The Aromatherapy Store has noticed with interest that the main part of Aromatherapy practitioners seem to be women. Just a quick glance through any listings of local Aromatherapists can confirm this point. Generally it tends to be more women that buy the essential oils too, judging by our sales enquiries – although the percentages aren’t quite so heavily slanted towards women this time – but this may be that many men may buy oils for their female friends as gifts and the like.
What conclusions can we note from this weighted trend if any?
One of the first points to reiterate is that, as I’ve discussed in the page discussing oil absorption through the skin, women are literally thinner skinned than men so there is a physiological difference there which would make oils more effective for women than men.
But there have also been some very interesting research studies that have attempted to measure the differences between male and female responses to different aromas, which seem to underline a fundamental difference between the genders reception of aromas.
One study observed the ( unannounced) release of sweet orange aroma into a dentist’s waiting room. A questionnaire was then completed by both men and women focussing on their perceptions of anxiety and the like during their waiting period. The general smell associated with dentists waiting rooms is eugenol – and it could well be that the smell becomes associated with previous unpleasant trips to the dentists and that then reinforces and exacerbates the levels of anxiety experienced. The sweet orange was used to mask the smell of eugenol, and measured against a similar waiting room which had no masking oil aroma, the questionnaire indicated lower levels of anxiety, with higher levels of calmness and a more positive mood. Very reassuring results for those of us who have faith in the powers of aromatherapy and like to have scientific back-up (the study was conducted by J Lehrner in 2000 in his book ‘Physiology and Behaviour’ p71)
What was also of great interest that the resulting calmness and reduction in anxiety was felt to a much greater measured extent by females – the male participants registering only a minor benefit.
I haven’t found any other studies which attempt to explain this – and so I can only speculate that this may be linked to the evolutionary role of the woman, in the sense that the binding of mother and baby and so the successful development and protection of the succeeding generation is one profoundly influenced by scent. Are women as the traditional providers of nuturing more atuned to the aromas associated with bonding, safety, and creating a sense of security. Id welcome other peoples thoughts on this!
A number of other studies make for very interesting reading on this same subject - the increased tolerance of perceived pain as outlined in Marchand and Arsenaults study in 2002 - and the affects of aroma on a persons ability to perform a task more quickly and with fewer mistakes as outlined in the study published by Myazaki, Motohashi and Kobashaya in 1992.
Once again I have to credit my indebtedness to the writings of Shirley and Len Price on this topic, in the excellent book Aromatherapy for Health Professionals, available from Amazon.
Note: All information is provided as points of possible interest to the reader and as such is not intended as medical advice. You should always consult a doctor or a chemist if you have any complaints or conditions arise. The Aromatherapy Store does not intend to provide you with anything which could be considered an alternative to proper qualified medical advice. ALWAYS treat oils with respect. They should never be taken internally, and should be kept away from babies and children. Pregnant women are als0 advised to practise particular care when using essential oils and all users should stop usage and exposure altogether if there are any concerns. Different skins react differently to oils so always be sure to test the oil (diluted) on a small patch of skin for 24 hours before embarking on exteneded usage.
The Aromatherapy Store is a site dedicated to promoting the safe and confident use of the natural qualities of essential oils and related products for the professional and amateur aromatherapist alike!
