20 Amazing Scientific Reasons Behind Some Indian Traditions
1. Joining Both Palms together to Greet
In Hindu culture, people greet each other by
joining their palms – termed as “Namaskar.” The general reason behind this
tradition is that greeting by joining both the palms means respect. However,
scientifically speaking, joining both hands ensures joining the tips of all the
fingers together; which are denoted to the pressure points of eyes, ears, and
mind. Pressing them together is said to activate the pressure points which
helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t
make any physical contact!
2. Why do Indian Women wear Toe Ring
Wearing toe rings is not just the significance of
married women but there is science behind it. Normally toe rings are worn on
the second toe. A particular nerve from the second toe connects the uterus and
passes to heart. Wearing toe ring on this finger strengthens the uterus. It
will keep it healthy by regulating the blood flow to it and menstrual cycle will
be regularized. As Silver is a good conductor, it also absorbs polar energies
from the earth and passes it to the body.
3. Throwing Coins into a River
The general reasoning given for this act is that
it brings Good Luck. However, scientifically speaking, in the ancient times,
most of the currency used was made of copper unlike the stainless steel coins
of today. Copper is a vital metal very useful to the human body. Throwing coins
in the river was one way our fore-fathers ensured we intake sufficient copper
as part of the water as rivers were the only source of drinking water. Making
it a custom ensured that all of us follow the practice.
4. Applying Tilak/KumKum on the Forehead
On the forehead, between the two eyebrows, is a
spot that is considered as a major nerve point in human body since ancient
times. The Tilak is believed to prevent the loss of “energy”, the red ‘kumkum’
between the eyebrows is said to retain energy in the human body and control the
various levels of concentration. While applying kumkum the points on the
mid-brow region and Adnya-chakra are automatically pressed. This also
facilitates the blood supply to the face muscles.
5. Why do Temples
People who are visiting the temple should and
will Ring the bell before entering the inner sanctum (Garbhagudi or Garbha
Gruha or womb-chamber) where the main idol is placed. According to Agama
Sastra, the bell is used to give sound for keeping evil forces away and the
ring of the bell is pleasant to God. However, the scientific reason behind
bells is that their ring clears our mind and helps us stay sharp and keep our
full concentration on devotional purpose. These bells are made in such a way
that when they produce a sound it creates a unity in the Left and Right parts
of our brains. The moment we ring the bell, it produces a sharp and enduring
sound which lasts for minimum of 7 seconds in echo mode. The duration of echo
is good enough to activate all the seven healing centres in our body. This
results in emptying our brain from all negative thoughts.
6. Why We Start with Spice & End with Sweet:
Our ancestors have stressed on the fact that our
meals should be started off with something spicy and sweet dishes should be
taken towards the end. The significance of this eating practice is that while
spicy things activate the digestive juices and acids and ensure that the
digestion process goes on smoothly and efficiently, sweets or carbohydrates
pulls down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be
taken as a last item.
7. Why Do We Applying Mehendi/Henna on the Hand and Feet
Besides lending color to the hands, mehndi is a
very powerful medicinal herb. Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress
causes headaches and fevers. As the wedding day approaches, the excitement mixed
with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Application
of mehndi can prevent too much stress because it cools the body and keeps the
nerves from becoming tense. This is the reason why mehndi is applied on the
hands and feet, which house nerve endings in the body.
8. Sitting on the Floor & Eating
This tradition is not just about sitting on floor
and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating.
Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. When you sit on the
floor, you usually sit cross legged – In sukhasana or a
half padmasana (half lotus), which are poses
that instantly bring a sense of calm and help in digestion, it is believed
to automatically trigger the signals to your brain to prepare the
stomach for digestion.
9. Why you should not to sleep with Your Head towards North
Myth is that it invites ghost or death but
science says that it is because human body has its own magnetic field (Also
known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is a giant
magnet. When we sleep with head towards north, our body’s magnetic field become
completely asymmetrical to the Earth’s Magnetic field. That cause problems
related to blood pressure and our heart needs to work harder in order to
overcome this asymmetry of Magnetic fields. Apart from this another reason is
that Our body have significant amount of iron in our blood. When we sleep in
this position, iron from the whole body starts to congregate in brain. This can
cause headache, Alzheimer’s Disease, Cognitive Decline, Parkinson disease and
brain degeneration.
10. Why We Pierce Ear
Piercing the ears has a great importance in
Indian ethos. Indian physicians and philosophers believe that piercing the ears
helps in the development of intellect, power of thinking and decision making
faculties. Talkativeness fritters away life energy. Ear piercing helps in
speech-restraint. It helps to reduce impertinent behavior and the ear-channels
become free from disorders. This idea appeals to the Western world as well, and
so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of
fashion.
11. Surya Namaskar
Hindus have a tradition of paying regards to Sun
God early in the morning by their water offering ritual. It was mainly because
looking at Sun rays through water or directly at that time of the day is good
for eyes and also by waking up to follow this routine, we become prone to a
morning lifestyle and mornings are proven to be the most effective part of the
day.
12. Choti on the Male Head
Sushrut rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda,
describes the master sensitive spot on the head as Adhipati Marma, where there
is a nexus of all nerves. The shikha protects this spot. Below, in the brain,
occurs the Brahmarandhra, where the sushumnã (nerve) arrives from the lower
part of the body. In Yog, Brahmarandhra is the highest, seventh chakra, with
the thousand-petalled lotus. It is the centre of wisdom. The knotted shikhã
helps boost this centre and conserve its subtle energy known as ojas.
13. Why do we Fast
The underlying principle behind fasting is to be
found in Ayurveda. This ancient Indian medical system 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. A
complete fast is good for heath, and the occasional intake of warm lemon juice
during the period of fasting prevents the flatulence. Since the human body, as
explained by Ayurveda, is composed of 80% liquid and 20% solid, like the earth,
the gravitational force of the moon affects the fluid contents of the body. It
causes emotional imbalances in the body, making some people tense, irritable
and violent. Fasting acts as antidote, for it lowers the acid content in the
body which helps people to retain their sanity. Research suggests there are
major health benefits to caloric restriction like reduced risks of cancer,
cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders etc.
14. The scientific explanation of touching Feet (charan sparsh)
Usually, the person of whose feet you are
touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from
your reduced ego (and is called your shraddha) their hearts emit positive
thoughts and energy (which is called their karuna) which reaches you 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. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. The
nerves that start from our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or
wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips
of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed
and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the
‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.
15. Why Married Women apply Sindoor or Vermillion
It is interesting to note that that the
application of sindoor by married women carries a physiological significance.
This is so because Sindoor is prepared by mixing turmeric-lime and the metal
mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury, besides controlling blood
pressure also activates sexual drive. This also explains why Sindoor is
prohibited for the widows. For best results, Sindoor should be applied right
upto the pituitary gland where all our feelings are centered. Mercury is also
known for removing stress and strain.
16. Why do we worship Peepal Tree
‘Peepal’ tree is almost useless for an
ordinary person, except for its shadow. ‘Peepal’ does not a have a delicious
fruit, its wood is not strong enough for any purpose then why should a common
villager or person worship it or even care for it? Our ancestors knew that
‘Peepal’ is one of the very few trees (or probably the only tree) which
produces oxygen even at night. So in order to save this tree because of its
unique property they related it to God/religion.
17. Why do we worship Tulsi Plant
Hindu religion has bestowed ‘Tulsi’, with the
status of mother. Also known as ‘Sacred or Holy Basil’, Tulsi, has been
recognized as a religious and spiritual devout in many parts of the world. The
vedic sages knew the benefits of Tulsi and that is why they personified it as a
Goddess and gave a clear message to the entire community that it needs to be
taken care of by the people, literate or illiterate. We try to protect it because
it is like Sanjeevani for the mankind. Tulsi has great medicinal properties. It
is a remarkable antibiotic. Taking Tulsi everyday in tea or otherwise increases
immunity and help the drinker prevent diseases, stabilize his or her health
condition, balance his or her body system and most important of all, prolong
his or her life. Keeping Tulsi plant at home prevents insects and mosquitoes
from entering the house. It is said that snakes do not dare to go near a Tulsi
plant. Maybe that is why ancient people would grow lots of Tulsi near their
houses.
18. Why do we worship Idol
Hinduism propagates idol worship more than any
other religion. Researchers say that 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. If you have 3 different objects in
front of you, your thinking will change according to the object you are
viewing. Similarly, in ancient India
19. Why do Indian Women wear Bangles
Normally the wrist portion is in constant
activation on any human. Also the pulse beat in this portion is mostly checked
for all sorts of ailments. The Bangles used by women are normally in the wrist
part of ones hand and its constant friction 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, which has no
ends to pass the energy outside but to send it back to the body.
20. Why should we visit temple?
Temples are located strategically at a place
where the positive energy is abundantly available from the magnetic and
electric wave distributions of north/south pole thrust. The main idol is placed
in the core center of the temple, known as “*Garbhagriha*” or *Moolasthanam*.
In fact, the temple structure is built after the idol has been placed. This
*Moolasthanam* is where earth’s magnetic waves are found to be maximum. We know
that there are some copper plates, inscribed with Vedic scripts, buried beneath
the Main Idol. What are they really? No, they are not God’s / priests’ flash
cards when they forget the *shlokas*. The copper plate absorbs earth’s magnetic
waves and radiates it to the surroundings. Thus a person regularly visiting a
temple and walking clockwise around the Main Idol receives the beamed magnetic
waves and his body absorbs it. This is a very slow process and a regular visit
will let him absorb more of this positive energy. Scientifically, it is the
positive energy that we all require to have a healthy life.
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