At the core of Relaxayvoo’s ethos lies the healing power of scent, the sense most intimately linked to memory and the emotional part of the brain. Let’s think about the number of times smell has reminded us of a childhood memory, a favorite place, someone we love…
Scent has an effect on our mood that goes beyond just making us feel happy or sad. It affects how we think, act, and even how we feel physically.
The wonderful connection between scent and emotions
Olfaction is a prehistoric sense for humans and animals. It permits vertebrates and other organisms with an olfactory system to identify food, mates, predators, and provides both sensual pleasure as well as warnings of danger, such as spoiled food or chemical hazards. In humans and animals, it is one of the important means by which our environment communicates with us. To know more click National library of medicine.
Of the five senses, smell remains the most enigmatic, holding an evocative power that can transport us to different times, places, and emotional states. A whiff of a familiar fragrance can transport us back in time, evoking vivid memories and strong feelings. This deep-seated connection between scent and emotions is rooted in our biology and psychology and specific olfactory notes can trigger specific memories and emotions.
The Science of smell
Why scents trigger such an immediate and profound emotional response?
When we inhale through our noses, airborne molecules interact with the olfactory organs and neurons in our nose. These neurons then send the information to our brain, which identifies the scent.
The unique aspect of this sensory processing is that the olfactory neurons connect directly to the brain's limbic system, which is involved in emotion, memory, and behavior. This is this close proximity and interaction that explains the immediate response to a scent.
Memory in a bottle
Have you ever caught a hint of perfume or a particular smell that suddenly took you back to your childhood or a specific moment in time? This phenomenon, known as olfactory memory, demonstrates the power of scent in evoking nostalgia. The smell of freshly cut grass might remind you of a specific event, or the scent of a certain cologne could bring back memories of a loved one.
A taste of Proust’s madeleine dipped in lime-blossom tea evokes a flood of memories from his childhood. This sensory experience—taste and smell combined—triggers a deep emotional response and a vivid recollection of past events that had been long forgotten. A simple scent or flavor can unlock emotions and memories, emphasizing the powerful link between our senses and our subconscious mind.
If you speak French this pod cast ‘Celeste Albaret chez monsieur proust’ will bring you right into the intimacy of the writer’s life and capture your imagination... Listen here.
The power of scent
Scent not only influences our recollection of past events but also plays a vital role in our mood and mental state.
We associate certain smells with positive emotions such as happiness, love (the scent of Litsee for example will instantly bring a feeling of joy). A scent can make us feel hungry, thirsty, tired, or energetic (citrus scents, like lemon and orange, are often uplifting and can boost energy and alertness).
It can help us relax or concentrate (peppermint is thought to increase energy and focus). Some smells trigger negative emotions such as sadness, anger, and fear.
When the olfactory senses are stimulated in the right way, it brings a message of relaxation to the brain, which then sends it to the whole body. Just the effect of smelling something can put you in a state of absolute relaxation. And when we are in a relaxed mind, it influences our emotional state and our behavior.
What your nose knows
Smell and taste are the only fully developed senses that the fetus has in the womb. The fetus already reacts to carrots or kale. The sense of smell is the one that is most developed in a child until around age 10, when sight takes over.
Your nose is like a muscle in the body that can be strengthened by giving it daily training, not with weights, but with sniffing. The nose can distinguish many scents (floral, fruity, minty, nutty, spicy, sweet and woody).
In a perfume or an oil, you can train yourself to differentiate the head note, heart note to the base note and feel where each scent take you….you can smell fear and disgust.
Researchers who have examined the underarm secretions of terrified skydivers have scientifically demonstrated that individuals can subconsciously discern signs of stress or fear in others by detecting a chemical pheromone excreted in their sweat.
A study took samples of sweat from a man watching a horror movie. The women who smelt it expressed terror.
Your nose is a great tool :)
Relaxayvoo and scents
The aroma components from natural products have been used for mental, spiritual and physical healing since the beginning of recorded history. With Relaxayvoo, we integrate essential oils into our formulations for their physiological and sensorial properties.
The bond between scent and emotions is a fascinating and intricate aspect of our sensory experience. In our workshops, participants experience the emotional connections that resurface when using Relaxayvoo formulations. The experience goes beyond the skin!
Scent guides our emotional journeys. Relaxayvoo revives happy memories, creating a bubble of well-being and balance, wherever you are.
We use pure scents to connect you with nature and your emotions, enhancing your connection to yourself. It's not just a scent; it’s a doorway to your inner world.
