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Chapter 10
Applications
Aromatherapy and Performance Scenting
It is well known that scent has a powerful impact on human emotion and behavior. The use of scent to
influence human emotion is just like Ambient Scenting but with a specific objective for the occupants of the
treated space. The use of scent and the essential oils of flowers, herbs and trees to promote health and well
being is the well-established branch of alternative medicine known as aromatherapy. It is also recognized
that scent can be used to optimize performance in the workplace. The benefits include reduced errors in
routine functions, increased employee sense of well being, higher morale, improved customer service and
overall improved productivity.
AQ550 and Prolitec aromatherapy chemistry can help make a workspace a more comfortable and
appealing place to be. As examples of the positive effect of aromatherapy on the workplace, below are
results of several relevant studies:
•
A 1991 study demonstrated that “sustained attention tasks” were performed with greater accuracy by
the participants in scented rooms compared to those in the non-scented control rooms.
1
•
Another study found that fragrance had a dramatic and positive effect on a proofreader’s efficiency.
2
•
It is commonly known that the Tokyo Stock Exchange diffuses peppermint into the air in the afternoons
to make the brokers feel invigorated.
_______________
1
Dr. Joel Warm and Dr. William Dembar. “Olfactory Stimulation and Sustained Attention.”
Compendium of
Olfactory Research
, (Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 1995) p. 47.
2
Mark Kilauga et al. “Consumer Panel Study on the Effect of Peppermint and Lavender Fragrances on
Proofreading.”
Compendium of Olfactory Research
, (Dubuque, Iowa: Kendall/Hunt Publishing Co., 1995) p. 131
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