Incense sticks are burned to produce a fragrant scent. The sticks come in different varieties with different varieties of essential oils, fragrances, and minerals. Its use goes back thousands of years with research showing its use in ancient times including in ancient Egypt, Babylon, Greece, and China. Burning incense has a spiritual and symbolic meaning in several cultures. It also has a variety of physical and psychological benefits.
Here are some of those benefits.
Air freshener
Your house has a smell that you may not be able to identify but is pretty clear to outsiders. This is a product of a variety of things including the food you cook and maybe the pets you live with. Burning incense functions as a way to freshen the air in your home and control what smell it exudes. This is the most common reason for burning fragrant incense in the home.
Focus and concentration
Burning incense helps increase focus and concentration. It also helps keep you alert which is beneficial during the tough periods of the day. One study found that students who had a scented candle near them had better concentration on their work. This is one of the reasons why monks use it during meditation. Jewellery workers and others whose jobs require intense concentration use it to stay focused when working under the microscope.
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Relax and unwind
Burning incense can instantly make you feel relaxed. The calming effect is similar to the one experienced from an intense meditation session. It helps clear your mind and promote a feeling of calm. This along with the fact that some scents even help slow down the heart rate and promote positive feelings is why is it used to reduce stress and anxiety.
It increases serotonin levels which has the effect of improving moods and increasing feelings of happiness. The relaxation also brings with it the added benefit of improving your ability to make decisions.
Antiseptic and anti-inflammatory
One of the key ingredients in incense is incense oil, which has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. The antibacterial properties prevent infection and keep the environment clean and germ-free. Aromas inhaled when burning incense can help open the nasal passages, relieve headaches, improve digestion and even lower blood pressure.
Stimulates creativity
A pleasing aroma such as the one released when burning incense can get the creative juices flowing. It can put one in a dream state allowing the imagination to roam free. Incense can also trigger the generation of new ideas and innovation. The improved focus and concentration also boost creativity.
Improves sleep
More and more people are experiencing problems related to sleep in our ever-busier society. About 10-15% of adults would be classified as having short-term insomnia. Chronic insomnia was seen in 33% of the adult population sampled in a study. This shows the prevalence of this condition. The calming effect of incense sticks helps those struggling to fall asleep and promotes restful sleep. It is also much safer than using candles to promote and aid sleep.
Better sex
Different scents can help increase your sexual desire and libido. Burning incense is believed to confer the same benefits.
Spiritual benefits
For those who believe in karma, burning incense is infamous for creating “good karma”. This is because it’s said that you are giving an offering to the atmosphere without asking for anything in return which is a sign of generosity and kindness. In some religious traditions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity, using it daily can make you feel a lot closer to spirituality.
Check out
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The Science Of Smell – Understanding The Benefits Of Aromatherapy
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