Candles are known as a symbol of a peaceful environment and divinity. Candles with or without scent have served different purposes. For decor, mindfulness, a peaceful environment, a holistic approach, therapy, and candles have been popular from ancient civilizations till now.
History of Candle Therapy
Candles are centuries-old symbols of ancient rituals. The flickering flame symbolizes divine energy and spiritual connection. For thousands of years, ancient civilizations like the Egyptians, Greeks, and Romans used candles for religious purposes, rituals, and healing practices.
Candle therapy is a healing process for mental well-being. Trataka in India is a form of meditation called candle gazing and is a centuries-long practice. Also, in China, candles are used in traditional Chinese medicine and feng shui.
Science of candle therapy
Candles used as therapy are associated with both psychological and physiological benefits. Aromatherapy is also a form of candle therapy.
The aroma of essential oils stimulates the olfactory system connected with the limbic system. The three components of the limbic system are the amygdala, Hippocampus, and hypothalamus. These are in charge of emotions, memory recall, and the autonomic system.
When the scents directly trigger these three emotions, memory relapse and, as a result, mental and emotional clarity is gained.
When the soft and flickering glow of candles fall into our eyes, the parasympathetic nervous system gets the message that it is time to rest and digest. That’s why warm light enhances relaxation.
Also, the cozy environment that candlelight creates signals our brain that it’s de-stressing time. If fragrance is added, then the benefit gets doubled.
Benefits of candles and scented candles
The psychological benefits of candles, especially scented candles. Aromatherapy and candles are used both personally and in medical conditions.
Some evidence-based benefits are-
Stress relief and anxiety healing
The soft glow of candles creates a calming effect and reduces the cortisol level; as a result, it works as a stress reliever. People with high anxiety levels feel calm in a cozy environment. Scented candles work best for them; for example, lavender and bergamot scents trigger the amygdala, promoting a sense of relaxation.
Better sleep quality
The 21st century probably suffers the most from insomnia. It is said that dim light signals the brain that it’s time to wind down. So, candle therapy can trigger your melatonin release, and you can enjoy a night of better sleep.
More focused and clarified
Peppermint, rosemary, and eucalyptus scents increase alertness. Rosemary is scientifically proven to be a better memory recaller. Trataka, or the candle gazing technique, can help you to focus better.
Mindfulness and meditations aid
Candles have been used from ancient times as a focus point. Meditation and mindfulness practices need lots of attention. Candle therapy just serves the perfect purpose.
For aesthetic purposes
Even if all the other benefits are left aside, candles are elegant-looking and aesthetic. To create the hygge effect at home, candles are just the perfect decor.
Spiritual connections
In many religions, candles are a symbol of spiritual connections. Ancient Greeks and Romans used candles in their rituals. Black candles are supposed to absorb negativity. In Hinduism, Judaism, and Christianity, candles are considered as divine light. The flicker of candles represents divinity
Romantic and social settings
All of us adore candlelight dinners as romantic settings, right? A cozy ambiance instantly changes the vibe from a regular to a romantic setting. Candles are also used in social gatherings to have a more intimate effect.
Different ways of candle therapy
The purpose for what purpose you’re using candles matters first of all. There are various methods of candle therapy. Here are the main types of therapy-
Aromatherapy with candles
Scent and flame combined create the ambiance for relaxation and stress relief. Candles infused with essential oils are burnt to release the aroma. Different essential oils work for different benefits. Target your problem with specific scents to get the best results.
Lavender ➙ Best for anxiety and better sleep quality
Peppermint ➙ Better focus, headache relief
Frankincense ➙ Builds immunity, healer of PTSD
Bergamot ➙ Destressor, proven depression reducer
Tea tree ➙ As a skin healer for acne, it works for immunity as well
Eucalyptus ➙ Removes fatigue; works best for sinuses
Rosemary ➙ Memory booster, used for hair growth
Ylang Ylang ➙ Lowers heart rate, balances hormone
Chamomile ➙ Nerve soothing formula, treats insomnia
Aromatherapy works best using candles; the flames add extra benefit to the scents. When the air smells like citrus, your energy level is boosted, and peppermint helps you to focus better. After a long day of hassle, a lavender-scented candle is enough to signal to you, “It’s home; now you can rest.”
Ayurvedic candle therapy
It is an ancient Indian system used for calmness and detoxification of the environment. In this system, 3 doshas are available, which are tailored for your energy type. So, what are those?
- Vata dosha – Air+ Ether
This is a grounding technique for anxiety, insomnia, and restless types of imbalanced energy. Sandalwood, vanilla, cedar, clove, and nutmeg are mostly used for evening, for winding down. Meditation is with a positive affirmation that you are rooted, nourished, and calm. This helps to stabilize your mind.
- Pitta dosha – Fire + Water
A cooling and soothing type, more likely. People with anger issues, acidity problems, and skin rashes do this type of meditation with the purpose of achieving patience. Rose, jasmine, mint, coconut, and fennel are mostly used in this.
- Kapha dosha – Earth + Water
This one is for energy and breaking emotional attachment. Orange, lemon, cinnamon, and eucalyptus are energy boosters. In the morning, these scented candles are used, and inhalation therapy is also included.
Ayurvedic candle therapy is a holistic approach to healing. It’s more of a personalized medicine for your own problems by aligning with the scent and color and finding your type of energy.
Chakra candle therapy
Chakra refers to seven energy centers. The seven chakras are root, sacral, solar plexus, heart, throat, third eye, and crown. These seven names center on seven individual places in our body with different purposes.
Colors, aromas, and intentions are all aligned. Chakra candle therapy is a healing practice that originated in India. For example, red candles with cedar and clove scents refer to grounding and promote the affirmation of safety and security. Similarly, there are six more.
What you have to do is first choose the right candle based on what you want to balance. It can be confidence or insights or anything. With the intention of achievement, meditate. Mantra or chanting helps to balance your attention.
Candle gazing meditation (Trataka)
The candle gazing technique is one of the cleansing techniques that has been proven to be effective for mental clarity. Trataka is one of the easiest meditation techniques for beginners. There are 3 types of trataka : Bahiranga trataka, Antar trataka ,and Adho Trataka.
Here is an A to Z guide of trataka and the procedure. Do check it out.
Decorative candle therapy
Aesthetics can go beyond just decoration and beauty. As aesthetics has the visual power to influence mood and energy, using color psychology can be therapeutic. Color has the magic of triggering emotions. For example, red can instantly bring alertness, whereas green evokes a sense of calmness and serenity.
The shape, color, scent, and placement of candles can create an ambiance of a safe place. It’s a part of art therapy used in mindfulness techniques.
Choosing the right candles
Natural candles are non-toxic. Beeswax, soy wax, coconut wax, and rapeseed wax are natural waxes. These purify air, burn slower, and sustain the environment as well. Petroleum-based wax like paraffin releases toxins. In the case of fragrances, choose natural essential oils and avoid synthetic fragrance oils and perfumes.
Some things to be cautious of in candle therapy
In the case of cautions, the basics are applicable here as well. Be careful of fire and burn hazards; air quality and toxicity risks shouldn’t be avoided.
But in candle therapy, some health conditions prohibits the therapy . Do make sure to check all the possible hazards before moving forward. Some frangrances can cause allergy as well, research that also.
Why are eco-friendly candles safer?
For a holistic wellness approach, eco-friendly candles are the best option in the long run. We want sustainable, cruelty-free, ethical options. Paraffin is non-renewable, which is the ingredient in regular candles. Eco-friendly candles should be adapted for a zero-waste lifestyle.
“In the soft glow of a candle, the soul finds its voice.” Candle therapy is exactly what the quote says. So, light your candle, let the radiance remove the darkness, and let yourself feel safer.
