Rooted in Scent: The Power of Aromatic Anchoring
Scent has an extraordinary way of grounding us, connecting us to memory, emotion, and even our deepest intentions. In somatic practices, we use the term anchoring, a way to create stability, security, and support within ourselves. Much like an anchor holds a ship steady amidst the waves, scent can serve as a powerful tether, keeping us connected to moments of safety, clarity, and presence.
Perfumery and aromacology the science of how scent interacts with our limbic system, reveal the deep impact aroma has on our nervous system. A single inhale can transport us back to a childhood home, a loved one’s embrace, or a moment of pure joy.
It’s not just about recalling a memory; it’s about capturing the feeling that memory holds.
Most of us are familiar with essential oils and their healing properties. Whether we diffuse them, apply them topically, or inhale deeply from the bottle, we instinctively turn to scent to soothe, uplift, or balance us. In perfumery, we do the same, but instead of diffusing, we atomise. And whether we realise it or not, we often choose our perfumes based on story. This is known as scent design, the WHY behind a fragrance. Some are drawn to scent intuitively, while others recognise that different aromas influence different moods.
Let’s explore how scent profiles align with emotion:
Citrus: Joy, hope, energy
Floral: Softness, gentleness, love
Woods: Grounding, support, nurture
Oriental: Sensuality, self-love
Herbaceous: Freshness, aliveness, connection to nature
But how can we deepen our experience with scent? How can we take it beyond the surface and make it a truly embodied practice? At Soulroots, I like to teach three transformative ways to work with scent, what I call Rooted in Scent.
1) Intention Setting: Scent as an Amplifier
Setting intentions is becoming more widely recognised as a tool for growth and transformation. When we are clear on our affirmations, we experience deeper shifts. Essential oils can elevate this process, aligning scent with purpose. For example, if your intention is I am worthy, you might reach for:
Bergamot: Self-acceptance
Cassia: Self-assurance
By pairing your intention with a specific scent, you create an embodied experience. Each time you return to that aroma, your body recalls its purpose, reinforcing the belief and anchoring the transformation.
2) Exploring the Felt Sense
In a fast-paced, overstimulated world, it’s easy to become disconnected from our bodies. Often, we don’t truly feel until inflammation, stress, or fatigue force us to slow down. Scent can act as a guide, helping us return to our bodies through somatic practices. By using aroma to deepen our awareness, we create space to listen to the subtle cues of our nervous system, allowing for greater connection and healing.
3) Anchoring: Growing the Roots
Through visualisation, imagery, or somatic exercises designed to cultivate safety and stability, scent can become an anchor, an olfactory cue that instantly brings us back to a state of calm. Just as certain smells can recall childhood or past experiences.
We can intentionally program new associations with scent, using it to anchor moments of strength and support.
Whether inhaling an essential oil or applying it to the skin, our body recognises the aroma and remembers the feeling it holds.
This practice is similar to aromacology in that it taps into the subconscious power of scent and memory. You may already do this unknowingly, gravitating toward familiar fragrances that evoke comfort and nostalgia. While scent doesn’t have to come from essential oils, I find that working with these natural extracts deepens the experience, enhancing their innate healing properties.
If you’re ready to explore the power of scent in a more profound way, I invite you to join us at our upcoming retreat, Somatic Sensory Immersion this weekend in the Barossa Valley. Immerse your senses in an experience that blends aromatherapy with somatic exploration, and discover how scent can be a true anchor in your journey to healing and transformation.
