According to legend, a log of agarwood drifted ashore on Awaji Island in the third year of Empress Suiko’s reign (595 CE). This driftwood from S.E. Asia began washing up on our shores and people started noticing how wonderful it smelt when it was burnt. It was brought to court and instantly favoured among the nobles and this precious wood became more valued than gold.

When trade began with the Silk Road, incense began to arrive with Buddhism from India via China and Korea. It is said that Samurai warriors would prepare for battle by purifying their minds and bodies with the incense and developed an appreciation for its fragrances. After arriving in Japan and being used in mostly Buddhist ceremonies, the experience of scent took on new forms.

For nobility at court, there was a game they enjoyed where they would smell incense and guess what ingredients it was made from. It developed into an incense-smelling ceremony called Kodo or, “The Way of Fragrance”. Kodo dates back more than one thousand years when nobles in the Imperial Court would find poetic inspiration in “listening to the fragrance” of aromatic woods. This term was used to describe the pleasure and inspiration derived from breathing in scents of fine incense.

Incense also became a way to perfume, not only your environment, but used as a perfume for clothing and hair. Eventually incense became accessible to other classes, while always being revered as something extremely precious.

Bows and Arrows currently carries You You Ang’s Incense. The name comes from the Japanese words, “youyou-jiteki” which means to act naturally without any restraints and to live with a relaxed feeling. You You Yang is for those who wish to take little of time to enjoy a moment with yourself, or to share with loved ones, with the belief that incense “Makes time to clean your heart”.

You You Ang’s incense continues to be produced in the birthplace of incense, Awaji Island.

This incense series is for meditation, relaxation and to uplift your spirit. There is an incense series for meditation, relaxation and to uplift your spirit. Some products are “Negative Ion”: This air purifying effect is resistant to high temperatures and cleanses the air in your space.

Bows & Arrows also carries “Kampo” incense. Kampo is the ancient art and practice of natural medicine using a combination of Asian herbs and roots. This incense is made using prescriptions of Kampo ingredients that have been kneaded in the incense along with the essential oils that match the symptoms. It is not a medicine, but it helps to improve the condition. In addition to the deep scent of Kampo, you can expect an aromatherapy effect from the natural oil.

We recommend that, as a general rule with burning incense and candles, always make sure that you are in a well-ventilated room. If the weather permits, it is always good to have a window cracked as well.

YOU YOU ANG INCENSE AT BOWS & ARROWS:
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Agarwood Negative Ion: The scent is calm with a good balance of sweetness, bitterness, and spiciness. The primary wood used for incense in temples in Japan. Think of this as sitting down and reading your favourite novel and taking a break to enjoy something you love.

Sandalwood has a moderate sweetness and bitterness. This is also used in temples. It is good for a lighter meditation, when you just need a few minutes to cleanse your spirit.

Hinoki Cypress Negative Ion has a light relaxing woody scent. Think of taking a walk in the forest and uplifting your mind and soul.

Hakka Mint Negative Ion (Japanese Peppermint) is refreshing and invigorating. It stimulates mental agility, refreshes the spirit, and eases fatigue. Perfect for when you wake up in the morning or even if you merely need a little refresh during your day.

Cherry Blossom Negative Ion incense has a soft and floral fragrance. Cherry Blossoms bloom for only one week of the year, yet they bring happiness to everyone who experiences them. In the same way, this incense was created for you to have a moment of joy and happiness during your day. This incense comes both in the Tube type and the Gift Box Type.

Snow, Moon and Flowers:
Yuki (Snow): A dignified tranquility, the scent is inspired by snow.
Tsuki (Moon): A mellow scent inspired by the moon.
Hana (Flowers): A scent inspired by the refined and graceful Japanese cherry blossoms.

Kampo Incense for Insomnia: A relaxing floral scent using a combination of natural oils and the deep scent of the traditional herbal and root Kampo medicines. This incense contains lavender oil, which is known for relieving body tension and carefully selected Chinese herbs to aid in relaxation to help you sleep.

Kampo Incense for Diet Treatment: An exotic and graceful herbal scent using a combination of natural oils and the deep scent of the traditional herbal and root Kampo medicines. The scent of sandalwood is clean and calming, so it is said to keep you from drinking and eating much.

Kampo Incense for Hay Fever: A relaxing soft scent from a combination of natural oils and the deep scent of the traditional herbal and root Kampo medicines. The main scent is sandalwood, ginger, and peony, which all have a calming relaxing effect. The scent alone will not cure your Hay Fever but it will aid in relaxation of your throat which helps your body to rest and recover.

To learn more about You You Ang Click HERE