Question
Anosmia! Will Aromatherapy work for someone who has lost their sense of smell? And does Aromatherapy work for someone who never had a sense of smell in the first place? Robert, WA
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Answer
This is a really good Question!
Anosmia is the loss or absence of a sense of smell. It’s rather like blindness to sight. And although 1% of the world’s population is afflicted, many people have never even heard of it.
So, we know that scents are a part of Aromatherapy, but it’s much more than that!
Although the scents of essential oils used is part of the therapeutic affect, there are also benefits when essential oils are applied to the skin.
For example a French chemist Rene-Maurice Gattefosse used essential oils for perfume application. Plunging his arm into a vat of the nearest liquid after a burn to the arm. The chemist realized it was essential oil of Lavender. The burn healed quickly and left little to no scarring. He then turned his life over to Aromatherapy. And in many circles, is considered the modern father of Aromatherapy.
Other simple examples are using Tea Tree essential oil as an anti-septic and anti-fungal and Geranium essential oil to help treat cold sores.
Aromatherapy’s essential oils are in fact concentrations of naturally occurring plant essence. They are complex chemical mixtures. The chemical constituents play a role in affecting the body. Just like herbs and drugs. No scent required.
The aromatic impact is psychological, effecting mind and emotions. (And of course spirit.)
Anosmia and Wine
What would a sommelier think? SchoolofCT Aromatherapy Graduate, Barbara Power is engaged to a sommelier. When asking him about anosmia and lack of smell he suggested retraining the nose by starting sniffing wines and asking what does this remind you of?
Many people have a poor olfactory system which can be trained to become stronger. Students will often talk of how their nose tuned in to more aroma awareness while studying.
So, in conclusion, even if you have Anosmia don’t give up on aromatherapy!
