From Dr. Benjamin Perkus’ Facebook post of 10/22/25
“I just came across a fascinating neuroscience paper that beautifully explains what we’ve been doing all along in Aroma Freedom — even before the science caught up!
“The study shows that the reticular activating system (RAS) — the brain’s “attention gatekeeper” — has two major branches that shape our emotional and motivational life.
- The cholinergic pathway (acetylcholine-based) activates when we sense threat, overwhelm, or self-doubt. It’s designed to keep us safe, but when it dominates, we can slip into vigilance, avoidance, or even a mild freeze state — like staring at a messy office and feeling unable to start.
- The dopaminergic pathway (dopamine-based) turns on when we feel hope, joy, or anticipation. It powers motivation, curiosity, and creative action.
“These two systems constantly interact in the limbic brain and the medial prefrontal cortex, deciding whether we shut down or move forward.
“Here’s the exciting part: Aroma Freedom directly engages both systems — in sequence.
🌿 Phase 1: Calming the Mind
When we breathe in calming oils like Frankincense or Stress Away and affirm a higher identity (“I am an organized creator”), we quiet the acetylcholine-driven vigilance circuits. The nervous system shifts from threat to safety, opening the brain’s learning and integration pathways.
⚡️ Phase 2: Energizing the Will
Once calm is restored, we inhale energizing oils like Peppermint or Transformation and affirm our chosen action (“I tidy my office 10 minutes each day”). This stimulates the dopamine system, activating motivation, pleasure and forward motion — literally lighting up the circuits for new habits and confidence.
“In other words, what we experience in AFT as peace -> clarity -> inspired actions is the same sequence the brain uses to move from defense to creation.
“Scientifically, we’re recalibrating the RAS and engaging both emotional branches in harmony.
“Spiritually, we’re aligning with divine coherence — transforming fear into flow.
“If you love seeing how AFT bridges psychology and neuroscience, this paper is worth reading. It confirms that the Aroma Freedom process doesn’t just feel good - it reflects the very architecture of the brain’s transformation network.”
Pretty cool, huh? What do you think?
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