Common Indian Beliefs And Their Impact On Health

Being from a traditional Indian family, Indian traditions, their values have deep-rooted impact on my thought procedure. Being it practicing Namaste or to avoid sleeping with our heads to the north or west  I have always followed these bizarre traditions. But somewhere deep inside I have always wondered that why these traditions were were so important for us? What causes might have given rise to these? Does they have any relevance to our health?  Various such questions have inspired me to research on the topic and get answers to them.

Indian Traditions – A detailed study

1. The Science Behind Wearing Toe Rings

Acupressure is used in India since ancient time for good health. Medial plantar nerve is the one that runs through toes in the human body. Medial Planter communicates with the great and second toes. It connects to uterus and then heart. Continuous pressure of the ring regulates the blood flow to the uterus and hence strengthens the uterus.

By wearing this on both feet, it is believed, that their menstrual cycle course is regularized with even intervals. This gives good scope for conceiving to married women.  Some men also wear a ring on their toes as it has a physical benefit and also that toe rings can augment their masculine vigor.

So we can now easily relate to the theory behind wearing toe rings, especially after marriage.

2. Why Not To Sleep Heading Towards North or West

Human body has its own magnetic field (Also known as hearts magnetic field, because the flow of blood) and Earth is also 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 unevenness of Magnetic fields.

Besides this, 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 result in headache, alzheimer’s disease, cognitive decline, parkinson disease and brain degeneration.

So, our decision to follow our traditions affects our body in a better way.

3. No Standing Below  Peepal Tree At Night

One of our very important traditions says that we must avoid standing below the Peepal (banyan) tree at night as there is a fear that

some soul will occupy our body.

But the scientific reason is way more genuine. It is said that banyan tree is ought to produce more carbon-dioxide at night time. Thus it is for the benefit our health that we must avoid standing or sitting under a banyan tree after sun set.

4. Application Of Mehendi Before Weddings

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. Any small cuts, burns or scratches that the couple might sustain during the course of so many rituals and customs can be healed easily with the application of mehndi. It improves blood circulation in the body and enhances overall general health.

5. Applying Tilak Or Bindi On Forehead

The tilak is applied on the spot between the brows which is considered the seat of latent wisdom and mental concentration. This spot present in between the eyebrows is said to have the nerve connection to the brain. And putting tilak in this spot regularly would stimulate this spot and helps us to have strong mental/ intellectual concentration.

6. Planting Tulsi Or Basil Inside The Residential Courtyard

Basil is regarded as a sacred plant in most of the Hindu households. Indian housewives are always told to plant basil in their courtyard for religious reasons. But the actual reason behind is due to its numerous health and medicinal benefits. It has high level of germicidal, fungicidal, anti-bacterial, anti-biotic, anti-oxidant, anti-carcinogenic, detoxifying, immunomodulatorym, , antitussive, adaptogenetic  ( or anti stress agents) and decongestant properties in it. That is why using them raw or for various purposes is always beneficial to us.
Apart from medicinal value, it also has many environmental benefits. It gives out oxygen for 20 hours and ozone for four hours a day along with the formation of nascent oxygen which absorbs harmful gases like carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide and sulphur dioxide from the environment.

There are many other beliefs and their scientific causes that dwells in our Indian society which I will try to share every now and then with you all. Hope that this article will enhance your knowledge base and you will understand that why it is advisable to follow our elders and their advices.