Incense is produced with a variety of plant based ingredients including barks, leaves, resins, roots and essential oils. Throughout history, plants and their essential oils have been used to facilitate healing on all levels – mental, physical, emotional and spiritual. Incense is also used in many traditions to purify the energy of a space, removing negative energies that can further fuel illness.
Purifying smoke has been used since ancient times to send messages to the Gods and to welcome the presence of the Divine. There are several Bible references regarding the use of incense and anointing with oil for healing purposes. These practices have continued into our modern era for good reason.
The fragrant smoke of incense can enhance meditations, promoting the state of mind required to guide healing energies intuitively to where they are needed in the body. Incense can also be used together with other items to enhance the healing effect.
Types of Healing Incense
Use the following types of incense to promote healing on all levels: mental, physical, emotional and spiritual.
Carnation
Citron
Cypress
Eucalyptus
Honeysuckle
Juniper
Thyme
Violet
Healing Practices with Incense
There are several ways to incorporate incense into a healing ritual. The techniques are simple enough that anyone can do them.
Purifying Baths
One of the simplest ways to detox and purify the body is to soak in a purifying bath. This is another ritual with a rich history in a variety of cultures. Ritualistic baths not only cleanse the body and help draw out toxins, they also soothe the mind and soul.
Use Himalayan salt or Epsom salts in the water to draw out impurities and toxins through the skin and to cleanse the aura. You can also add your favorite herbal bath tea. As you soak for 20 minutes, burn your favorite healing incense nearby, allowing the smoke to cleanse the area and to help induce a deeply relaxed state that can relieve stress and facilitate healing.
Healing Meditations & Energy Work
Meditating on the Chakras and learning to cleanse and balance them is a great way to bring healing on multiple levels. Each of the 7 major chakras are linked to various locations throughout the body. When you cleanse and balance the chakras, it also promotes physical healing.
There are specialty incense bundles available that can assist in working with chakras. Each chakra point has its own corresponding type of incense. Burn a stick during chakra cleansing meditations or Reiki sessions to facilitate the flow of healing energy throughout the energy body. Enhance the effect by adding chakra stones or other tools to your practice.
Stress Relief
Stress is often at the heart of many conditions and ailments like headaches, stiffness, aches and general feelings of malaise. The right type of incense can instantly relieve stress and relax the body. On a cold day, toss a bit of wood incense into the fire to release soothing fragrance throughout the area. Place a cone or stick on a pretty holder and burn it whenever and wherever you need to feel relaxed. Close your eyes and let the fragrance help you relax and unwind.
Releasing stress is the key to health and longevity. Studies have proven that there is a direct link between high, chronic stress levels and life-threatening conditions like high blood pressure and heart disease. Unfortunately, our hectic modern lifestyles lend themselves to this dangerous chronic stress, but the effects can be undone by taking time regularly to relax and regroup.
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