Sense of Smell

Aroma-Chology Defined

Aroma-Chology® is the term coined by the Sense of Smell Institute (formerly known as the Olfactory Research Fund) in 1989 to describe the concept which was developed to scientifically study the interrelationship of psychology and fragrance technology. Studies sponsored by the Institute at colleges and universities around the world are designed to investigate a variety of specific feelings (such as relaxation, exhilaration, sensuality, happiness and self-confidence) which are elicited through odors via stimulation of the olfactory pathways to the limbic system or "pleasure center" of the brain. Before the Institute developed the concept of Aroma-Chology®, the findings of which have been acknowledged by the scientific community and embraced and utilized by mainstream society, the effects of fragrance on behavior were generally included under the misnomer of AROMATHERAPY The following chart is meant to finally clarify the distinction between Aroma-Chology® and Aromatherapy and to become a standard point of reference.

Definitions
Aroma-Chology®: Aroma-Chology is a concept based on systematic, scientific data collected under controlled conditions. It was developed in 1989 under the leadership of the Sense of Smell Institute (formerly known as the Olfactory Research Fund). Aroma-Chology is dedicated to the study of the inter-relationship of psychology and the latest in fragrance technology to transmit through odor a variety of specific feelings (such as relaxation, exhilaration, sensuality, happiness and achievement) directly to the brain.	Aromatherapy: Aromatherapy is a concept based largely on anecdotal individual case studies and folklore. It prescribes the use of natural essential oils and herbs for the treatment of various mental and physical disorders. It is generally used in combination with body massage, the result of which is described by advocates to heal, beautify and soothe the body and mind.

Key Distinctions
Aroma-Chology® seeks to establish the positive effects of aromas on human behavior that are verifiable through reproducible scientific experiments. The results can then be expressed in quantitative terms and analyzed to determine their statistical significance.	Aromatherapy seeks to establish the therapeutic effects of aromas utilizing historical folklore traditions passed down from ancient times and various cultures along with modern research.
Aroma-Chology® is concerned specifically with the temporary positive effects of aromas on human behavior and emotions to improve mood and enhance quality of life.	Aromatherapy focuses on the therapeutic effects of aromas on physical conditions (such as menstrual disorders, digestive problems, etc.) as well as psychological conditions (such as chronic depression).
Aroma-Chology® deals only with the psychological effects achieved through the use of ambient odors which stimulate olfactory pathways to the brain.	Aromatherapy deals with the physiological effects of natural essential oils introduced by means of transdermal absorption resulting from application massage, as well as through ingestion and olfaction.
Aroma-Chology® scientifically measures the effect of blends of odorants as well as those of single odors - both natural and synthetic.	Aromatherapy restricts itself to the use of only natural essential oils. It assigns specific healing qualities to specific odors.
Aroma-Chology® acknowledges the possibility of cognitive mediation (i.e., the influence of perceptions & understanding) of the positive effects of fragrance on feelings and emotions and includes applications in which this interaction is almost certain to occur.	Aromatherapy attributes effects observed to a direct physiological action of the odorant molecules and places little emphasis on cognitive factors such as perception and understanding.