A device which uses light and scent stimuli to boost mood is to be used by European spa group Aspria in Brussels.

Launching in February, Kodobio Sensory Therapy, created by Professor Tim Jacob of Cardiff University, UK, uses a device placed in front of the face for 15 to 30 minutes. It emits bright white light (similar to sunshine) up and down during a 60-second cycle. At the same time, pleasant essential oil aromas such as lemon, are emitted.

Jacob claims that as well as enhancing mood, the machine has a relaxing effect on blood pressure and can lower the heart rate.

He says: “I’ve spent many years researching light and smell and their effect on human psychophysiology. Combining the two sensory stimuli, each of which on their own induce positive benefits, has synergistic and profound effects.

“We immediately saw that the benefits were too good to ignore, and set about designing equipment that could deliver the therapy commercially, in a professional environment such as a high quality health spa.”

“Kodobio is ideal for a spa environment because it is a short treatment duration and does not require lengthy therapist training, yet it delivers measurable results.”