Aromachology
Aromachology is the study of the influence of odors on human
Although certain plants are known through studies in aromatherapy to have stimulating or relaxing effects, research on wider scopes of application for therapeutic purposes are still at an early stage. Aromachology devotees want to find out how psychological effects are transmitted from scent to the brain, as well as how positive behavioral effects can be induced by scent.[4] Maria Lis-Bachin, author of Aromatherapy Science: a Guide for Healthcare Professionals, notes an overlap between the objectives of aromatherapy and those of aromachology.[4] However, despite this apparent overlapping, academic authors believe that they are distinct branches of research and application, with each having its own research methods and directions.[1]
The aims of aromachology are to "study the interrelationship of psychology and the latest in fragrance technology and to transmit through odor a variety of specific feelings (such as relaxation, exhilaration, sensuality, happiness and achievement) directly to the brain.[6]
Aromatherapy vs. Aromachology
The history of
On the other hand, Aromachology is the term
Aromachology and human behavior
Studies have been conducted to show that those parts of the brain which govern alertness and concentration can be influenced positively or negatively by the olfactory substances used.
A Journal of Society of Cosmetic Chemists of Japan in 1992 [9] realized a study to show how humans behave based on the scent they are exposed to. On the study, the effect of odor on cardiac response patterns was investigated on human subjects during a period of two-stimulus paradigm in a simple reaction time task. During the experiment changes in the cardiac response pattern were obvious and heart rate deceleration reflecting the process of anticipation or attention. Olfactory stimulation was provided to the subjects with different aromatic air samples with a 5-second rest period, followed by a 20-second olfactory stimulus period. It was concluded that the odor of lemon, traditionally thought to be stimulative, had the effect of activating anticipation or attention process. The effect of activating the anticipation or attention process was stronger when the odor intensity was more concentrated. On the other hand, the rose odor initially was thought to be sedative, had the effect of suppressing that process.[9]
Mechanisms of action
When odors activate the
Commercial application of aromachology
From the point of view of creating a scent for the body, a number of aromachology practitioners and small companies interested in aromachology are focused on creating bespoke perfumes for individuals who are less interested in purchasing the same fragrances that every other person is wearing and more inclined to wearing a perfume tailored precisely to their own preferences, memories and scent matches.[12] Some cosmetic brands such as Shiseido and Décléor are devoting substantial efforts to the task of finding out the beneficial properties of aromas on our sense of well-being and health. Shiseido currently has a skincare line called "The Skincare" that uses aromachology in their products.[13]
Broader applications for aromachology are found in industries that introduce scent into products other than cosmetics or perfumes. Aromachology is considered to also encompass scents introduced to home fragrances, textiles, drawer liners and odor reducers for the home environment.[1]
Aromachologists
Aromachologists work with essential oils for their aromatic and physical effects and are experts in the way essential oils can be blended to create "behavioral fragrances"[14] to establish the positive effects of aromas on human behavior including feelings and emotions.
Pleasant aromas cause people to linger longer, a boon to retail stores, museums, spas and casinos. Pleasant smells have been shown to improve productivity, and improve physical performance, with athletes running faster, doing more pushups, and experiencing shorter recovery time after an extensive workout when the room was scented with either peppermint or lemon.[15]
By blending specific smells, an aromachologist can create a more restful environment and improve health conditions. A study in 1987[16] showed that the smells found in nutmeg oil, maize extract, neroli oil, valerian oil, myristici, soelemcin and elemicin reduce stress in humans as well as reducing stress-related high blood pressure. The Mind Lab, an independent consultancy in the UK, studies the odor of a building as part of research on the brain's responses to stimuli.[17] Real estate brokers have been recommending to their clients to have smells of freshly baked cookies or the aroma of coffee in the house when it is being presented to potential buyers to create a sense of home. By bottling and releasing appropriate smells to evoke comfort, safety and joy, an owner may be able to accelerate the sale of a house.
Worker productivity can be enhanced by improving the quality of air in a building, not just by removing the negative pollutants, but also by introducing olfactory stimulation through ventilation or air conditioning systems in order to get a mix of ventilated air and odor.
It is necessary to ensure that the dosage is such that the odor is not excessive and should be kept just above the detection level. Also, these olfactory substances are very different from perfume and should instead replicate the smell of natural outdoor air.[16]
Jasmine is used as a sleep aid and the scent of vanilla is useful for those who want to cut the craving for sweets after lunch.[18]
References
- ^ a b c C. X. Wang, Sh. L. Chen, Aromachology and its Application in the Textile Field, http://www.fibtex.lodz.pl/54_14_41.pdf
- ISBN 978-0-85750-031-1
- ^ "Aromachology". Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2011-08-25.
- ^ ISBN 0-85369-578-4
- ^ a b "Aromachology? (The consumer counts: fragrance)." Home Accents Today, May 2003, p. 34. General OneFile, http://link.galegroup.com/apps/doc/A102520043/ITOF?u=miam11506&sid=ITOF&xid=f0f92b9d. Accessed 21 Oct. 2018.
- ISBN 0-85369-578-4.
- ^ a b Warda, R. (2002). "Aromatherapy vs. Aromachology: the difference between natural essential oils and synthetic fragrances can mean the difference in offering consumers true aromatherapeutic benefits". Global Cosmetic Industry (11): 58.
- ^ a b Rottman, T. R. (1989). The effects of ambient odor on the cognitive performance, mood, and activation, of low and high impulsive individuals in a naturally arousing situation. Diss. Abstr. Int. 50:365B 1989
- ^
- ^ "Limbic System: Amygdala (Section 4, Chapter 6) Neuroscience Online: An Electronic Textbook for the Neurosciences | Department of Neurobiology and Anatomy - The University of Texas Medical School at Houston". nba.uth.tmc.edu. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
- ^ "Brain Processes Sense of Smell Better Than Previously Thought" "Science Daily", April 30, 2007, retrieved 2009-12-3
- ^ Subramaniam, Vanmala (2010-03-17). "Aromachology: A scent of their own".
- ^ Staff, W. W. D. (1999-10-29). "SHISEIDO'S ANTI-AGING SOLUTION". WWD. Retrieved 2022-05-24.
- ISBN 0-89281-530-2
- ^ Raudenbush, B., Corley, N., & Eppich, W., Pages 156-160. Augmenting athletic performance through the administration of peppermint odor. Journal of Sport & Exercise Psychology, 23,(2001)
- ^ a b Kempski, Diotoma von, Page 63, "The Use of Olfactory Stimulants to Improve Air Quality", Journal of the Human Environmental System, Vol 5; No.2 61-68, 2002
- ^ McCooey, Christopher, Scenting Success, Financial Times, Feb 02 2008, retrieved 2009-10-03
- ^ Andrews, Linda, The Hidden Force of Fragrance. In: Psychology Today, November, 2007, Retrieved 2024-03-13