The day I fell in love with aromatherapy

The door creaked gently as it swung open to the little shop, tucked away in one of London’s narrow streets, and I stepped into a world of scent, nature and memories.

I was 18 and had been travelling for just under two years as a fashion model at the time. The single hour I spent in the shop, with my nose buried deep in the scents of jasmine, labdanum, vetiver, lavender, rosemary, rose, eucalyptus and many more, ended up changing the way I travelled and lived in the years that followed.

– and perhaps explains why I work with aromatherapy today.

The sense of smell is special because the nerves from the nose run directly to a primitive area of the brain called the limbic system. This is linked to basic emotions such as anxiety, sexual desire and hunger, as well as memory. This is probably why scents often trigger memories and strong emotions to a greater extent than other sensory impressions. *Source: Illustreret Videnskab

Smelling Consciously

The sense of smell is unique to humans and animals. It affects us far more than many people realise, and it is something we can train ourselves to use more actively. For example, by ensuring that our homes, workplaces and other places we spend time in smell pleasant.

It is said that around 25 per cent of the invigorating effect of coffee comes from its aroma. So we can really use scent to boost our energy and positivity, as well as our calm and focus.

If I’m near Karmameju products, standing at a market with the warm scent of tomatoes, by the salty sea, or holding a tiny newborn baby in my arms, I breathe in and take in the scents and sensations as fully as I can.

I can feel my state of mind changing with the help of these scents, and I also suspect that our mood changes when we actively do something to lift our spirits. 

Everyday aromatherapy with body oils

If I’m feeling a bit down one day, I reach for HOPE body oil 01 and massage it into my neck, chest, hands and arms. I dab it under my nose and at my temples – and take deep breaths from my palms.

If I’m feeling tired and listless, I reach for WILD body oil 03, or one of the other 03 products. If my thoughts and actions are too hectic and I just want to wind down completely , or if I need help falling asleep, it’s MILD body oil 02, or other products in the 02 range, that soothe me.

Breathing is essential in aromatherapy. Take 5–6 deep breaths, filling your lungs completely, every time you apply Karmameju skincare products to achieve the optimal therapeutic effect.

Aromatherapy at the sink

Every time I go to the sink – in the kitchen or the bathroom – I always take 30 seconds to take deep breaths of Karmameju’s aromatic hand wash and then apply hand cream to my hands. It’s a mini hand ritual that not only provides an aromatherapeutic effect, but also signals to my brain that I’ve got plenty of time – I’m taking my time!

Although it’s a bit of a cliché, do stop and smell the roses.

All the best 
Mette

Read about Karmameju’s aromatherapy here

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