Anyone tuned into the tradition of incense, traditionally used as a devotional adjunct to worship, knows its good for the soul. But now science is catching up with historic knowledge and showing that incense can be good for our brain. A world workforce of scientists, together with researchers from Johns Hopkins University and the Hebrew University in Jerusalem, counsel burning frankincense (resin from the Boswellia plant) can activate poorly understood ion channels within the brain to alleviate anxiety or depression.
Incense is more than just a trinket from the health food store. From Native American pipe ceremonies to incense-infused Hindu pujas, prayers ride the wings of smoke to the ears of God—think of it as a way to text the divine. Here are four of our favorite boons that incense bestows:
Generosity
Ritual implies generosity—providing a stick of incense indicates at the very least some give up, some perception in a power larger than your own. The act of offering itself, achieved without expectation of something in return for your gesture, plants the seeds of generosity.
Gratitude
Incense, with its seductive, earthy perfume, helps cultivate appreciation. Incense can open the doorway to giving and receiving with gratitude. Traditionally, it’s believed that smoke purifies mind and body to receive from Spirit. Breathe within the aromatic smoke and allow yourself to fully receive the day’s bounty. Then, send the smoke upward providing a prayer to the all the unseen forces that sustain your life.
Connection
Lighting incense joins the above with the below, heaven with earth. Smoke moves up and out, taking a smidgen of our souls with it. It connects you with the elements of air, fire, and ether, reigniting your relationship to the world.
Uplift
As science is lastly cottoning on to, incense can really assist with depression. The innovative research on how incensole acetate, purified from frankincense, works on particular targets in the brain demonstrates the way the nervous system responds to certain smells. The aforementioned examine additionally provides a organic explanation for millennia-old spiritual practices that have persisted across time, distance, culture, language, and religion. Turns out to be true—burning incense really does make you feel warm and tingly all over.
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