Back in the day, one of my test taking strategies was to wear the same scent while studying as I did during the exam. I'd heard that smelling the same aroma would help trigger the memory of whatever I was studying. As far as I know, it gave me an edge because I never tested poorly when I did that. Have you ever smelled something that took you right back to a past moment or place? Crazy how powerful scents can be, right?!
Your Brain and Aromatherapy
After researching the theory, its actually based on the limbic system activation in the brain from breathing in certain aromas. The limbic system is responsible for not only memory, but other important aspects of life such as our emotions and blood pressure.
Basically, smelling a scent can invoke a certain memory or emotion, calm your nervous system, or change your heart rate.
My Favorite Aromatherapy for Headache Relief
When applied to headaches, aromatherapy can act as an aid in pain relief by cultivating a relaxation response physically and emotionally. My two favorite essential oils for managing my own migraines are peppermint and lavender.
Peppermint cools topically with a slight tingling or numbing of the skin and helps focus the mind.
Lavender is well-known as a stress relieving scent, which is why its helpful for migraines. The aroma helps soothe anxious energy by calming your nervous system and promoting relaxation.
Independently, these essences work wonders for me - although I must admit that I love peppermint far more than lavender. So personally I use a blend of both essential oils to hit my migraine attacks from all angles and quiet the lavender notes with the peppermint.
How to Use Aromatherapy Blends for Migraines
Aromatherapy Spray: I add peppermint and lavender to an amber bottle with distilled water. It gets sprayed on my yoga mat, over my sheets, or on an eye pillow - whenever I want to get those chill vibes going.
Aromatherapy Roll-On: I love a travel size aromatherapy roll-on so I can keep it in my purse and use it whenever I need to relax or when a headache strikes. My personal preference is to apply it to my wrists and take 2 deep inhale breaths to get the aroma circulating through my system. If you don't mind oils on your face, you can apply the blend to your temples as well.
Waiting for a Migraine Attack Before Using Aromatherapy?
You don't need to. In fact, I think if you use aromas to signal your body and mind of relaxation during non-migraine attack days, they might even be more effective during an attack. For me, smelling something that's brought me a sense of calm and peace once before helps me get back there quickly during a hectic time like during a migraine.
There are many other essential oils that are beneficial for headaches, such as chamomile and rosemary, but these two are ones that personally work for my own migraine experience. Remember, do your research before using aromatherapy to avoid complications or allergic reactions.
About Your Instructor:
Tiffany Lord, E-RYT & Yoga Therapeutic Specialist
Corporate Yoga Coach
Resilience + Stress Management Expert
As the founder of Love + Asana, I help busy professionals feel more resilient and empowered in their wellness using simple movement and mindfulness techniques to manage stress. This all-levels, accessible approach to physical and mental health at work allows employees to easily learn and implement healthy habits during their work day…and feel the benefits ripple out into all areas of life.
Since 2016, I’ve had the honor of coaching thousands of employees through virtual sessions and workshops focused on relaxation techniques, mindset, and mobility. My wellness articles have been featured in fyi50+, CO Yoga + Life, and I’m the author of three “Get With Gratitude” journals based on my online workshop series for resiliency through a grateful mindset.
I completed a 200-hour training through CorePower Yoga and received my 500-hour Therapeutic Specialist certificate through Yoga Medicine to complement my background in massage therapy and Bachelor’s Degree in International Business with Cum Laude honors from the University of Colorado at Denver. As a Continuing Education Provider with the Yoga Alliance, I share my knowledge of functional movement and the mind-body connection with yoga instructors wanting to deepen their teaching toolkit. My expertise in relaxation techniques and stress management also supports others living with Migraine through collaborations with Cove, an online migraine treatment company, and the International Headache Center.
When I’m not supporting wellness of others, I’m out improving my own – enjoying time with family & friends, dancing, hiking, bouldering in the gym, reading and drinking too many lattes :)
Questions? Contact Tiffany at loveandasana@gmail.com
References:
https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/what-are-essential-oils#section3
https://www.saje.com/ingredient-garden-peppermint.html
https://migraine.com/migraine-treatment/natural-remedies/peppermint-oil/