Lance Carson
Burning incense powder is a traditional Chinese practice that began in the Tang Dynasty (618–907). It involves creating an incense seal or stamp from loose incense powder, which is then lit and burns from one end to the other. While many find the process calming and meditative, it is important to note that incense smoke contains particulate matter, gas products, and organic compounds that can have negative effects on human health. These include respiratory issues, cardiovascular conditions, and increased cord blood IgE levels. Therefore, it is recommended to avoid directly inhaling incense smoke and to ensure proper ventilation when burning incense.
How to Smoke Incense Powder
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| What is it called? | Zhuan Xiang or Yin Xiang |
| Origin | Traditional Chinese practice that began in the Tang Dynasty (618-907) |
| What you need | Incense powder, a mold, a bed of firmly pressed ash, a small stove lighter or kitchen torch |
| Step 1 | Place the mold on the bed of ash |
| Step 2 | Spoon loose incense powder into the mold |
| Step 3 | Remove the mold in one quick motion to leave a complete incense seal |
| Step 4 | Light one end of the incense trail, fanning out the flame |
| Step 5 | Enjoy! |
| Caution | Do not inhale the smoke directly. Keep incense away from children and pets. |
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What You'll Learn
Incense powder smoking is harmful to health
The smoke emitted from burning incense contains particulate matter (PM), gas products, and organic compounds. On average, incense burning produces more particulates (greater than 45 mg/g) than cigarettes (10 mg/g). The gas products from burning incense include CO, CO2, NO2, SO2, and others. Incense burning also produces volatile organic compounds, such as benzene, toluene, and xylenes, as well as aldehydes and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs). These emissions contribute to air pollution and have been linked to adverse health effects.
The particulate matter in incense smoke is of particular concern as it is small and inhalable, allowing it to reach the respiratory system and potentially causing respiratory system dysfunction. Additionally, a 2021 study confirmed that some of the particulate matter in incense smoke is carcinogenic, meaning it could lead to cancer. There is also an association between incense use and an increased risk of heart disease and asthma.
Furthermore, the process of burning incense can produce toxic ash, which contains heavy metals and oxides, including calcium oxide, silica, alumina, ferrous, potassium oxide, phosphorus oxide, magnesium oxide, and trace elements. It is important to ensure that incense ash is completely extinguished and cooled before disposal to prevent fires and burns.
While the correct use of incense to reduce health risks has not been fully explored, it is recommended to limit exposure to incense smoke. This can be done by maintaining a distance from burning incense, ensuring proper ventilation, and avoiding direct inhalation of the smoke.
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The traditional Chinese method of burning incense powder
Burning incense powder, or zhuan xiang (篆香) in Chinese, is a traditional Chinese practice that involves creating an incense seal or stamp from incense powder. This method of burning incense is believed to have originated during the Tang Dynasty (618–907), when notable families wanted to have their seals created with incense powder. The practice then gained widespread popularity during the Song Dynasty (960–1279).
To burn incense powder in the traditional Chinese way, you will need an incense bowl, white chaff ash, a "U" or "koh press" (or any small object that can make a straight line or shaped impression in the ash), and loose incense powder.
First, fill the incense bowl with white chaff ash and compact it by tapping lightly on the bottom of the bowl. White ash can usually be found where Japanese incense is sold. Next, make an indentation in the ash using the "U" or "koh press." If you don't have either of these tools, you can use any small object that will create a straight line or shaped impression in the ash. Gently press the ash to make an indentation that is roughly 1/2 inch deep and 1/2 inch wide.
Now, fill the indentation with loose incense powder. Tap the mold to loosen the powder pattern and then remove the mold in one quick motion, leaving the shape of the seal. Light one end of the incense trail, fanning out the flame as you would when lighting any incense. When you see smoke flowing out consistently, the incense is lit.
It is important to note that you should never directly inhale smoke from burning incense. Always stay far enough away from the incense so that the smoke dissipates at least partly before reaching you. Keep incense burners away from children and pets, and make sure the incense trail is completely extinguished and cooled before discarding to prevent fires and burns.
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How to burn an incense trail
Burning incense powder is a traditional Chinese practice called zhuan xiang or yin xiang, which means creating an incense seal or stamp from incense powder. This process is calming and meditative and is an alternative method of using incense. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to burn an incense trail:
Step 1: Prepare the incense bowl
Fill an incense bowl with white chaff ash and compact it by tapping lightly on the bottom of the bowl. White ash can usually be found where Japanese incense is sold.
Step 2: Create an indentation
Use a "U" or other shaped koh press to make an indentation in the ash. If a koh press is not available, use any small object that will leave a straight line or a shaped impression in the ash. Gently press about 1/2 inch deep x 1/2 inch wide into the ash. This style was used to create beautiful and elaborate patterns that were used as incense clocks in ancient Asia.
Step 3: Fill the indentation
Fill the indentation with either Makko powder, Sandalwood powder, or a pre-mixed incense powder of both Makko and a loose incense mixture. If using Makko powder alone, you will sprinkle loose incense or pellets on top of the trail once it's burning. Sandalwood powder will burn on its own and produce its own aromas.
Step 4: Compact the trail
Use a koh press or its substitute to lightly compact the trail.
Step 5: Light the trail
You have a few options to light the trail:
- Light one end of a small 1" piece of a Japanese incense stick, place it at one end of the trail, and let it burn.
- Use a long fireplace lighter to light one end of the trail.
- Use a small stove lighter, kitchen torch, or any lighting device with a long snout to pinpoint the starting point of the trail.
Step 6: Burn the incense
Once the trail is burning red-hot, sprinkle your incense mixture directly on top of the burning section. Alternatively, place additional incense only on the burning portion of the trail as it burns. This method requires more direct attention and patience.
Step 7: Cleaning
After everything has completely cooled (ideally left overnight), clean the ash by removing the spent trail with a spoon and discarding it. Sift the ash through a flour sifter for further cleaning.
Cautions:
- Always keep incense and incense burners away from children and pets.
- Ensure the incense trail is completely extinguished and cooled before discarding to prevent fires and severe burns.
- Avoid inhaling incense smoke directly. Stay away from burning incense so that the smoke dissipates before reaching you, and always have a supply of fresh air.
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The dangers of directly inhaling incense smoke
Incense burning is a very popular activity worldwide, especially in Asian countries where Buddhism and Taoism are the mainstream religions. However, despite its popularity, there are several dangers associated with directly inhaling incense smoke.
Firstly, incense smoke contains particulate matter, gaseous products, and organic compounds that can be harmful to human health. The gaseous phase of incense smoke includes carbon dioxide, carbon monoxide, sulfur dioxide, formaldehyde, nitrogen dioxide, polycyclic aromatic compounds, volatile organic compounds, and particulate matter. These compounds can cause respiratory system dysfunction and increase the risk of developing respiratory problems. In fact, several epidemiological studies have reported a high incidence of nasopharyngeal carcinoma in individuals exposed to incense smoke, suggesting a potential link between incense smoke and cancer.
Secondly, incense smoke has been linked to an increased risk of eye, throat, and skin irritation. In a cross-sectional study of 36,541 adults from six big cities in China, incense burning was associated with weekly symptoms of eye irritation, such as itching, burning, or irritation. Similarly, individuals working in temples had a greater chance of acquiring throat and nose irritation compared to those working in churches, indicating that occupational exposure to incense burning may contribute to these issues.
Additionally, incense smoke has been shown to produce air pollution, both indoors and outdoors, which can have harmful effects on the health of those exposed. The burning of incense releases chemicals called polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), which have been linked to an increased risk of cancer. Furthermore, incense smoke is considered comparable to or even more harmful than passive smoking, as the slow continuous burn of incense results in the emission of smoke containing harmful constituents.
Finally, some individuals may experience dizziness or a sense of euphoria when directly inhaling incense smoke. This may be due to the activation of dopamine receptors or the increased volume of smoke and carbon monoxide inhaled. However, it is important to note that this practice is not recommended due to the potential health risks outlined above.
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Incense burners and ventilation
Incense burners are an important part of the incense-burning process. The type of burner you use can impact the overall experience, from the strength of the fragrance to the amount of smoke produced.
There are various types of incense burners available, each with its own unique design and purpose. One example is the traditional Chinese censer, which dates back to the Warring States period (mid-fifth to late fourth centuries BCE). Censors are often crafted as round, single-footed stemmed basins, sometimes featuring intricate carvings and made from materials such as hardwood and brass. Another type of burner is the smokeless incense burner, which uses a candle instead of charcoal as the heat source. This type of burner is ideal for those who prefer less smoke and a cleaner burn, as it produces a small amount of smoke and avoids the smoky odour of charcoal. Electric heaters are also an option for burning incense powder, although loose incense usually requires an additional heat source, such as charcoal, to burn effectively. Charcoal can be lit outside and then placed in an incense burner or a ceramic bowl, with the incense added on top.
When burning incense, ventilation is an important consideration. Some people prefer to burn incense outdoors, especially when using more potent types of incense. Burning incense in a well-ventilated area can help to diffuse the scent and prevent it from becoming too overpowering. Opening windows, even just a crack, can help to achieve this, as can keeping doors open to promote cross-ventilation. Ceiling fans or regular fans can also be used to circulate the air and blend the fragrance with fresh air. However, it is worth noting that some incense, such as charcoal incense, may not require as much ventilation as thicker resin incense.
The ideal burning conditions for incense depend on personal preference. Some people may prefer to have their burner in their bedroom, with a window cracked to fill the room with fragrance. Others may opt to burn incense in their office space, keeping the windows open to prevent the scent from becoming too strong. Ultimately, the ideal setup combines sunshine, fresh air, and a relaxing environment to fully enjoy the scent of the incense.
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Frequently asked questions
Incense powder can be smoked by creating an incense trail. First, fill an incense bowl with white chaff ash and compact it by tapping lightly on the bottom of the bowl. Then, make an indentation in the ash with a "U" or other shaped koh press. If you don't have a koh press, you can use any small object that will leave a straight line or shaped impression in the ash. Next, fill the indentation with either Makko powder, Sandalwood powder, or a pre-mixed incense powder. Finally, use the koh press or its substitute to lightly compact the trail, and then light it.
No, it is not advisable to directly inhale smoke from incense. Always stay far enough away from burning incense so that the smoke dissipates at least partly before reaching you, and ensure there is a supply of fresh air. Incense smoke contains a complex mixture of irritants and toxicants, including heavy metals and oxides, which can cause respiratory issues and other health problems.
The practice of burning incense powder, known as zhuan xiang or yin xiang in Chinese, originated in the Tang Dynasty (618-907). It involves creating an incense seal or stamp from incense powder, which is then burned. The practice became popular among Song Dynasty intellectuals (960-1279) as a way to showcase their artistic flair and for its calming and meditative effects.
