Research indicates that smells are not filtered through the part of the brain that ruminates or analyzes, but rather though the part that responds and operates without conscious thought.  It is reported that our responses to smell take place within 10 seconds after exposure — with no thought process involved.  We react and then think.

Our olfactory sense is the oldest of the five senses.  Smell, emotion and memory are all linked in the limbic system of our bodies.  Not only do certain smells affect how we feel emotionally, but they can also affect our energy level.  When entering a room, we can either feel suffocated by a lingering perfume or enticed by the aroma of delicious food being cooked.

The basis of feng shui is that everything is comprised of energy or chi.  The only contact we have with the physical world is through our senses.  Scent not only influences how we feel, but it also relates to the flow of chi.  Unpleasant odors represent stale or negative chi, while pleasant ones bring in a healthy flow of chi.

Although we experience chi through aromas, both pleasant and unpleasant, smell is the sense that is most often overlooked.  From a feng shui perspective, however, we can use scent to evoke certain emotions and set certain atmospheres in a room.  Because response to smell is very emotional and personal, it is important to consider your individual experience with a particular scent before bringing it into your space.

One way to work with scent is through the use of essential oils.  While having a diffuser is the most common method of application, you can also add oils to humidifiers, vaporizers, washing machines or dishwashers.  A few drops can be added to a bowl of hot water or to the melted wax of a candle.

Other applications include saturating a cotton ball or making your own air freshener by adding 15-20 drops of a favorite oil to one cup of distilled water.  Whichever method of application you choose be sure to read labels prior to use.

Below is a list of scents, along with their generic qualities and possible applications.

Lavender

Calms and soothes; good for insomnia and depression.  Spray on bed linens or bathe in lavender oils or soap to help reduce stress at bedtime.

Lemon

Clears confusion; refreshes tired minds.  Associated with cleanliness.

Orange

Optimism and happiness.  For a basic orange cleaner, add 1/2 cup water, 2 tablespoons baking soda, 2 tablespoons liquid castle soap and 1 teaspoon orange essential oil.

Peppermint

Stimulating and invigorating.  Inspires creativity.  Often recommended for relief of migraines and nausea.  Considered a natural appetite suppressant.  Add 2-4 drops to a burner or hot water.

Pine

Cleanses and purifies.  Light a pine scented candle to let go of the past and release things that no longer serve you.  Note:  the National Candle Association reports that candles from beeswax have more health benefits as they burn much cleaner than paraffin wax, which is made from a petroleum by-product.

Rose

Considered an aphrodisiac.  Place fresh flowers in the bedroom or light rose-scented candles to set the mood for romance.

Rosemary

Strengthens a weak memory, restores mental alertness.  For an energizing bath, add 5 drops of rosemary and 2 drops of lavender oil.

Ylang Ylang

Relaxing anti-depressant.  Also considered an aphrodisiac.  Can be diffused or burned as incense.

A goal of feng shui is to learn how to engage all of our senses.  The more developed our senses are, the more we can tune in to our environments and make beneficial changes.   By considering the emotional impact of aromas, you can create a nourishing and healthy living space that has a positive and harmonious flow of chi.  So, remember — take time to smell the roses!