Incense is one of the elements that on many occasions accompanies the meditation process, whether in a group session or alone. The word incense Comes from latin incensum, which means “to turn on”. Remains of incense have been found throughout the world that are thousands of years old, so defining its exact origin is complex.
Incense is a combination of materials made from plants, fragrant woods, sap and essential oils, which emit aromatic smoke when burned. Depending on the type of aroma and ingredients, their properties are different and focus on creating specific atmospheres to achieve the desired goal. Incense is closely linked to mysticism and ritual ceremonies.
The smell of incense does much more than aromatize. It has the quality of purifying the environment and stimulating creativity, concentration and memory, and of course, inducing the states of deep relaxation necessary to meditate. Also, incense clears negative energy. In meditation and yoga practice, incense is used to achieve states of clarity and concentration.
These are seven incenses that will induce a state of relaxation and reflection, ideal for a meditation routine.
1) Musk. Its fragrance activates and energizes the aura. It is used to restore order and balance, remove negative influences, and align energies. Musk is associated with mystical states. It is ideal for purifying negative influences from environments, since it positively magnetizes places and promotes inner peace.
2) Jasmine. This incense stimulates all the senses. Helps calm anxiety, relax muscles and relieve headaches. Also, among its properties is opening the way to enlightenment, bringing dreams to memory and producing states of high happiness.
3) Nag Champa. Nag Champa incense is produced by mixing sandalwood, floral oils, spices and resins. Its smell helps mental concentration, relax nerves and reduce the negative effects of stress on the mind. This incense is one of the most used in meditation rituals.
4) Sandalwood. It is used to induce states of tranquility. Exposure to its fragrance stimulates the healing properties of this incense, which helps to reduce pain and reduce depression. It is also related to the gift of clairvoyance and contact with other dimensional planes, as well as psychic development and spiritual growth.
5) Vanilla. Finally, this delicious aroma is related to thought and intelligence. Lighting a wand during a yoga or meditation session amplifies the powers of the mind and memory. In addition, it is believed that it restores hope when there is a perception that things are not going well.
6) copal. Copal is one of the most famous resins in Mexico, as it was the first to be used in pre-Hispanic ceremonies. The copal has the property of being the best purifier of the environment in terms of negative energies, according to beliefs. Its smell is deep and persistent and induces mystical states and relaxation. As its smoke is quite dense, we recommend using a very small amount, especially if you will be practicing yoga.
7) Holy stick. Palo santo is literally a piece of easily burned aromatic wood that is used mainly in healing rituals and is considered a sacred symbol. Its effects are to attract positive energies and induce the harmonic state of spiritual frequencies. Ideal to wrap yourself in its smoke before starting the meditation.
Harmonía favorites: Nag Champa, palo santo and copal.
Now that you know, which one do you think is the right one for you?