We’ve all done it—lit a candle, snapped a photo, and called it self-care. And while I fully support romanticizing your life (please, light the good candle on a random Tuesday), there’s so much more to candlelight than aesthetic.
In Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM), light—especially soft, flickering light—is seen as a way to anchor the Shen, or spirit. It calms the Heart system, softens our energy, and tells the nervous system, “You can stop bracing now.”
Candlelight has the power to turn a regular moment into a ritual. It asks us to slow down. To feel. To be instead of do. It is also warming. Even if the candle isn't actually heating your space, the warmth emitted by candlelight creates a warm ambiance - hello TCM Fire Element!
Let’s talk about how to use it intentionally—as a daily practice, not just a pretty background.
1. Light It With Purpose
Before you even strike the match, ask yourself: Why am I lighting this candle? Maybe it’s to wind down. Maybe it’s to mark the end of your workday. Maybe it’s just to create a moment of calm between toddler meltdowns OR maybe you just emptied the diaper genie and even your neighbor down the road can smell it.. (been there).
Ritual begins with intention. Even a two-second pause matters.
2. Use It as a Transition Cue
In TCM, transitions are huge. The body and spirit thrive on rhythm. Lighting a candle at the same time each day—after dinner, before your evening routine, or when your house finally goes quiet—signals to your system that it’s safe to shift gears.
Think of it like hitting the dimmer switch on your day.
3. Pair It With Another Grounding Practice
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Journal by candlelight
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Stretch on your living room floor
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Sip tea in silence
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Breathe for two full minutes before speaking again (try it—it’s magic)
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Take a bubble bath (personal favorite .. water and fire are my two favorite elements)
- Meditate - this one is especially helpful for my anti-meditators! Instead of actively trying to quiet your mind and spiraling into frustration, sit comfortably in front of a candle, stare into the flame and take deep breaths. It is sometimes easier to get lost in the flame than it is to fight the dumpster fire of racing thoughts.
Candlelight creates a container. It holds space for you to soften, even just a little.
4. Let It Support Emotional Healing
If you're feeling overwhelmed, anxious, or disconnected from your body, don’t underestimate what a soft glow can do. In TCM, fire supports the Heart, the seat of joy, spirit, and emotional expression.
Lighting a candle with intention is like saying, “Here I am. I’m still here. And I’m allowed to feel safe in this moment.”
5. Choose a Candle That Works With You, Not Against You
Fragrance matters. Many commercial candles are filled with hormone-disrupting chemicals (which aren’t doing your cycle any favors). Choose clean-burning candles made with safe, intentional ingredients.
Verdae candles, of course, are made with this in mind—because self-care should feel good and actually be good for you.
Final Thoughts:
You don’t need hours of free time to practice self-care. Sometimes, it’s just one match. One breath. One moment of stillness.
Candlelight might look like a vibe—but when you use it with intention? It becomes a healing tool. A return to yourself.
So go ahead. Light the good one today. And please remember to follow proper candle care and safety precautions!