What is the role of incense in traditional Chinese medicine?

As an integral part of Chinese culture, incense has not just been used for worship or to create an atmosphere since ancient times. It also played a special role in ancient Chinese medicine, and its scope of application and influence were far greater than we can imagine today.

Chinese medicine application: Guardians of mental and psychological health

Traditional Chinese medicine emphasizes the concept of “prevention of disease,” which focuses on prevention. In this framework, incense is used to help people achieve a state of physical and mental harmony. By lighting incense, the aroma emitted can calm the mind, relieve anxiety and stress, and promote mental health. For example, there are records of aromatherapy in the Huangdi Neijing, which shows that the ancients already recognized the impact of odors on human emotions and applied it to psychotherapy.

Chinese medicine application: Repel mosquitoes and improve environmental hygiene

Apart from its psychological benefits, incense also has a practical function of purifying the environment. The ancients discovered that incense made from certain plant ingredients (such as wormwood and Atractylodes) could effectively repel mosquitoes and maintain the cleanliness of the living environment. Especially during the humid and hot season, these incense sticks became one of the most important household protective tools. In addition, the smoke from burning incense can disinfect and sterilize the air, reducing the risk of disease transmission.

Chinese medicine application: An adjuvant therapy for a disease

Among the various uses of incense, its value as an adjunctive medical treatment is most praised. Traditional Chinese medicine theory holds that different scents correspond to different organs and meridian systems in the human body. Therefore, choosing the right incense can help regulate the flow of qi in the body and achieve the goal of healing and strengthening the body. For example, burning a specific type of incense for a period of time before acupuncture or cupping can help relax muscles and improve the therapeutic effect. Some incenses with high medicinal value (such as agarwood and sandalwood) are even believed to have a direct effect on the body, regulating qi and blood and strengthening the immune system.

Chinese medicine application: Enhances mental energy and healing effects

It is worth noting that in ancient China, incense was not only a material medium for healing, but also carried a profound cultural significance. The use of incense was often accompanied by certain ritualistic actions in many important medical situations, which not only enhanced the psychological cues for patients, but also made the entire healing process more solemn and symbolic. For example, before major surgery, the doctor may lead the patient in praying together, while lighting a special incense to show respect for life and hope for recovery.

The efficacy and application of incense in traditional Chinese medicine

‼️Harmonize the blood and vital energy, balance yin and yang

Efficacy: Many traditional spices such as agarwood and sandalwood have the effect of promoting blood circulation and Qi flow, which can promote blood circulation and help to harmonize the body’s Qi and blood flow to achieve a balance of yin and yang.
Application: Suitable for symptoms such as headache, chest tightness, abdominal pain, etc., caused by poor blood circulation, as well as regulating menstruation problems in women.

‼️Calms the nerves, aids sleep, relieves anxiety

Efficacy: Certain incense such as lavender, clove, and spikenard have a sedative effect, helping people relax, reduce stress and anxiety, and improve sleep quality.
Application: It is often used to treat insomnia, nightmares, palpitations, and other symptoms. It is especially suitable for use before going to bed to create a peaceful and comfortable sleeping environment.

‼️Refreshes the mind and enhances concentration

Efficacy: Some spices such as mint, lemon and citrus plants have a refreshing aroma that can stimulate the nervous system, refresh the mind, and improve concentration and memory.
Application: It is suitable for use when studying, working or meditating to help stay awake and focused, and improve efficiency.

‼️Expel evil spirits and purify the air

Efficacy: Traditional spices such as wormwood, calamus, and realgar are believed to have the effect of warding off evil spirits and epidemics, purifying the air, dispersing disease-causing evils, and preventing the spread of diseases.
Application: It is often used during festivals or special occasions to drive away bad odors from the home or environment and maintain a healthy living space.

‼️Regulate qi and stomach, promote digestion

Efficacy: Spices such as sandalwood, cinnamon and cloves have the effect of warming the middle Jiao to dispel cold, regulating Qi and harmonizing the stomach. They can promote gastrointestinal motility, relieve stomach discomfort and improve appetite.
Application: It is suitable for treating symptoms such as vomiting caused by cold stomach, indigestion, and abdominal distension. It is especially suitable for use after meals or when the stomach is not feeling well.

‼️Clears away heat and toxins, moistens the lungs and relieves coughing.

Efficacy: Spices such as gooseberries (quinces), chrysanthemums, and honeysuckle have the effect of clearing away heat and toxins, moistening the lungs and relieving coughs, and can clear heat and toxins from the body and relieve symptoms such as sore throats and coughs.
Application: It is suitable for adjuvant treatment of respiratory diseases such as the early stages of a cold, sore throat, and bronchitis.

‼️Beautify and prolong youthfulness

Efficacy: Fragrances rich in antioxidants, such as rose, lavender and jasmine, help to remove free radicals, slow down the aging process of the skin and maintain its radiance and elasticity.
Application: Long-term use of incense can help improve skin texture, reduce wrinkles and pigmentation, and make the skin smoother and more delicate.

‼️Strengthen the immune system and ward off evil influences

Efficacy: Spices such as musk, agarwood and frankincense have antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effects, can enhance the body’s immune function, and protect against external bacterial infections.
Application: It is suitable for use during seasonal changes or flu seasons to strengthen the body’s resistance and prevent colds and other infectious diseases by burning incense.