We’re so used to following traditions. But have we ever stopped to wonder why they exist in the first place? Take a look at these Hindu traditions and the reasons behind them!
1. Henna
Mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb, and its application on hands and feet can prevent stress during weddings. It cools the body and keeps the nerves from becoming tense.
2. Namaste
There is a scientific reason behind the ‘Namaskar’ in Hindu culture. Joining both hands ensures touching the tips of all the fingers together, which are linked to pressure points in the eyes, ears, and mind. Pressing them together is said to activate these, helping us remember that person for a long time.
3. Toe rings
Indian women normally wear toe rings on the second toe. A particular nerve from this connects the uterus and passes to heart. Thus, a toe ring on this toe strengthens the uterus, keeping it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it. Moreover, a woman’s menstrual cycle is said to be regularized.
4. Tilak
The spot between the eyebrows on a forehead is considered a major nerve point in the human body. A tilak is believed to prevent the loss of energy, and retain this to control various levels of concentration. Moreover, the act of applying this ensures that the points on the mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are pressed, facilitating blood supply to the facial muscles.
5. Bells in temples
People ring the temple bell on entering as the sound of it is said to clear our mind and help us stay sharp, keeping our full concentration on devotion. Moreover, these bells are made in such a way that the sound they produce creates unity in the left and right parts of our brains. The duration of the bell echo is ideal to activate all the seven healing centres in our body, clearing us of negativity.
6. Throwing coins in a river
Historically, most currency was made of copper, a vital metal for the human body. Throwing coins in a river was a way to intake sufficient copper as part of water as rivers were the only source of drinking water.
7. Not sleeping with your head pointing north
The human body has its own magnetic field, while the Earth is a giant magnet. When you sleep with your head pointing north, your body’s magnetic field becomes asymmetrical to the Earth’s, causing problems related to blood pressure since your heart needs to work harder in order to overcome this.
8. Piercing ears
Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing ears helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making faculties. Get a piercing today!
9. Surya Namaskar
Hindus have a tradition of paying their respects to the Sun God early in the morning through the Surya Namaskar. Waking up to follow this routine ensures we are prone to a morning lifestyle.
10. The plait on the head of males
Sushruta described the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma. This was considered a centre of wisdom. The knotted plait helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy.
11. Fasting
Ayurveda sees the basic cause of many diseases as the accumulation of toxic materials in the digestive system. Regular cleansing of toxic materials keeps one healthy. By fasting, the digestive organs get rest and all body mechanisms are cleansed and corrected.
12. Charan Sparsh
When you touch the feet of the elderly, their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy, which they transmit through their hands and toes. In essence, the completed circuit enables flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connect between two minds and hearts. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of the other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.
13. Sindoor
Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric, lime and the metal mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury controls blood pressure and activates sexual drive. Thus, sindoor should be applied right upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered.
14. Idol worship
Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any other religion. This was initiated for the purpose of increasing concentration during prayers. According to psychiatrists, a man will shape his thoughts as per what he sees.
15. Wearing bangles
Bangles cause constant friction with the wrist which increases the blood circulation level. Further more, the electricity passing out through outer skin is again reverted to one’s own body because of the ring shaped bangles.