A system for inducing a Pavlovian association of a scent with a state of less-than-moderate pain, to thereby minimize perceived pain, and to reduce the need for narcotic analgesics. The system includes at least a physiological sensor configured to detect at least one physiological parameter of the user. The physiological parameter of the user may include heart rate variability, blood pressure, galvanic skin response, movement, facial expression and the like. After detection of the physiological parameter, an activation signal is then transmitted to an automatically activated scent diffuser, which diffuses a scent, as a function of the electronic activation signal. The scent may include one or more scent liquids, such as perfumes, essential oils, or the like. Activation of the scent diffuser is maintained by a control circuit that receives the detection signal from the at least one physiological sensor, ascertains that the user has transitioned to a state of less-than-moderate pain, and transmits a signal to the automatically activated scent diffuser. After an association, wherein association further includes conditioning, is created in the user, by iterative performance of the foregoing steps, the user can manually activate a second scent source, in order to trigger a conditioned reflex to assist the user in reducing pain levels.
