GLOSSARY
AROMATHERAPY
Many ancient civilizations like Egypt, China and India have used this as a popular complementary and alternative therapy from at least 6 000 years. Aromatherapy is a holistic healing treatment that uses natural plant extracts to promote physical and psychological well-being, e.g. to improve mental clarity, boost the immune system, and nurture emotional balance. Essential oils are key components of aromatherapy, as they are believed to have healing properties that can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and improve overall wellbeing. Essential oils are highly concentrated extracts of plants, and they are used in aromatherapy as part of massage, baths, and inhalations.
ESSENTIAL OIL
Essential oils are highly concentrated, aromatic plant extracts obtained from leaves, flowers, fruits, stems, roots, seeds and other parts of plants. They contain powerful compounds that can be used in aromatherapy, massage, skin care, adding them to a diffuser and other health and wellness applications. Essential oils are believed to work by stimulating the brain's limbic system, which is responsible for emotions, behaviors, and memories. This can help reduce stress, improve mood, and increase feelings of wellbeing. They can also be used for a variety of other ailments and conditions, such as respiratory problems, headaches, and muscle pain.
AROMA MARKETING
Aroma marketing is the practice of using scent to enhance the customer experience. The idea behind it is that certain scents can trigger positive emotions or associations in customers, resulting in a more enjoyable experience. Businesses often use scent machines to disperse aromas throughout their premises, with the aim of creating an inviting atmosphere. Companies may also use scented candles, diffusers, and other products to create a specific ambiance. The type of scent used will depend on the type of business, its branding, and the emotions it wants to evoke in customers.
AROMA NOTE
Aroma notes are the individual scents that make up a fragrance. They are the components that, when combined, create the unique scent of a particular fragrance. Aroma notes are generally classified as top notes, middle notes, and base notes. The top notes are the initial aromas that you smell upon first application. These notes evaporate quickly, leaving behind the middle notes, which are usually softer, rounded fragrances. The base notes form the foundation of the scent, and are usually heavier, lingering scents that last for hours.
SENSE OF SMELL
Aromatherapy uses the sense of smell to affect the mind and body. It is believed that the sense of smell has the power to influence emotions, mood, stress levels and even physical health. Different essential oils have different effects, and as they are inhaled, they travel through the nose and stimulate the olfactory system, which is connected to the limbic system of the brain. This is the area of the brain responsible for emotions and memories, and the effects of aromatherapy can be felt almost immediately.
LIMBIC SYSTEM
The limbic system is part of the brain and is responsible for the formation of emotions, motivation, and sense of reward. It also plays an important role in memory formation, as well as regulating basic functions such as hunger, thirst, and sleep. In aromatherapy, the limbic system plays a key role in the therapeutic effects of essential oils. Essential oils have been found to have an impact on the limbic system by activating the olfactory system and releasing neurotransmitters such as dopamine, endorphine and serotonin. This can help to reduce stress levels, improve mood, and even promote relaxation. The limbic system can be activated by the inhalation of essential oils.
SHIN-RIN YOKU / FOREST BATHING / NATURE HEALING
Shin-rin Yoku is a well established healing practice in Japan and Korea, where people immerse themselves in nature, while paying attention to their senses. Essential oils are an important part of Shinrin Yoku, also known as forest bathing. Essential oils contain the essence of plants and can help to elevate the experience of Shinrin Yoku by providing an aromatic, therapeutic experience. Essential oils can be used during a Shinrin Yoku session to help induce relaxation, refresh the mind, and encourage feelings of comfort and peace. Research has shown that essential oils can have a positive effect on mood and can help to reduce stress, depression, and anxiety. They can also help to improve focus and concentration.
TERPENES
Terpenes are aromatic compounds found in many plants and are responsible for their unique aromas. In aromatherapy, these compounds are the healing property of essential oils. Terpenes have anti-inflammatory, antiviral, antifungal, and antibacterial properties, which make them beneficial for treating a variety of health conditions. They are also known to improve mental clarity ,reduce stress, improve mood, and boost energy, as well as stimulate the immune system and promote healing. Terpenes are also thought to be beneficial for respiratory health, as they can help clear airways and reduce inflammation.
ULTRASONIC DIFFUSOR
An ultrasonic diffuser is a device that uses ultrasonic vibrations to disperse essential oils or fragrances into the air in the form of a fine mist. These diffusers typically use electronic frequencies to create vibrations, which are then transferred to the essential oils and water, breaking them down into tiny particles. The result is a fine mist of aromatherapy that can help to improve air quality, reduce stress and promote a sense of relaxation.