doTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy
Contributed by Indigo, Downtown Elko
managing and uplifting your emotions
While scientists and psychologists have studied emotions for hundreds of years, this area of the human framework is still rather mysterious. Despite the confusing nature of human emotions, it is clear that they can directly influence our well-being and quality of life. Throughout history, essential oils have been found to trigger responses that can alter mood. Using pure essential oils, comprehensive research, and scientifically formulated blends, dōTERRA® has created the dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy™ System to provide users with unique emotional health benefits.
Essential Oils and Chemical Responses
Because of the complexities of the human brain, certain aromas can elicit emotions by triggering memories and stimulating emotional responses. This concept, known as the “Proust Phenomenon”, suggests that although we all have different memories and experiences, everyone has the ability to experience a distinct response when inhaling aromas. This internal response acts as an “aromatic pathway” that connects the aroma to different areas of the brain, thus triggering an emotional response.
When we inhale a distinct aroma, the scent is processed through the brain’s olfactory system, the sensory system responsible for controlling our sense of smell. The olfactory system is connected to the limbic system, an area of the brain where memories and emotions are stored. At this point, the limbic system produces a distinct response to the aroma based on memories that are associated with the particular smell—creating a rush of feelings that follow. Essential oils can produce responses that can be used to enhance well-being and manage emotions.
The Scientific Makeup of the dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy™ System
Because different essential oils can cause different emotional and chemical responses, the design of the dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy System is based on chemistry. Each essential oil blend in the system is made up of basic chemicals that are categorized into different classifications. In aromatherapy, different classifications are used to create desired emotional responses.
Each product in the dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy System has been designed to achieve a unique chemical profile. In most cases, essential oils can be classified as having either uplifting or calming effects. Using distinct essential oil groups, the dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy System relies on specific plant categories to elicit emotional responses based on the chemical components included in each essential oil.
Essential oils in the floral category are typically composed of monoterpene alcohols, which hold calming properties. Tree, herb, and grass oils are known to promote grounding, soothing emotions and feelings of renewal, as they primarily include sesquiterpenes, esters, and oxides.
With a high concentration of ketones, mint essential oils are commonly known to be energizing and uplifting. Citrus oils typically possess significant uplifting characteristics, with chemical components like limonene, beta-pinene, and monoterpenes. Many spice essential oils are known for their warming properties, which come from phenols.
An Individualized Experience
While we all experience definite responses to the aroma of essential oils, distinct triggers and memories make our responses extremely personalized. Based on the unique chemical profile of each essential oil, we know that each oil will stimulate a specific emotional response. However, because no two people are the same, each individual can receive distinct benefits for their own well-being. Our reactions to aromas are based on environmental indicators, past experiences, personal preference, and even our unique genetic makeup. Because of these individual factors, not every user will have the same psychological reaction to the same oil.
doTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy™ Touch
The uplifting and calming benefits of the dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy System can also be enjoyed with the dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy Touch line. Designed to help balance and manage emotions with proprietary essential oil blends and gentle application, the dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy Touch oils provide a simple way to uplift, calm, soothe, or invigorate the senses as a way of helping with mood management. The dōTERRA Emotional Aromatherapy Touch collection comes with six essential oil blends formulated with Fractionated Coconut Oil and packaged in 10mL roll-on bottles to provide soft, simple application. The combination of CPTG Certified Pure Therapeutic Grade® essential oils and Fractionated Coconut Oil make for smooth topical application, while the use of roll-on bottles allow for convenient application anytime, anywhere.