Learn more about incense as an aid to meditation, relaxation, stress relief and mood enhancement, online at Incense Man

Historically, incense has been used for at least 5000 years - to accompany prayer, to worship the Gods, purify the air, release negative vibrations, induce self-awareness and to uplift the emotional state.

In Hindu tradition, incense plays a very important role as the aroma contributes to providing the most favourable atmosphere for meditation and prayer.
In ancient Sanskrit texts, there are many descriptions of incense being burned, to "fill the heart with euphoria and uplift the mind to its highest state".
Buddhists have always used incense to accompany their meditations, to induce self-awareness and free them of negative states.
The Ancient Egyptians used incense in many of their temple rituals. Each incense had a specific purpose and effect - for example, Frankincense was regarded as "sustenance for the gods".
Incense has also played a large part in the modern development of aromatherapy, based on the fact that certain aromas have beneficial effects on body and mind.
Fragrances can be selected to assist with mood enhancement, to help you feel good, to be soothing and uplifting, or to reduce stressful situations. Lavender for example is associated with a calming effect.

Not sure where to start? Here are a few suggestions to help you choose the best incense. Just click on the name of an incense variety to see its full details and to place your order...

FOR MEDITATION: Nag Champa is THE classic fragrance to help you meditate. Try Satya Sai Baba Nag Champa, the slightly earthier Goloka Nagchampa, or the subtly different Karigar Nag Champa.	FOR CALMING / STRESS RELIEF: As mentioned above, Lavender has long been known for its calming effect. You might like to try HEM Precious Lavender, or Incense Man's Indian temple incense sticks.
FOR GENERAL RELAXATION: Sandalwood incense, in its many forms, is excellent to promote a general feeling of well-being... why not try the very pungent Chandan Dhoop, the smoother Mahendra cones, or the warm, rich aroma of Padmini Brindavan Sandal.	FOR UPLIFTING AND LIGHTENING YOUR MOOD: Floral fragrances are excellent to cheer you up! I'd particularly recommend HEM Precious Lily and Precious Gulab (rose). The sandalwood-based Chinese incense coils are also very good.
FOR PROMOTING SPIRITUALITY: Many varieties of incense are particularly designed for use as an aid to prayer. Try Padmini Spiritual Guide and Gold Statue, as well as Bharath Darshan.	FOR EASING ANXIETY: The more traditional herbal, medicinal varieties seem to work best. Try all three types of my Tibetan healing incense and Satya Natural.
FOR GENERALLY FEELING GOOD: One of the most "indulgent" aromas for incense is Vanilla. You'd be hard pressed to beat Satya Super Hit's extremely rich fragrance...	FOR PROMOTING SENSUALITY: Two fragrances lead the way in this category - musk and jasmine. My favourites are Jasmine 7 and Incense Man's Indian temple incense sticks. I'd also recommend HEM Precious Mogra (Indian jasmine) and Precious Fragrance (musk).

Remember - everybody's different. What works for one person might not work for another - but take a little time to experiment and I'm sure you'll find a variety of fragrances to suit your moods and needs! (And don't forget you can get the same effects by using fragrance oils - some people prefer them to incense...)

These are a few initial suggestions, not a complete list - if you'd like any further information or advice on the best incense or oil to choose for a particular purpose, you're very welcome to get in touch. Please click on the e-mail button below to send me your query.

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Historically, incense has been used for at least 5000 years - to accompany prayer, to worship the Gods, purify the air, release negative vibrations, induce self-awareness and to uplift the emotional state.