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art therapy & essential oils, creativity blend, essential oil absorption, essential oil for memory, essential oil inhalation, essential oils and Alzheimers, essential oils for creativity, essential oils for dementia, essential oils for inspiration, I Remember Better When I Paint, limbic system, olfactory bulb, Yasmin Aga Khan
Using art as a form of healing is not a new concept, however in combination with aroma, it might just be not only new, but extremely powerful.
Someone one of my networks’ posted info about a new documentary film “I Remember Better When I Paint”.
It’s an international documentary featuring Rita Hayworth’s daughter, Yasmin Aga Khan, president of Alzheimer Disease International. The film reviews the latest technology in treating Alzheimer’s disease and focuses on the positive results received from patients that paint. The film is directed by Eric Ellena and Berna Huebner and is narrated by Academy Award winning actress Olivia de Havilland.
During the course of the disease, ‘plaques’ and ‘tangles’ develop in the structure of the brain, leading to the death of brain cells. People with Alzheimer’s also have a shortage of some important chemicals in their brains. These chemicals are involved with the transmission of messages within the brain.*
The film talks to renowned neurologists who explain how creative activities engage areas of the brain that are not damaged or less damaged by the disease and thus help reawaken a sense of personality, identity and dignity, which is amazing for both the sufferer of the disease as well as friends and family who start to see a glimmer of sunshine in their loved one.
Combine paints & aroma for some uncharted brain activity
Dementia used to be thought of as an “old peoples” disease but because of viruses like HIV and the potential to suffer from a stroke at any age, it also affects young people too.
Imagine, then the potential to combine this stimulating art form with the sense of aroma? Given the amazing power of essential oils to provoke emotion and memory, I was very excited to hear about this movie.
The way essential oils work in the body and on the brain is somewhat amazing and via 2 routes: inhalation and essential oil absorption. Essential oils connect directly to the limbic system (the emotional brain that houses emotional feelings, sexual feelings, memory and learning) via the olfactory bulb at the top of our nose, which is an extension of our brain. The other route is via the bloodstream, which once circulating are able to get into the brain through the blood-brain barrier, which keeps many things out (apart from alcohol and many drugs).
We don’t actually know how they work, but we do know that for someone with dementia, aromas may be the last link between the real experienced world and the mind slowly hiding within. Also, and most importantly in combination with painting, they are hugely powerful for inspiration and creativity!
Oils great for dementia: Basil, Ginger, Rosemary, Cardamom, Black Pepper, Rose Otto
Memory Evoking: Basil, Rosemary
Inspiration: Frankincense, Neroli, Rose Otto, Bergamot, Lemon, Benzion, Hyacinth, Carnation, Jasmine, Bay
Creativity: Carnation, Coriander, Eucalyptus Citriodora, Bergamot, Cistus, Narcissus, Orange, Rosemary, Frankincense, Geranium, Neroli, Rose Maroc, Jasmine, Bay, Clove, Mimosa, Litsea Cubeba, Sandalwood, Cypress, Juniper
My favourite creativity blend for burner or inhalations: Jasmine, Frankincense and Lemon – gorgeous!
So Get THOSE OILS BURNING WHILE YOU PAINT! – or whenever you feel the creative urge about to burst forth
Alzheimers affects 5.3m Americans, 417,000 people in England, 245,000 Australians and around 41,000 New Zealanders.
Always consult a qualified Aromatherapist before treating someone with Essential Oils.
For more information about Alzheimers in your country:
Sources: *National Organisations above and Valerie Ann Worwood’s “A fragrant Mind“
I think I did read somewhere that Rita Hayworth does/did have Alzheimer’s (not sure she’s still alive), so not surprised that her daughter is the president of the society! Would be very interested in the film too, not the most uplifting of subjects but should be worthwhile.
Found this blog to be well written and inspiring. I have seen the film mentioned and it is uplifting. Our grandmother had Alzheimer’s and if we had known about the power of arts and other therapies as essential oils, we would have gotten her involved. The film shows how the arts can improve quality of life for the patients, and opens communications channels for caregivers and families. While I saw the film at a screening, it is available on DVD on amazon http://www.amazon.com/Remember-Better-When-Paint-Alzheimers/dp/B002UZE8S8
Hi Julia, thank so much for your lovely compliment. My sister introduced me to the concept of art therapy a couple of years ago and it seems that by combining it with our other senses, the impact it might have could be phenomenal in improving quality of life for all of us. I’ve just come across a great place in LA called “Paint Lab” where you pay $20 for a canvas and use of their paints. What an amazing idea – I think we could all do with some creative therapy. Seems a shame to wait until we’re sick to benefit from it