10 Reasons to Burn Incense & the Benefits
We all know that scents, aromas, fragrances (however you describe them) can be used to trigger specific responses. For instance; to encourage relaxation, aid sleep, promote concentration, stimulate creativity, increase motivation and intensify those romantic evenings. In addition, there’s also a whole raft of religious, aesthetic and practical reasons for using fragrances.
Below, we explore these attributes and uses for some of the fragrances that are available in incense, highlight their various benefits and suggest fragrances for specific occasions and purposes.
1. Meditation
Incense is used widely in many religious practices to deepen attention, heighten senses and uplift one’s own spirit when practicing meditation. Sandalwoods and Lotus are used most frequently for meditation as well as Agarwood, Musk and Cedar. Choose what suits you best, one that transports you to the place you need to be, without taking over your thoughts.
2. Relax and unwind
Soft fragrances will further enhance this time, allowing you to give yourself time and space away from the hassles of everyday living. Frankincense, Sandalwood and Cedarwood are all ‘calming fragrances’, and work well for general relaxation.
3. Reduce stress and anxiety
A step up from relaxing—reduce your heart rate and breathing and encourage your mind to stop worrying and racing from one thing to another. Go for Sandalwood, Lavender and Rosemary to reduce stress and anxiety.
4. Romance
For romance, burn fragrances such as Jasmine, Vanilla and Rose to create the mood. The mind is a powerful thing, readily activated by these aphrodisiac scents. Also, try Cinnamon to drive passion and loving moments.
5. Stimulate creativity
A well-selected fragrance can be used to enhance your own abilities, stimulate ideas and improve mental performance. Agarwood based Incense is known for this as well as ‘uplifting’ fragrances such as Lemongrass, Citrus scents, Geranium and Ylang-Ylang.
6. Increase Focus
Burn Agarwood and other uplifting fragrances like Peppermint when working or studying to increase focus and enhance concentration. Less intrusive than having music playing in the background, fragrances have a subtler effect of the mind and body, making them a perfect partner for work, study or engaging in a hobby that requires detailed focus.
7. Aid sleep
Insomnia is an increasing affliction, especially in our modern, always on and interrupt orientated society. Lavender is especially associated with an aid to sleep, as are Vetiver and Chamomile. Having an incense stick burning when falling asleep is far safer than using a candle with its naked flame.
8. Yoga practice
Help focus the mind and ready the body by creating the right aromatic atmosphere. Yoga studios that use incense tend to use Japanese or Tibetan-style incense. The standard fragrances found at yoga studios include Rose, Lavender, Frankincense, Sandalwood, Patchouli, Peppermint, Lemon, Orange, and Cedarwood
9. Air purification
Certain floral based ingredients have antibacterial properties—such as Nag Champa. Also, incense is an easy, quick and accessible way to cover unwanted household smells like cooking, pets, damp clothes etc. Cedar, Myrrh and Citrus scents will ‘cleanse’ the air, leaving behind an air of freshness and new beginnings.
10. Medicinal
The effect of good aromas, generated from incense sticks has been shown to raise serotonin in the brain which is considered a natural mood stabilizer. It helps with sleeping, eating, and digestion. Serotonin also helps reduce depression, regulate anxiety and reduce headaches.
In summary, Serotonin is good and incense helps it flow! Rose is highest on our list of recommendations for this attribute as well as the amazing Agarwood.
You can always find high quality incense at Royal Palm Interiors in Uvita.
Until next time…
Shelagh
Royal Palm Interiors – Uvita – 2743-8323
royalpalminteriors.com
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