5 Benefits of Aromatherapy: Why Your Sense of Smell is Paramount

Aromatherapy has significant psychological and physiological effects that anyone can access with something as simple as an aromatic massage (or, perhaps, the use of an essential oil diffuser from MONQ).

The balancing effects of aromatherapy on the mind and body make it a perfect adjunct to your daily wellness routine. Highlighted below are five key benefits of aromatherapy. 

Natural Stress Reduction

Research supports the fact that most people in the U.S. suffer from moderate to high stress levels. Forty-four percent of individuals have reported that their stress levels have increased over the past five years. The most common physical symptoms of stress include mood changes, fatigue, and sleep disturbances.

While essential oils can't take away the stresses of modern day living, aromatherapy has been shown to relieve symptoms of stress when used regularly. Essential oils have not only been shown to improve the mental perception of stress but also the physiological response to stressors.

Mood Boost

With the increased stressors in our daily routine come mood changes, such as irritability, nervousness, and feelings of sadness. When it comes to needing an emotional boost, aromatherapy may be a quick and efficacious way to brighten your mood. Some of aromatherapy's emotional benefits occur via its effects on the limbic system (the emotional region of the brain). When essential oils bind to receptors in the limbic system, there can be significant psychological effects, such as decreased stress and negative thoughts.

Energy Boost

With the pressures of daily life, more and more individuals suffer from lack of energy. This may take the form of physical fatigue, mental exhaustion, or burn out. Rather than reaching for a sixth cup of coffee, try aromatherapy as a simple tool to help on sluggish days. Certain essential oils have historically been used to energize the body and mind.

In more recent years, there have even been studies on the effects of energizing essential oils to boost energy and reduce mental exhaustion/burnout.

Calming Potential