Benefits of Scent / Aromatherapy on Elders
For centuries, people have practiced using scent to heal the body and mind. Ancient civilisations have long used aroma for therapeutic and medicinal purposes to promote mental and physical health and spiritual well-being. In particular, scent can help improve the quality of life of the elderly.
What is Aromatherapy?
Aromatherapy is a healing treatment (used as complementary therapy or alternative medicine) using natural plant oils and extracts, aromatic essential oils and other aromatic compounds to promote health and well-being. The treatment works via sense of smell from diffusers, spritzers, inhalers, steamers, and through skin absorption from body and facial creams, lotions and oils. A combination of both these methods can be used to maximise the benefits of aromatherapy on the brain and the pharmacological effects on the body’s health and well-being.
The scent of essential oils stimulates nerves in the nose and sends messages to the brain to respond. Depending on the aroma, responses can vary, be it mental or physical, as this part of the brain also controls the nervous system. This explains why specific aromas and essential oils can help resolve different health issues.
Add scent to your space or brand: Scent Branding, Scent / Aroma Marketing and Ambient Scent.
Benefits of Aromatherapy on the Elderly
With old age comes a susceptibility for variety of illnesses, including dementia, decreased circulation, respiratory infections, arthritis, skin issues, hair loss, digestion problems, chronic stress, and overall decreased quality of life.
In recent studies carried out by Consumatics, PremiumScenting and Arla Foods, quality of life increased by 10% when smell was diffused into seven research care homes. Additionally, 12% of residents felt their environment was more pleasant when scent was introduced.
Aromatherapy can also help to manage specific physiological and psychological qualities like...
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Manage pain and soreness
Ease inflammation
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Improve sleep quality
Lessen insomnia and fatigue
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Reduce stress and anxiety
Improve relaxation
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Improve digestion
Lessen nausea
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Lessen depression
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Boost immunity
Increase blood circulation
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Improve menstrual and menopausal health
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Improve quality of life from
long term illnesses like dementia
Popular Essentials Oils & Their Properties
Bergamot
- Mood balancing
- Skin healthing
- Pain relief
- Breaking up chest congestion
- Reducing fever
- Treat digestive problems
Eucalyptus
- Decongestant
- Anti-microbial
- Immunostimulant
- Boost energy
- Insect repellent
Lavender
- Calming
- Sleep inducing
- Anti-inflammatory
- Anti-fungal
- Anti-bacterial
- Treat skin conditions
- Improve digestion
- Relieve pain and soreness
Lemon
- Anti-microbial
- Air freshener
- Household cleanser
- Pain reliever
- Reduce stress and anxiety
- Enhance mood and concentration
Peppermint
- Cold and flu prevention
- Relieve inflammation and pain
- Alleviating headaches
- Help skin
- Relieve nausea
- Cooling
Rosemary
- Detoxify skin
- Improve hair and scalp
- Boost immune system
- Enhance memory
- Decongestant
Tea Tree
- Anti-microbial
- Cleansing wounds
- Treat fungal infections
- Treat acne and deep clean skin pores
- Treat insect bites
Rose
- Skincare
- Helps PMS and eases menstruation
- Aphrodisiac
- Reduce stress and anxiety
Ylang Ylang
- Lower high blood pressure and improve blood flow
- Aphrodisiac
- Treat head lice
- Promote relaxation
- Reduces anxiety
Thinking of adding scent to your space?
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