The notion of "iyashi" (healing) is inherently subjective, with its definition and associations varying from person to person. Perhaps it is a state in which your heart feels unburdened, your mind is serene and composed, and you are able to embrace your most authentic self. In today’s complex and multifaceted world, the concept of healing holds profound significance. Let us now delve deeper into the essence of "iyashi" and explore its various dimensions.

The Japanese word iyashi encapsulates a broad and nuanced sense of comfort in a single expression. Unlike the English term healing, which often carries the nuance of addressing an ailment—whether physical or emotional—iyashi conveys a gentler, more accessible sense of ease and tranquility.

Rather than implying a process of recovery or treatment, iyashi evokes a feeling of simple relief, a soothing presence that brings peace of mind and a sense of comfort. It is deeply rooted in everyday life, effortlessly woven into various moments, offering a quiet refuge from the demands of daily existence.

For example, iyashi could be the smile of a family member, the scent of coffee or your favorite essential oils, the gentle flicker of a candle, a quiet moment spent reading while burning incense, a walk with your beloved dog, stretching before bed, or the moments of self-care during your skincare routine. These moments don’t necessarily require us to consciously set aside time for "healing" or to declare, “Now, I will take time to heal and release my stress.” Rather, small, spontaneous breaks within our daily routines naturally become sources of iyashi.

Why is it that healing is so close at hand? Why do we find ourselves seeking comfort and relief almost every day? This is because we all live our lives with great effort, and without the subtle moments of iyashi in our daily routines, our hearts become exhausted from the constant tension. Eventually, this imbalance manifests in the form of physical or emotional illness. Discomfort in the body or mind is, in essence, a sign that the balance of healing has been disrupted.

Why not enhance your daily moments of iyashi with incense? It doesn’t have to be every day, but whenever you have the time and mental space to do so. The gentle presence of incense will elevate your precious moments of healing, amplifying its soothing power and enriching your sense of peace and tranquility.

In Japan, there is a concept known as "do" (道), which refers to various "ways" or disciplines. Some of the well-known examples are the martial arts—such as kendo (the way of the sword), karate-do (the way of karate), judo (the way of the gentle path), kyudo (the way of the bow), and aikido (the way of harmony. Additionally, there are the "ways" of the arts, such as kado (the way of flowers), sado (the way of tea), and kodo (the way of incense), which are collectively known as the "three ways" (三道, sando). While the martial arts (budo) are often associated with dynamic movement, the arts (geido) evoke a sense of stillness. Both, however, involve a deep concentration of the mind, and each movement or gesture, whether in action or stillness, requires mindfulness and presence.

Let’s focus on the stillness of the three artistic "ways"—kado, sado, and kodo as they are intrinsically tied to the concept of iyashi through quiet reflection and ritual. In these practices, the mind is focused, and every motion or pause is a way to engage with the present moment, bringing a sense of peace and harmony to both the body and the spirit.

Kado (the Way of Flowers) is often thought of as simply arranging flowers beautifully, but it encompasses much more than that. There are intricate rituals and etiquettes involved in the process of flower arrangement. From the careful selection of flowers to the precise way they are placed in a vase, kado is an art form that emphasizes balance, harmony, and attention to detail. Even when admiring the finished arrangement, there are specific customs and ways of viewing the flowers, which reflect the deeper cultural and spiritual meaning behind the practice.

Moreover, kado seeks to express the flower’s beauty in a way that resonates with human emotion. If the flower makes you feel melancholic, it is arranged to reflect that sentiment; if the delicate petals evoke a sense of cuteness, it is arranged to emphasize that charm. Kado requires not only adherence to etiquette but also the skill and sense to bring out the individuality of each plant. Respecting the flower’s life and expressing one’s thoughts and prayers through it is at the heart of kado.

Sado (the Way of Tea) is now popular worldwide, with the health benefits of matcha (Japanese green tea) also gaining attention. In sado, tea is prepared with sincere intention for the person in front of you. One of the most notable aspects of a traditional tea room is the very small and low door. The door is so small that an adult must bow and crouch to enter. This design is rooted in history.

It was created during a time when samurai carried swords, and the low door was intentionally made small to prevent them from entering with their weapons. The samurai had to leave their swords outside before entering the tea room. This design carries a significant meaning: it symbolizes that in the tea room, there is no need for weapons, no distinction of social status, and no hierarchy. It is simply a space for peaceful and quiet refuge. In the tea room, only the person who prepares the tea with full heart and the person who purely receives and enjoys the tea coexist. It is a space where both individuals are united in the present moment, in mutual respect and calmness.

When invited into a tea room, one has the opportunity not only to enjoy the tea but also to observe how it is meticulously prepared. The ritual of preparing tea becomes part of the experience, allowing you to witness the care and reverence involved in each gesture. As a result, the tea, made specifically for you, becomes even more profound and delightful. This is one of the joys of sado, and it is a key reason why the practice continues to captivate people. The experience of being in a space where every movement and gesture is made with deep intention enhances the appreciation of the tea and the moment itself.

Kodo (the Way of Incense) shares similarities with other arts, such as the importance of etiquette, posture, and knowledge. However, above all, its essence lies in the enjoyment of the fragrance itself.

In kodo, the act of experiencing a scent is not referred to as "smelling," but rather as "listening" to the fragrance. What distinguishes this expression? "Smelling" is a sensory action, an engagement of the olfactory sense, where we detect the scent through the nose. The physical mechanism of our body detects the aroma of the incense. However, in the spiritual context of kodo, this simple sensory experience is not enough. It is not just about perceiving the scent; it is about enjoying the imagery, history, ambiance, and worldview that the fragrance evokes. The essence of kodo lies in the emotional and mental engagement with the scent—the heart, rather than just the physical sense of smell.

The incense used in kodo are extremely precious creations of nature. Even from the same piece of fragrant wood, the scent can vary dramatically depending on factors such as temperature, humidity, and the way it is burned. When you understand the background and origins of these fragrant woods, your sensitivity to the fragrance when burning incense will deepen and expand. This spiritual expansion is an essential element in practices like mindfulness. With this understanding, you will be able to enjoy incense on a much deeper level, experiencing not just the scent, but also the subtle emotions and meanings it evokes.

The traditional Japanese arts, known as the Three Ways (Sado, Kado, and Kodo) share a common element that unify these paths: that is, one is fully present in the current moment or in a state of meditation. The fact that these arts have been cherished, protected, and passed down through generations speaks to the profound joy and healing power of connecting with oneself that they provide. Through these practices, one finds not only skill but also a deep sense of inner peace and alignment.

This practice is a form of training, helping develop a state of continuous calm and mindfulness throughout daily life. As we discussed previously, the Three Ways—kado (the way of flowers), sado (the way of tea), and kodo (the way of incense)—place great emphasis on ritual and procedure.

Typically, mastering these "ways" takes many years, as there are numerous rules and rituals to learn. The necessary tools require significant investment, and the process can feel formal and even difficult to some. There are people who feel distanced from these practices because they don’t know the proper rituals.

In general, Zen refers to the philosophy, teachings, and practices of Zen Buddhism, a school of Buddhist thought. By calming the mind and fully grounding oneself in the present moment, Zen aims to free individuals from being controlled by fleeting joys and unnecessary suffering — the ups and downs of daily life. One key practice in Zen training is zazen (seated meditation), where practitioners sit with proper posture and focus on stabilizing their breathing for a set period of time. Through this, they cultivate a state of inner calm and tranquility.

However, the true essence of these arts lies not in rigid perfection, but in the mindful approach to each act, regardless of the depth of formal practice. Even small steps can lead to meaningful experiences, and appreciating the process itself can offer a deep sense of peace and connection with the present moment. The most important thing is to enjoy the experience, guided by your own sense of appreciation. This sensibility can be honed through Zen practice, which trains you to focus on the present moment—what you are doing, what you are feeling with your five senses, and experiencing them with an empty mind, allowing everything to unfold naturally.

Look at the colors, shapes, and vitality of the flowers you've arranged; the temperature, color, and taste of the tea you've prepared; the scent, atmosphere, and movement of the incense you've lit. Simply enjoy them with a pure, open heart. What wonderful sensibilities might you discover within yourself? Instead of deciding or predicting how you will feel, try enjoying each experience as if it were the first time. This approach will allow you to embrace the moment fully and appreciate the richness it offers.

When preparing matcha, be mindful of the water temperature; it should be warm but not too hot, to avoid burning yourself and out of consideration for the person drinking the tea. Begin by pouring hot water into the bowl to warm it, then discard the water once the bowl has been sufficiently heated. Next, add 1 teaspoon of matcha powder. Fill the bowl with 2 ounces of warm water.

Now, take your time whisking the match —whether using a chasen or a milk frother—until a fine layer of frothy bubbles forms on the surface. Once you achieve this smooth, velvety texture, your matcha is ready to enjoy. After finishing the matcha, express gratitude to conclude the ceremony.

Once the aroma of the incense begins to rise, quietly savor the fragrance. Observe how the incense ash forms and falls, and how the smoke moves. Enjoy the ambiance created by these elements. How do you perceive the passage of time? Does it feel as if time is flowing slowly, or does it seem to rush by? Watching the incense slowly transform into ash is akin to witnessing the passage of time, and it can be quite enjoyable. After the incense has finished burning, take a moment to appreciate the lingering scent of its final remnants, and allow the experience to come to a peaceful end.

The traditional Three Ways from Japan: Kado, Sado, and Kodo—offer quiet enjoyment. In the fast-paced modern world, they provide an elegant and luxurious time to follow one's own sensibility. Paying attention to each movement is truly a form of mindfulness. This calm sensation perfectly embodies the expression of the word “healing” in Japanese. Since the heart is naturally drawn to what brings it joy, such quiet, personal refinement will undoubtedly soothe your heart. There is no right or wrong in how you experience and feel your sensibility.

We all naturally have moments in our daily lives that help soothe and heal ourselves, even if we’re not fully aware of them. Do you have moments when your mind feels at ease, or when your body relaxes? These moments might be brief, but they are precious and essential. Even in the hustle and bustle, they can offer a sense of relief, a tiny break for the soul.

You don’t necessarily have to visit distant healing spots or spend money on healing services. If you take a moment to recall the healing things that are already close to you, you’ll realize they often involve things that make you happy or fill you with gratitude. To cultivate the healing power in your daily life, it’s beneficial to take some quiet moments to calm your mind and breathe deeply. You can set aside time for meditation, or if you’re busy, even just a few minutes each day can make a difference.

When your mind drifts to the past or the future, pulling you away from the present moment, or when external distractions prevent you from being your true self acknowledging this is the first step. In those moments, gently remind yourself, “It’s okay,” and bring your awareness back to the present. Allow yourself to experience healing, as if pressing a reset button.

Healing is always available to you, as many times as you need it. On that note, we sincerely hope that our incense can become a symbol of healing in your life.