Katrina Rosales
Incense has been used throughout history in almost all regions of the world, and today, it is most commonly found in the form of incense sticks or cones. Backflow incense, also known as waterfall incense, is a relatively new type of incense that produces smoke that flows downwards instead of upwards. Waterfall incense burners are often used for meditation, as the flowing smoke has a soothing effect on many people. The burners come in many varieties, often with Asian motifs like a lotus, dragon, or Ganesha, and the cones are available in different scents, each with its own symbolic meaning. To use a backflow incense cone, hold it with one hand or with tweezers, and light the pointy end with a match or lighter. It is recommended to keep the tip immersed in the flame for longer than you would with a regular incense cone.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lighting | Hold the incense cone with one hand or with tweezers and light the pointy end with a match or lighter |
| Burning time | The burn time of the special incense waterfall cones is shorter than that of normal incense cones, lasting about 10 to 15 minutes |
| Smoke | The smoke produced is heavier and thicker than that of traditional incense cones |
| Visual effect | The ceramic finish reflects the smoke, creating the illusion of a sparkling waterfall |
| Use | The incense waterfall can be used for meditation, concentration, or simply enjoying the fragrance |
| Safety | Place the burner on a fire-resistant surface with an extra saucer to catch any ash or colour released during burning |
| Cleaning | Use a vacuum to suck up the burnt cone or sprinkle a little water on the ash before cleaning |
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What You'll Learn
- Lighting the cone: Hold with tweezers, light the pointy end with a match or lighter
- Type of cone: Use special backflow cones with a small hole in the bottom
- Burn time: The cone will produce smoke for 10-15 minutes
- Extinguishing: Put in a cup of water to extinguish the cone if needed
- Cleaning: Use a vacuum to suck up the ash or sprinkle with water first
Lighting the cone: Hold with tweezers, light the pointy end with a match or lighter
Lighting an incense cone is a simple process, but it requires care and attention. Firstly, you will need a pair of tweezers, and a match or a lighter. You should hold the incense cone with the tweezers, gripping it firmly but gently, so as not to crush the cone. It is important to hold the cone at the very end, avoiding the incense itself, as you do not want to burn yourself.
Next, you will need to ignite the pointy end of the incense cone. Holding the cone with the tweezers in one hand, use the other hand to light a match or operate a lighter. The pointy end of the cone should be lit in the same way you would light a candle wick. Ensure the tip is fully immersed in the flame, and hold it there for up to 10-15 seconds. Keep the flame lit for longer if needed, but always exercise caution and watch the flame carefully. If the tip catches fire earlier, simply reduce the time.
It is important to note that the incense cone should not be held directly in the flame for too long, as this may damage the cone. Once lit, the incense will begin to burn and produce smoke. You will then be able to enjoy the fragrance and any visual effects, such as the calming, rippling smoke of a waterfall effect.
If you are using a handmade incense cone, you may need to adjust your technique slightly. Handmade cones may require a longer lighting time, and you may need to keep the flame lit and allow it to die down naturally, rather than fanning it. If you need to extinguish the cone before it is fully burnt, the best method is to immerse it in a cup of water.
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Type of cone: Use special backflow cones with a small hole in the bottom
To use an incense cone waterfall, you'll need to use special backflow cones with a small hole in the bottom. These are different from regular incense cones, as they are partially drilled through from the bottom to just under the tip. This unique design causes the smoke to stream back down through the cone instead of upwards, creating the waterfall effect. The burn time of these special cones is shorter, and they produce a heavier, thicker smoke that enhances the visual impact of the waterfall.
When lighting a backflow incense cone, you can hold it with one hand or use tweezers to grip it. Light the pointy end of the cone with a match or lighter, as you would a candle wick. If you have a handmade incense cone, you may need to adjust your technique slightly. Keep the tip of the cone immersed in the flame for a longer period, up to 10-15 seconds. If the tip catches fire earlier, simply reduce the time.
It's important to note that once lit, it can be challenging to extinguish a backflow incense cone and preserve it for later use. If you need to put out a cone that hasn't been fully burnt, the recommended method is to immerse it in a cup of water. Additionally, when using a backflow incense cone, it's advisable to place the burner on a fire-resistant surface with an extra saucer to catch any ash or coloured residue that may be released during burning.
Backflow incense cones are available in various scents, each carrying its symbolic meaning. The waterfall effect itself is inspiring, as many cultures associate waterfalls with refreshment and the cleansing of negative energy. The combination of the calming fragrance and the soothing waterfall visuals makes backflow incense burners ideal for meditation practices.
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Burn time: The cone will produce smoke for 10-15 minutes
The burn time of an incense cone in a waterfall burner is approximately 10 to 15 minutes. During this time, the cone will produce a heavier and thicker smoke than traditional incense cones, creating a spectacular waterfall effect. This shorter burn time is due to the cone's hollowness, which allows cool air from inside the burner to mix with the smoke, pulling it downwards and creating the distinctive waterfall illusion.
The incense cone's brief burn time also means that the smoke is denser, enhancing the visual impact of the waterfall. To ensure the best experience, it is recommended to place your burner on a fire-resistant surface and use an extra saucer to catch any ash or coloured residue that may be released during burning.
While the cone will only actively burn for a short period, the soothing and inspiring effects of the waterfall illusion can extend beyond this time. The visual illusion of a sparkling waterfall, created by the reflection of smoke on the burner's high-gloss glazed finish, can be a source of relaxation and meditation for many. The symbolic association of waterfalls with refreshment and the washing away of negative energy further enhances the experience.
To optimise the burn time and overall experience, it is important to follow the correct lighting procedure for your incense cone. Hold the cone with one hand or a pair of tweezers and light the pointy end with a match or lighter, ensuring the tip is immersed in the flame for 10-15 seconds. Once lit, it is challenging to extinguish and relight the cone, so it is best to let it burn out completely.
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Extinguishing: Put in a cup of water to extinguish the cone if needed
When it comes to extinguishing an incense cone, you may find that it's difficult to put out a backflow cone and preserve it for later use, unlike stick incense. While you normally wouldn't want to use water to extinguish stick incense, it is recommended for backflow incense cones. The best way to put out a cone that hasn't been fully burnt is to immerse it in a cup of water.
It's worth noting that backflow incense cones are hollow, which is why they produce a heavier, thicker smoke that creates a spectacular waterfall effect. This also means that the burn time is shorter than that of traditional incense cones. Due to their hollow structure, cool air from inside the burner reaches the smoke, pulling it downwards through the hole in the burner to create the distinctive waterfall effect.
The special backflow incense cones are available in a variety of scents, each with its own symbolic meaning. The waterfall effect is further enhanced by the burner's design, which is often crafted from ceramic or porcelain with a high-gloss glazed finish. This reflection creates the illusion of a sparkling waterfall, making it a source of inspiration and relaxation for many.
To extinguish your incense cone waterfall effectively, simply place the cone in a cup of water. This will ensure that the cone is fully extinguished and can be safely disposed of. Remember to always exercise caution when handling lit incense cones and follow the recommended safety guidelines for your specific product.
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Cleaning: Use a vacuum to suck up the ash or sprinkle with water first
To clean an incense cone waterfall, you must first ensure that the incense cone is no longer burning. Do not attempt to extinguish the cone with water or a vacuum cleaner, as this will cause sparks. Instead, place the cone in an oven-safe dish and allow it to cool for several hours. Once the cone is cool, and the ashes are white, you can begin cleaning.
It is recommended to clean your incense waterfall after every 2-3 cones burnt. This ensures only a minimal amount of oil build-up, making it relatively easy to clean. To start, identify the area with the most incense oil build-up, usually close to where the incense cone sits. If the piece holding the incense cone is detachable, remove it to clean the area underneath. Use a wet cotton bud to clean around this area, ensuring you get into the holes.
Next, use a wet wipe or damp cloth to wipe down the rest of the incense waterfall. If the piece holding the incense is metal, you can wash it using warm water, dish detergent, and a soft brush. You can now use a vacuum to suck up the ash or sprinkle with water first. If there are still small pieces of incense cone left over, use a broom to sweep them into a trash bag.
Always wear gloves when handling used incense cones, and never throw them directly into the trash can from their packaging. Dispose of your incense cones in a safe and environmentally responsible way.
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Frequently asked questions
An incense cone waterfall, also known as a backflow incense burner, is a type of incense holder that creates a waterfall effect with the smoke. The smoke flows downwards instead of upwards, creating a calming and soothing effect.
Hold the incense cone with one hand or with some tweezers. Light the pointy end of the incense cone with a match or lighter, keeping the tip immersed in the flame for a longer period of up to 10-15 seconds.
Unlike stick incense, it is recommended to put out a backflow incense cone by immersing it into a cup of water.
It is recommended to clean your incense cone waterfall burner after every 2-3 cones burnt. You can use a vacuum to suck up the burnt incense cone or a dustpan and small broom, although this method can be messy.
The waterfall effect of the smoke is very inspiring and soothing for many people. It often stands for refreshment and the washing away of negative energy. It is also commonly used for meditation and concentration exercises.
