Interesting article! I also think that we pick up chemical scents around a person and I wonder if this might contribute to the idea of an aura. These could be traces of cortisol or waste products in the sweat of someone who is processing certain emotions and using certain neurotransmitters or hormones at that time. We use the word chemistry every day when we talk about people who get on well, but there could be a literal meaning to it.
Dear Sarah, that's a very good point. The sense of smell and the neural pathways connecting our nose to our forebrain are among the oldest parts of our brain. I imagine this is why smells and the chemical scents we detect can trigger an immediate, almost visceral reaction that, at times, feels rather unconscious—similar to a gut feeling, rather than a clear, easily explainable impression. I don't know much research in this area, but I'm certain there should be more published about the traces you mentioned, such as cortisol, sweat, or pheromones.
I believe reading facial expressions can be useful in every profession especially for CIDs pus this skill, with or without evidence, can be used for better human interactions.
Thank you sharing such an enjoyable and informative piece.
Dear Hafsa, thank you for your feedback! I absolutely agree. The more I read about it, the more surprised I am that this is not part of continuing professional development, as the research is sound and the benefits in many professions seem obvious to me.
Interesting article! I also think that we pick up chemical scents around a person and I wonder if this might contribute to the idea of an aura. These could be traces of cortisol or waste products in the sweat of someone who is processing certain emotions and using certain neurotransmitters or hormones at that time. We use the word chemistry every day when we talk about people who get on well, but there could be a literal meaning to it.
Dear Sarah, that's a very good point. The sense of smell and the neural pathways connecting our nose to our forebrain are among the oldest parts of our brain. I imagine this is why smells and the chemical scents we detect can trigger an immediate, almost visceral reaction that, at times, feels rather unconscious—similar to a gut feeling, rather than a clear, easily explainable impression. I don't know much research in this area, but I'm certain there should be more published about the traces you mentioned, such as cortisol, sweat, or pheromones.
Intriguing topic!
I believe reading facial expressions can be useful in every profession especially for CIDs pus this skill, with or without evidence, can be used for better human interactions.
Thank you sharing such an enjoyable and informative piece.
Dear Hafsa, thank you for your feedback! I absolutely agree. The more I read about it, the more surprised I am that this is not part of continuing professional development, as the research is sound and the benefits in many professions seem obvious to me.