Inner Living: Mind, Body, Science

In the past, incense stick (agarbatti) and benzoin (sambrani) were part of daily rituals, valued for the calm and purity they brought. Elders lived by experience rather than explanation—they trusted the effect, so reasoning wasn’t always shared. Over time, these practices turned into habits where the “why” slowly got lost.

They also lacked today’s scientific language—there were no terms like vagus nerve or SNS/PNS—so they described benefits in spiritual ways such as prana, energy, or divine vibration. Later, with colonial influence and the rush of modern life, storytelling gave way to simple instruction: “Do it, it is good.”

Still, they achieved something vital: they preserved the practice. Now, our role is to reconnect the dots—linking ancient wisdom with modern science—so future generations receive both the ritual and the reasoning.

calming aromas—through essential oils, agarbatti, or sambrani—help shift our nervous system from stress to relaxation (science), create inner stillness and peace (spiritual), and support us in daily life as a simple practice (practical)

Our nervous system has two main modes: the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), which drives the fight or flight response, and the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS), which governs rest and digest. In today’s fast-paced world, many of us spend too much time in SNS mode, leading to stress, tension, and disturbed digestion. One gentle way to invite the body back into balance is through the power of smell.

Unlike other senses, smell has a direct pathway to the limbic system, the part of the brain that processes emotions, memory, and survival instincts. This means that the fragrances we inhale can instantly influence our emotional state and nervous system. Calming aromas send a signal of safety to the brain, which in turn helps the body shift toward the parasympathetic state, promoting relaxation and healing.

Essential oils such as lavender, sandalwood, rose, and citrus are well known for their soothing effects. They not only relax the mind but also naturally slow down breathing, which further enhances parasympathetic activation.

Similarly, the burning of agarbatti (incense sticks) has been used traditionally to create a meditative atmosphere. Its subtle aroma supports focus, stillness, and inner calm.

On the other hand, sambrani (benzoin resin), with its earthy and grounding fragrance, gives a deeper sense of stability and emotional quietness.

When these practices are combined with daily rituals—such as lighting incense at a certain time of day or using oils in a diffuser while practicing slow breathing—their effect becomes stronger. Rituals themselves signal consistency and safety to the mind, while slow breathing deepens the body’s ability to relax. Together, they build a powerful bridge to activate the parasympathetic nervous system, helping us return to a natural state of rest, digestion, and emotional balance.

Why did parents and grandparents not explain the story behind incense stick (agarbatti) and benzoin (sambrani), even though ancient logic is so marvellous?

NeuroAroma: Rituals for Nervous System Balance