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An Introductory Page on Aromatherapy and aromachology
And yes, I believe in their power! Please keep in mind this is just an introduction on the topic. More pages will follow, along with interesting links you may want to explore, links pertaining to aromachology. Let us begin. The American Heritage Dictionary defines aromatherapy as "the use of selected fragrant substances in lotions and inhalants in an effort to affect mood and promote health." Scent, as defined by Funk & Wagnall Dictionary, refers to "a distinctive odor, especially a pleasant one." Aromachology refers to the study of the way in which various smells affect human thought and behaviour.
Can you imagine living in a world without scent? I find it very difficult to do so. In my humble opinion, living in such world could not be called "living". It would be more like merely existing. Imagine the inability to smell fresh baked bread. The inability to smell the brewing coffee in the morning. Or what about the inability to smell a refreshing cup of tea - with a little lemon, perhaps? Speaking of refreshing cups of tea... I recently discovered a charming website full of ideas for planning the perfect tea party. Follow the link at the bottom of this page. I'm sure you'll be very pleased with this blossoming new site! Also, see if you can imagine your inability to smell the mingling of fragrances upon entering a magical garden. It would be like living in a world made up of shades of grey. Pretty bland and depressing after a while, don't you think? And speaking of magical gardens... As I mentioned somewhere else, I love roses, especially heirloom roses; my favourite are the white ones. There is a site which I visit frequently because of the lovely rose pictures. Follow its link at the bottom of this page. I'm sure you'll like it!
Scent, or more precisely the interpretation of scent, is very individual.
For example, two friends come in to visit me at the shop and pick up a bottle of lotion. One will say, "Oh, this smells sooo good!" Her friend smells the same lotion and says, "I can hardly smell anything." or - worse still - "Yuck, take this awful smelling stuff away from me!" Well, the first lady is a little ticked off now! "What do you mean it smells awful? Are you trying to tell me I've got bad taste?" So much for aromatherapy! Fortunately for everyone involved, this doesn't happen very often, but when it does, it can turn out pretty funny! Well, I said this was going to be an introductory page on the subject of aromatherapy. Please review the three definitions. Oh, by the way, the definition of aromachology comes from me! One last thing... If you'd like to impress your family, friends and/or co-workers during "casual" conversation, throw in these terms: "Parosmia" refers to the distortion of smell ("Darling, because of this nasty cold, I'm suffering from some terrible parosmia!"). "Anosmia" refers to complete loss of the sense of smell. Try it and let me know how they react. Hopefully you will not email me from a psychiatric facility.... Ok, on second thought it may be better if you did not try it. Now go into the garden and really smell those flowers! Don't have a garden? Go to the nearest park! Stop making excuses and get going. It will do you good. See you soon!
Here is a little gift I bought for myself. I absolutely love it and I have it with me wherever I go. It really makes a positive difference in my moods. I can easily switch the essential oils within it, and I insert my special "night-time concoction" when I need an extra boost to help me fall asleep (along with the Delta Sleep System CD). Pleasing locket, effective locket
aromachology
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Aromatherapy, aromachology, and scent are very closely related. They are also some of my favorite subjects.
