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'Fragrant smoke is sacred unto the gods'
GUESTBOOK
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The Yoga of Incense
One of the reasons incense is used is that it purifies the air, some think it actually discharges airborne ions and has an extraordinary soothing effect on the mind. There is nothing better to cleanse a space than incense. It can neutralise the smell of fear, grief, arguments, disappointment, tiredness, loneliness and longing. Space and the objects in it can be cleaned and healed. Just like a candle brightens up a darkened room, the
aromatic effect of incense conveys tranquillity to the senses. While a
candle creates a positive visual impact, certain fragrances impart positive
impulses to the brain. More importantly these positive impulses, over time,
become a natural response to that particular incense. The mind becomes
accustomed to respond in a particular way when that incense is used. It is
now commonly accepted that aromas have their own vibrations creating their
own effects. The smell from incense is absorbed by the nose’s mucous
membranes and moves directly to the centre of our brain
where it influences our emotions, hormones, our nervous system and our
perceptions. Incense has several medicinal effects too. Many earlier
civilisations used incense as a herbal medicine for treating health
disorders. And it is this that forms the basis of aromatherapy. Certain
incense ingredients are used as medicines all over the world. In Ayurvedic
medicine for instance, myrrh which comes from a gnarled stumpy tree which
flourishes in dry rocky locations, is thought to increase pitta or energy
and is used as a tonic and for stomach
complaints. Similarly calmus, the root of flag, is added directly onto
charcoal to overcome the side effects of some prescribed medicines and
because it is considered a strengthening smell. Today, the reasons for incense use are just as varied. During yoga exercises it will heighten consciousness and help direct personal energy. It helps create the appropriate mental state necessary for successful yoga practice. The smoke is used to help make the spirit manifest.
For example cinnamon, lemon and sage are considered stimulating and work by
increasing the beta waves in your brain which is associated with a more
alert state of mind. On the other hand perfumes such as lavender, marjoram
and sandalwood promote a more relaxed state by encouraging ‘connection’. The
most common grain or resin incenses you are likely to use are frankincense,
myrrh, pinon, copal and sandalwood.
Another, elemi, is regarded as the primary incense to be used in hatha yoga practise. It grows in the tropical regions of Asia and produces a resinous, lemony, woody fragrance with hints of aniseed and sweet grass. It combines well with mastic and lemon grass, has energising properties and relieves tension. As another example, you may choose to accompany Salute to
The Sun with a simple sunny incense such as frankincense or choose Helios or
Roman Sun from the list below. Then as the practise goes on, or is repeated,
lighting your incense will get your brain and your body into the right gear. To discover the best fragrance for you, try and sample a
variety of incenses. Burn each of these for the length of their duration,
which is about 7-10 minutes. This would be more than sufficient to get a
complete feel of the fragrance. Just sit back and ‘watch’ your feelings -
fragrances can have very varied responses. The fragrance that is right for
you should Hand rolled incense sticks made by the ancient art of
incense making should be completely non toxic. The fragrances can
be blended from flowers, barks, leaves, roots and herbs. This article is taken from the authors
forthcoming book on incense. Incense is a daily part of her life and she can
be contacted at www.peacockangel.com
Pictures courtesy of
http://www.siamese-dream.com/page/siam1/PROD/Greeting-Cards/yoga-greeting-cards
and www.magicmoonyoga.com |
‘Smells possess the power to command, they reveal infinity and the
future and give us hope...’ 
Incense can conjure a raw power that can be used to formulate and effect
desire; it gives smell substance. In the same way that perfume seduces the
sexes, incense seduces the spirits. The word perfume - perfumare - literally
means ‘through smoke’. Incenses can become the signature of an action. And
if that action of exercise is to be repeated, then lighting the same,
effective incense propels you a good way along the road to success before
you start. Very practical, very effective.