Frequently Asked Questions
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"Somatic" refers to the body’s internal physical experience. In psychotherapy, somatic interventions focus on "bottom-up" processing—using the body to calm the mind. Because the olfactory system has a direct, unmediated pathway to the limbic system (the brain's emotional center), scent is one of the fastest ways to signal safety to the nervous system. Lighting an Anchor candle is a physical signal to your body that it is safe to land.
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Yes. Because we use a 100% plant-based wax and pour at a precise 85°C (185°F), we ensure that the wax and fragrance bond perfectly without "scorching." This results in a cleaner, more stable scent throw that is gentler on the senses than mass-produced, chemically-heavy candles.
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For the sake of clinical air integrity. Many popular commercial candles, such as those from Bath & Body Works, use a "Soy Blend." While the word "Soy" is prominently displayed, these are often heavily blended with Paraffin—a byproduct of the petroleum refining process.
Still Hour uses 100% Natural Soy Wax because we believe your somatic ritual shouldn't involve breathing in industrial byproducts.
The "Blend" Problem: Paraffin blends can release volatile organic compounds (VOCs) like benzene and toluene. Even a small percentage of paraffin in a "Soy Blend" can produce the black petro-carbon soot that irritates the respiratory system.
The Still Hour Difference: Our 100% plant-based soy is renewable, biodegradable, and carbon-neutral. It burns cleaner and longer, ensuring that the only thing entering your space is the grounding scent of your Anchor or Tether ritual.
A Clean Burn: Soy wax is carbon-neutral and soot-free, meaning it doesn’t release the black "petro-carbon" soot that stains walls and enters your respiratory system.
Lower Melting Point: Soy burns at a lower temperature, which allows for a slower, longer-lasting release of our fragrance oils—preserving the integrity of the scent for your somatic practice.
Non-Toxic Ritual: By removing petroleum-based paraffin and "secret" blends, we ensure your Still Hour is spent breathing in grounding aromas, not industrial byproducts.
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Clinical integrity is our priority. Most mass-produced candles are poured at very high temperatures, which can flash off and destroy the delicate therapeutic compounds in essential oils. By utilizing a precise, small-batch pour at 185°F (85°C), we preserve the molecular integrity of the oils. This ensures that the grounding properties of the Sandalwood and Amber are chemically active and available to support your nervous system.
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Because Still Hour tools are designed for somatic intervention, they are often eligible for reimbursement through Lifestyle Spending Accounts (LSA) or Wellness Accounts (e.g., Sun Life, Manulife, Canada Life). Some Health Spending Accounts (HSA) may also cover the cost if the tool is recommended for nervous system regulation. Every purchase includes a professional receipt to assist with your claim. We recommend checking your specific plan for "Mental Health Support" or "Holistic Wellness" eligibility.
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As a psychotherapist-in-training, I ensure our methodology is grounded in contemporary psychological science. Our approach to sensory-driven regulation is supported by recent, publicly accessible research:
On Olfactory Emotion Regulation: Cai, J., Wang, X., Zhou, J., Ye, D., Shen, Z., An, S., Long, B., Wang, Y., Li, Z., Li, Y., Chen, S., & Wang, Y. (2025). Olfactory sensation emotion regulation: The implicit emotion regulation function of positive olfactory stimuli during emotional picture processing. Shanghai Key Laboratory of Mental Health and Psychological Crisis Intervention. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S1053811925005725
On Somatic Self-Care & Recovery: Nicholson, W. C., Sapp, M., Karas, E. M., Duva, I. M., & Grabbe, L. (2025). The Body Can Balance the Score: Using a Somatic Self-Care Intervention to Support Well-Being and Promote Healing. Healthcare (Basel), 13(11), 1258. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12154529/
On Scent and Anxiety Management: Akbari, F., & Alavi, M. (2025). The Efficacy of Aromatherapy on Pain and Anxiety: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Journal of Clinical Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12358120/
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You can reach us anytime via our contact page or email. We aim to respond quickly—usually within one business day.