Smoking at Naturhotel Chesa Valisa****s
An old tradition in Kleinwalsertal
As soon as you enter the AlpinSPA, your sense of smell is enveloped and pampered. Smoking fills the room with a gentle, almost magical atmosphere. Burning the herbs releases essential oils and aromatic fragrances.
The fragrance, sometimes earthy and cosy, sometimes fresh and invigorating, caresses the senses and invites deep relaxation and inner balance. The incense blends come directly from the garden of the nature hotel and consist of regional herbs such as mugwort, juniper and sage.
Incense burning is not only a very old tradition of Alpine culture, but was also anchored in many advanced civilisations around the world. Whether in spiritual ceremonies, for the energetic cleansing of rooms or to promote well-being – incense has always played a special role. This ritual is becoming increasingly important again, especially nowadays. More and more people feel the desire to connect with natural practices. The calming and healing effect of these rituals helps to regain access to peace, mindfulness and inner balance in a hectic world.
Old customs live on
How smoking is done at the organic hotel in Kleinwalsertal
The foundations of the first climate-neutral organic hotel in Vorarlberg were laid 500 years ago. The ancient ritual of smoking, which has been an important tradition for centuries, has been practised here for just as long. At the start of each season, senior manager Klaus Kessler walks through the hotel from room to room with his fragrant bundle of smoke like a solemn traveller. The mysterious smoke fills every room and envelops it in a protective veil that keeps evil spirits away and blesses the house for the coming year.
If you want to delve deeper into incense burning and the fascinating raw nights, you shouldn’t miss the exclusive retreat with spiritual coach and mentor Tom!
From 19 to 22 December 2024, the Naturhotel Chesa Valisa****s invites you to a special Raunacht retreat where Tom will share his extensive knowledge.
"All scents that come from the earth have something divine about them."
Paracelsus
Tips for at home
Why smoke?
The reasons for burning incense are as varied as the materials used. In general, it can be said that burning essential oils through the smoking process promotes physical and mental well-being. Incense burning has been proven to have calming, revitalising and cleansing effects on the skin and respiratory tract and can also improve the mental state. Pleasant fragrances have been proven to have a positive effect on our mental abilities.
No experience with incense burning yet? Here are some tips:
- Smoking has a mood-lifting effect:
Instead of reaching for stimulants such as chocolate or nicotine when stressed, you can smoke calming herbs such as lemon balm, rosemary and bergamot to lift your mood. - Clear and sanitise a room:
Incense such as white sage, lavender, thyme, spruce resin, frankincense and myrrh not only dispels negative energies, but also has a disinfectant effect and fights viruses and bacteria. - Use incense material:
You don’t have to buy special incense materials straight away. We often already have useful herbs at home, such as expired herbal teas or kitchen herbs like rosemary and thyme. If you prefer to smoke without smoke, you can use an appropriate oven. For a nice smoking bowl, have a look in the hotel shop.
These herbs are smoked in the nature hotel
Fresh from nature
There is actually nothing that cannot be smoked. Nevertheless, you should bear in mind that the original odour of the material does not always correspond to the scent that you perceive when smoking. Each person also has a different perception of odour, so whatever you like is allowed.
There is a large selection of plants, herbs and resins that are ideal for smoking. Each plant has its own specific effect, which can have positive or negative effects depending on its condition.
These herbs are used at the Naturhotel Chesa Valisa:
- Sage: Is a common herb, it is often burnt as a bundle. (Insider tip also helps against wasps in summer)
- Lavender: Has a calming effect and promotes sleep.
- Rosemary: Promotes concentration and helps you keep a clear head
- Mugwort: Is a protective herb that is traditionally used for purification and blessing and is said to promote spiritual perception.
If you love peace and the natural world, you're in good hands in the Kleinwalsertal valley. And you’re in just as good hands at the Naturhotel Chesa Valisa, where you’ll rediscover the joy of the simple things in life. Both the region and the hotel will ensure you have an unforgettable stay. We round up the latest news for you here.
