Aromatherapy in Encino

I am a big believer in aromatherapy. The natural kind.

We spend way too much time going from air-conditioned houses to air-conditioned cars to air-conditioned buildings, where natural odors and fragrances are banished. Yet the sense of smell may be a key to turning on the other senses.

That’s why the smell of fresh bread or coffee or lavender (pick your pleasure) is so much more potent than actually tasting the bread or the coffee, let alone synthetic perfumes and fragrances. Some people say they like it that way - who wants to smell sweat and inhale allergens? But, if we minimize the sense of smell in our lives, do we risk health problems? Surprisingly few Encino companies seem interested in the benefits of aromatherapy.

There are studies that link depression with loss of the sense of smell, especially for women, and some studies suggest it’s a predictor for Parkinson’s and for infertility.

Which is another way of saying that aromatherapy as it is marketed here in Encino is linked usually to acupuncture, chiropractic and massage rather than lifestyle. That’s ok but specialists should avoid dazzling clients with miracle oils and be careful when they drum up business with scare stories. The scare stories have their place, but perhaps they could mix it with advice on how to reduce exposure to chemicals and prescribing more fresh air, like working in the garden or taking the dog for a walk. That’s the best aromatherapy.

A couple of scare stories for you here (nasal sprays) and here (perfumes).