One of the most important reasons why incense is used that it purifies the air and has an extraordinary soothing effect on the mind. Just like candle brightens up a darkened room, the aromatic effect of incense offers tranquility to the senses.
Incense is said to have several medicinal effects too.
Many earlier civilizations used incense as a herbal medicine for treating health disorders. This in fact forms the basis of aromatherapy. Many incense ingredients are used as medicines all over the world. Burning of incense helps to create a positive state of mind and helps condition the mind to associate the typical fragrance with a positive and calm mind. Successful meditation depends completely on the mental state of the meditator.