Olfactotherapy is a psycho-emotional method based on the use of smells and the vibration of certain essential oils. By acting on specific areas of the brain, the scent molecules make it possible to release certain memories and emotions, and thus help to regain one’s psycho-emotional balance.

Definition of olfactotherapy

Olfactotherapy is a brief energetic psycho-body therapy based on smells and their power on our unconscious. She uses the sense of smell, one of the five senses directly linked to the unconscious and memory, and the aromatic molecules of certain essential oils to bring to the surface emotions responsible for blockages or discomfort, and thus rediscover a sense of well-being on a daily basis.

The main principles

Odors to access the unconscious

Olfactotherapy is based on the link between smell and the emotional sphere and the power of smells on our unconscious. The scent molecules of essential oils send a chemical signal transformed into a nerve impulse directly sent to the limbic brain (formerly called the rhinencephalon, “brain of the nose”), the brain of emotions and memories, without passing through the diencephal, the brain mental. Inhaling certain essential oils would thus allow direct access to the unconscious, awakening certain memories at the origin of psychic and / or physical suffering.

In 2004, a team of American researchers also revealed the existence of neuronal olfactory receptors in the nasal mucosa, and made it possible to understand how these cells perceive odors and transmit information to the brain. This discovery earned them the 2004 Nobel Prize in Physiology and Medicine.

The olfactory power of essential oils

Olfactotherapy uses essential oils as an “olfactory messenger”. Liquid extracted from the organs (flower, leaf, bark or root) of plants thanks to a complex process of distillation, the essential oil is indeed extremely rich in odorous molecules which will have a strong action on the unconscious and the emotions.

The vibratory odors of essential oils

Olfactotherapy is also based on an energetic approach to humans. The vital energy, called Prana, is conveyed in our body through different channels. At each intersection of these energy channels is a major energy plexus, or chakra. Each olfactory message, and more particularly that of essential oils, is endowed with a vibratory sensation having an action on this prana and the chakras. Olfactotherapy thus uses the energetic vibrations of essential oils to act on the human energy system, sometimes by activating a “typo-active” center, sometimes by soothing an overactive center.

At the crossroads of psycho-bodily therapies, personal development and awakening and expansion techniques, olfactotherapy can be used to free yourself from trauma, reduce stress, remove emotional blockages or gain self-confidence. self.

According to Gilles Fournil, creator of the method, olfactotherapy makes it possible to “get to know each other better, to be more peaceful, at peace with this existential quest. (…) It offers the keys to be more at peace with oneself and the world, by giving meaning to existence. “

In some hospitals, olfactory workshops are organized to help patients suffering from head trauma or stroke to re-tame their sense of smell, and thus re-situate themselves in the present.

The specialist

Different therapists can be trained in olfactotherapy to complete their therapeutic arsenal. They may be sophrologists, osteopaths, psychotherapists, naturopaths, shiatsu practitioners, energy specialists, yoga teachers, massage practitioners, art therapists, etc.

Course of a session

The olfactory therapy method developed by Gilles Fournil is based on the use of a basic kit of 16 essential oils, carefully chosen for their olfactory and vibratory power:

• Atlas cedar 
• Clove
• Ylang ylang
• Myrrhe
• Bergamotte
• Lavender officinalis
• Rosemary verbenone
• Damask rose
• Pink geranium
• Eucalyptus radiata
• Clary sage
• Santal
• Green mint
• Pepper mint
• Jasmine
• Incenses

The olfactory therapist presents small strips of paper impregnated with essential oil. After having felt them one by one, the person determines his favorites and those which, on the contrary, repel him. Then comes a work on this classification. 

Essential oils can also be used in synergy, for a more targeted action.

Become a practitioner

The creator of olfactotherapy, Gilles Fournil, offers training in olfactotherapy.

Olfactotherapy was created in 1992 by Gilles Fournil, transpersonal therapist, energy specialist and somatologist.