Aromachology

Aromachology is the study of the influence of odors on human behavior and to examine the relationship between feelings and emotions. Those who practice aromachology are aromachologists. Aromachologists analyze emotions such as relaxation, exhilaration, sensuality, happiness and well-being brought about by odors stimulating the olfactory pathways in the brain and, in particular, the limbic system.[1] Different wearers are thought to have unique physiological and psychological responses to scents, especially those not manufactured synthetically but based on real scents.[2] The word "aromachology" is derived from "aroma" and "physio-psychology", the latter being the study of aroma.[3] This term was coined in 1989 by what is now the Sense of Smell Institute (SSI), a division of The Fragrance Foundation.[4] The SSI defines aromachology as "a concept based on systematic, scientific data collected under controlled conditions". The term is defined as the scientifically observable influence of smell on emotions and moods. Consumers use aromachology to alleviate time pressures, for relaxation or stimulation and as a component of other activities that generate a feeling of well-being.[5]

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]

  1. ^ a b C. X. Wang, Sh. L. Chen, Aromachology and its Application in the Textile Field, http://www.fibtex.lodz.pl/54_14_41.pdf
  2. ^ Celia Lyttleton, The Scent Trail, (2007), ISBN 978-0-85750-031-1
  3. ^ "Aromachology". Archived from the original on 2011-09-28. Retrieved 2011-08-25.
  4. ^ a b c Maria Lis-Balchin, Aromatherapy Science: a Guide for Healthcare Professionals, p. 3, (2006), ISBN 0-85369-578-4
  5. ^ "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.
  6. ^ Maria Lis-Balchin, Aromatherapy Science: A Guide for Healthcare Professionals, page 3, 2006, Pharmaceutical Press, Publications Division of the Royal Pharmaceutical Society of Great Britain, ISBN 0-85369-578-4.