Julie Mauskop on David Zwirner’s Platform

The science of essential oils and the brain is still young, but the findings so far are more compelling than many people realize. Brain imaging studies show that common scents like rose, lavender, peppermint, and lemon produce measurable changes in brain structure, brain activity, and pain processing. These studies are small and preliminary, and essential oils are not a substitute for medical treatment. But the evidence suggests that what we smell can influence the brain in real, physical ways

Incorporating slow, prolonged exhalation into procedures such as Botox injections offers a practical, evidence‑informed way to reduce discomfort and anxiety. By aligning the injection with the out‑breath, we engage parasympathetic and attentional mechanisms that help the brain process pain signals less intensely. This simple breathing cue does not replace careful technique or other comfort measures, but it complements them and gives patients an active role in their own pain control. As research on breathing and pain continues to grow, integrating this kind of mind–body strategy into migraine care becomes an increasingly important part of modern neurology.

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