous substances are favourable to cell division and in consequence to the birth of new and vigorous cells. The latter will then have the requisite strength to rid themselves of the old cells-those which have ceased to divide and can no longer either live or die”
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