Explore the beneficial effects of incense for your well-being.
The traditional practice of incense burning has been an important part of festivals and ceremonies for centuries. It has served as an extender of memories and as a way to honor and pray for our ancestors. Originally, incense was used in religious rituals in China already over 4000 years ago and even ancient Egypt had traces of incense use in its prehistoric times.
One thing is certain - the power of incense has been well known and its positive effects have been many. Incense has the ability to evoke positive emotions and is linked to a range of health benefits. Combining meditation with aromatherapy has long been a known way to deepen meditation, but does incense work just as well?
A journey through the history of incense
The Latin word for incense means "to burn." Incense has been used for thousands of years and has traditionally been associated with religious rituals and meditation - even the samurai in the 14th century! Samurai used to add scents to their helmets before battle, convinced that the scents would create an aura that made them invincible. Admittedly, these are not scientific facts, but they are still interesting historical anecdotes considering the power and influence of the samurai.
Frankincense, also known as olibanum, comes from the Boswellia frereana and Boswellia sacra trees that grow in Africa, the Middle East and India. Olibanum was a trade item transported along the Incense Route - a network of trade routes over land and sea that connected the Mediterranean with Asia through the Arabian Peninsula.
Incense is usually made from plant-based ingredients such as resin, bark, seeds, roots and flowers. It is used to create an evocative atmosphere, to drive away evil spirits and as part of religious ceremonies. During the 15th and 16th centuries, the appreciation of incense was considered an art form within the Japanese upper and middle classes, an art form called kōdō.
The scientific basis for the benefits of incense
Through experiments, scientists have discovered that an active substance in incense, known as incensol acetate, has a dual effect: it has anti-inflammatory properties and can also improve mood. It has also been shown that scents can have a meditative and calming effect on the mind. Lavender is perhaps the most famous of the calming scents. Studies show that lavender can help relieve sleep problems, reduce anxiety, and even alleviate depression. It is not surprising that incense, which activates our sense of smell, can make our meditation practices even more effective.
The ability of incense to promote well-being
"For thousands of years, religious leaders have claimed that incense is good for the soul. Now biologists have discovered that it's good for the brain, too."
Incense was originally used in sacred rituals, but it is also associated with therapeutic benefits such as purifying the environment, providing energy or creating calm. This makes it a perfect companion during meditation. Fragrances can promote sleep and relaxation, improve our concentration, stimulate creativity and increase motivation. Some prefer to use incense during the actual meditation practice to calm the mind, while others choose to let the incense burn in the room before they begin meditating. It creates a relaxing, calming and inspiring atmosphere before the meditation.
It is scientifically proven that lavender calms the sympathetic nervous system, which is also called the stress center. When we smell the scent of lavender, both the brain and body are activated for relaxation.
Why not try using our handmade incense with a scent of soothing lavender?
In addition to lavender , vetiver and chamomile are also known to improve the quality of our night's sleep.
Rosemary can relieve stress and anxiety, while sandalwood has a calming scent that helps dissolve tension and is thought to stimulate awareness. Cinnamon is known to increase focus and concentration, while ylang ylang can stimulate creativity . Lotus can help sharpen the senses and deepen our attention. Cedar and pine are well known for relieving moodiness and depression with their invigorating woody scent. Jasmine has a soothing scent that clears the mind, lifts the mood and counteracts stress. Ambergris has a relaxing effect that effectively relieves stress. The intense and fresh scent of eucalyptus is known to energize and sharpen the senses. By surrounding yourself with this fragrance during meditation, you will feel focused, determined and ready to tackle your tasks.
Lighting incense and letting its scents fill your space can create an atmosphere of calm, tranquility and well-being. By integrating incense into your meditation practice, you can achieve a deeper and more rewarding experience. It is a modern interpretation of an ancient tradition that allows you to benefit from the benefits of incense for both mind and body.
So the next time you sit down to meditate, consider lighting an incense stick and letting its scents guide you to a state of inner calm and balance. Discover the power of incense and its ability to improve your well-being on a deeper level. Give yourself permission to explore the modern union of tradition and science, and discover how incense can enrich your meditation experience in a unique and meaningful way.
