From the incense-filled temples of ancient Egypt to the elegant perfumes of Paris, scent has always played a powerful role in human life. But it wasn’t until the late 20th century that scientists truly began to understand how smell works — and why it’s so deeply connected to memory, mood, and stress.

In 2004, researchers Richard Axel and Linda Buck received the Nobel Prize for discovering that humans have around 400 types of scent receptors. These receptors send signals straight to the limbic system — the emotional core of the brain. That’s why a single smell of lavender or citrus can calm anxiety, lift your mood, or revive  a long-forgotten memory.Scent isn't just fragrance —storytelling, and science all in one. And for those seeking balance in today’s fast-paced world, it can be a key part of everyday wellbeing.

Smell as a  survival strategy

Even before birth, babies begin to develop their sense of smell. In fact, within hours of being born, they can identify their mother by scent alone. This primal bond helps infants feel safe, begin to regulate stress, and form emotional attachments — long before they understand language or visuals. Smell helps newborn babies find the breast for feeding and plays a key role in early development. This deep sensory link stays with us throughout life. Whether it’s the comforting scent of a loved one’s jumper or the grounding smell of essential oils, our sense of smell continues to act as an emotional compass — guiding us through stress, memory, and connection.

How Our Brain Processes Smells

Have you ever caught a whiff of something that instantly brought back a vivid memory? The smell of fresh rain, or your favourite meal can instantly transport you back in time. That’s because smell is the only one of our five senses that connects directly to the brain’s emotional and memory centres. When scent molecules enter your nose, tiny receptors send signals to the olfactory bulb, a structure at the base of your brain. From there, these signals travel directly to two critical regions:

• The Amygdala — the brain's emotional centre. It links smells with feelings, which is why comforting scents like fresh-baked bread can make you feel safe and happy, while sharp or unpleasant smells can alert you to danger.
• The Hippocampus — responsible for memory formation. It stores and retrieves emotional memories linked to scent, helping you recall events, people, or places through smell alone.

This direct path — bypassing conscious thought — explains why scent has such an immediate and profound emotional effect.

 

Living with Anosmia

While scent is a powerful tool for wellbeing, not everyone experiences it. People living with anosmia — the absence or loss of the sense of smell — often face unique challenges:

• Reduced enjoyment of food
• Difficulty detecting danger (e.g., gas leaks or smoke)
• Emotional impacts like loneliness, anxiety, or even depression

Because scent plays such a big role in emotional memory and grounding, its absence can lead to a disconnection from those sensory anchors.

At At Balance UK, we recognise this and offer alternative forms of sensory grounding in our services:

• Tactile experiences: such as massage, warm compresses, or textured objects
• Auditory cues: like calming music or guided meditations
• Creative visual expression: including vision board sessions and journaling

These approaches offer alternative sensory pathways for emotional regulation, helping people reconnect with themselves and their environment.

The Artistry Behind Perfume

The perfume industry is often associated with iconic male "noses" like Francis Kurkjian, the mind behind Baccarat Rouge 540, or Jean-Claude Ellena, known for his elegant work with Hermès. But it would be incomplete not to highlight the incredible work of female perfumers. One of the most celebrated female perfumers is Sophie Labbé, whose emotionally resonant fragrances — including Givenchy’s Organza — have become staples in luxury perfumery. Labbé is renowned for her ability to blend warmth, elegance, and complexity in her creations. These artists, both men and women, understand that scent is more than smell — it’s an emotional medium that shapes how we experience life.

Their work inspires our Making Scent workshops At Balance UK, where we invite you to explore your own inner world through fragrance.

Natures Gifts

Because scent is so intertwined with emotion, certain fragrances have been shown to reduce anxiety, improve mood, and support relaxation. Some of the most effective include:

• Lavender – Calms the nervous system and promotes sleep
• Chamomile – Soothes the mind and reduces stress
• Bergamot – Uplifts mood and reduces tension
• Sandalwood – Enhances clarity
• Ylang Ylang – Supports emotional balance and relaxation

 

What to Expect in a Making Scent Workshop

Our Making Scent workshops are hands-on, therapeutic sessions that combine creativity, and sensory awareness.

In each session, you will:

• Explore a curated range of essential oils and fragrance notes
• Learn the psychological and emotional effects of different scents
• Blend your own signature scent based on your preferences and emotional needs
• Discover how to use scent to support relaxation, mood balance, and self-reflection

These workshops create space for calm and self-discovery — empowering you to use your senses to find your own equilibrium.

Experience the Power of Scent

From its role in newborn bonding to its power in emotional healing, smell is one of the most profound senses we possess.

If you're ready to explore how scent can support your wellbeing, join one of our upcoming Making Scent workshops — or get in touch to learn more about our therapy services, creative coaching, and sensory wellbeing offerings.

Contact At Balance UK today to book your space or explore our full wellbeing suite.

 

 

 

 

References

1. Buck, L., & Axel, R. (2004). The Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine 2004 – Nobel Lecture.
   NobelPrize.org. https://www.nobelprize.org/prizes/medicine/2004/buck/lecture
   → Groundbreaking research on the olfactory system and discovery of over 400 scent receptors in humans.
2. Herz, R. S. (2004). A naturalistic analysis of autobiographical memories triggered by olfactory visual and auditory stimuli.
   Chemical Senses, 29(3), 217–224. https://doi.org/10.1093/chemse/bjh025
   → Demonstrates the strong connection between scent and emotionally vivid memory recall.
3. Hummel, T., et al. (2017). Olfactory function in the human brain: Anatomy and disorders.
   Seminars in Neurology, 37(05), 462–470. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0037-1606324
   → Provides insights into the neurological pathways of smell and the impact of anosmia on quality of life.