Why is Smell Linked to Memory?
Have you ever walked into a room and been instantly transported to a specific time and place by a certain smell? Well you’re certainly not alone! If the smell rings a bell, that’s because olfactory memory is one of the strongest senses we as humans have.
How Does it Work?
The answers lies in the way our brain is set up. Smells go in through our nose (olfactory bulb) and are processed in the bottom part of our brain. The olfactory bulb is connected to two parts of the brain, the amygdala and hippocampus, both of which are linked to our emotions and memory. It is important to note that the sense of touch and sounds are not connected to these areas. According to BBC News, your body also contains far more receptors for smells (at least 1,000) than it does for other senses, like sight (four) and touch (at least four).This is why our sense of smell is so strong in eliciting our memories, it’s the way we are wired!
The power that scent has on our memory and mood is one of the many reasons why aromatherapy is so important. Imagine coming into your home and being reminded of that wonderful vacation you had in Mexico. Or stepping inside and reliving the memories of frolicking in a field of flowers like you did in your youth. Doctor Aroma’s revolutionary fragrance delivery system integrates with your central air-conditioning, leaving each and every room in your house smelling like the fragrance that you desire.
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