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Calming effects of kodo |
Aromatherapy has had been popular within Japan since the early 1990's with large organisations placing aromatherapy essences in air conditioning to help staff relax and productivity. A wide range of stores are now selling a wide range of bottles which are organic or not each containing extracts of lavender, rose, lemon or sandlewood.
Inhaling aromas as of listening to Mozart has gained solid reputation of healing (iyashi) stressed workers within Japan. Japan has had it's own tradition of enjoying aromas, but more so by listening to them. Breathing in a variety of incense is known as the art of "Kodo". It's tradition is stepped in history, by being part of Buddhist purification rituals some 1,400 years ago. During the Heian Period (794-1185), the use of incense was used as insect repellent, kimono perfume and also use in dispelling strong aromas in rooms. The art of incense has also been mentioned throughout the classic story of "The Tale of Genji". As with a unique ceremony it lead to aristocrats partaking in this unusual ceremony - it was proof of financial power because the incense was very expensive and of their intellect. It became an established relaxing ceremony during the Muromachi Era (1333-1568), by combining the art of sado (tea ceremony) and kado (art of flower arrangement)together. Yet Kodo does not uphold the traditional formality which is required of both, it encourages the participant to enjoy and relax. Lessons are available, the teacher briefing the student on the cultural traditions along with poems and historical references. The Kodo ceremony involves the koro (cups containing ash), each koro marked with a decorative pattern and topped with a plate of mica. A small piece of the scented wood such as cinnamon or sandalwood (a square measuring about 5 mm on each side) is placed on the mica plate. In the first round, called kokoromi-ko, or trial burn, each participant sniffs various cups to memorise their fragrances. Then there is a second round in which participants sniff the koro again, but the cups are circulated in a different order with no one knowing the sequence in which they will come. Each participant must guess the fragrance and write their answers on a sheet of washi (traditional Japanese paper). The reason that the tradition has remained low-profile, primarily due to the high cost. The incense woods are natural, yet are not found in Japan. Often with the most precious substances being harvested in Vietnam, India and Cambodia, where they are extremely rare to find. They are usually imported from Hong Kong. For further details regarding where you can have lessons in Japan. Visit www.koju.co.jp/ |
