The Correlation Between The Sense Of Smell And Our Self-Awareness By Dr. Dietrich Gümbel
- Aromatika Magazine
- May 13
- 2 min read
Pg. 28-34 - 6-minute read
Smell does more than detect fragrance—it heightens our awareness, attention, and sense of presence. When we encounter an aroma, we instinctively search for its source, engaging both memory and emotion. Aromatherapy has long regarded scent as the “soul” of the plant, capable of influencing not only mood but also our physical and mental state. Research by Prof. Dr. Hanns Hatt supports this, showing that scent receptors are not limited to the nose but are found throughout the body, allowing aromatic molecules absorbed through inhalation, skin, or ingestion to influence physiology, metabolism, and emotional responses. Because scent is closely linked with memory, each aroma becomes emotionally encoded and can later evoke the same feelings when encountered again.
I propose that this profound relationship between smell, consciousness, and self-awareness points to the pituitary gland as a kind of sixth sensory organ. During embryonic development, both the olfactory system and the pituitary arise from related ectodermal tissue, linking sensory perception with the nervous system and hormonal regulation. While the traditional five senses perceive the external world, the pituitary may be viewed as an inward-facing sensory organ—one that contributes to self-awareness, our ability to recognize “I smell,” “I feel,” “I see,” and ultimately, “I am.” In this sense, it parallels the ancient concept of the “third eye,” associated in Eastern traditions with inner awareness and insight.
From this perspective, sensory perception is not merely mechanical but deeply holistic, integrating body, mind, and emotion. Smell becomes a bridge between the external environment and our internal world, influencing hormones, emotions, and even our sense of identity. The pituitary, often called the “master gland,” responds to these signals while regulating multiple body systems, reinforcing the idea that consciousness emerges through interconnected physiological processes rather than isolated organs.
This also suggests a practical role for aroma in self-development and cognitive wellness. Regular scent engagement may strengthen olfactory awareness, memory, and emotional responsiveness, with smell training already recognized in contexts such as olfactory recovery. Since diminished smell can precede conditions like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and dementia, preserving this sense may be more important than we often realize. Smelling, then, is not simply sensory pleasure—it may be an active pathway for awareness, memory, and deeper connection with ourselves.
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