9. Surya Namaskar

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The traditional practice of praying to the Sun God vis-à-vis a water-offering ritual and looking at the sun directly is beneficial to the eyes. It also helps develop a healthy lifestyle since mornings are the most constructive part of the day. Not only do our brains work best in the refreshing morning air but we also fall into a healthy pattern of eating and exercising to stay fit.

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10. Ear piercing

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Indian physicians maintain that ear piercing helps develop intellect and decision-making faculties. They also assert that piercing of the ears helps induce speech restraint, thereby, preventing one from frittering away life energy by excessive talking.

11. The ‘Choti’ on the male head

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Sushrut Rishi, the foremost surgeon of Ayurveda, noted that the master sensitive spot on the head is ‘Adhipati Marma.’ Therein lies a nexus of all nerves in the body. The ‘choti/shikha’ protects this spot. Just below it lies the ‘Brahmarandhra,’ the centre of wisdom in the brain. The knotted ‘choti/shikhã’ helps invigorate and bolster this centre by conserving its subtle energy known as ‘ojas.’

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12. Fasting

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The underlying principle at work behind fasting is to be found in the annals of Ayurveda. Ayurveda identifies the root cause of many illnesses as the accumulation of toxic substances in the body. It therefore, encourages fasting as an effective mechanism to detoxify the body. Complete abstinence from food for a whole day helps the body purge itself of toxic elements. Ayurveda recommends the intake of warm lemon juice during fasting to prevent flatulence. Caloric restriction is also shown to have other major health benefits such as reduced risks of cancer, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes, immune disorders, etc.,

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13. Sindoor

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Sindoor is made by mixing turmeric-lime and mercury. Due to its intrinsic properties, mercury helps regulate blood pressure and also stimulates sexual drive. Mercury is also proven to have a calming effect on the brain.

14. Idol worship

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Researchers maintain that idol worship was introduced as an effective technique of meditation and concentrating without mental diversion. Psychiatrists maintain that a person shapes his thoughts as per the object he views. This sensory perception helps enhance the concentration level involved with the object.

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15. Wearing bangles

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The pulse is checked for the prognosis of any ailment. The bangles worn around the wrist help regulate the pulse, control blood pressure, and regularize the circulation of blood. Also, the electricity produced on the outer skin owing to friction is returned to the body as the round rings have no avenue to pass the energy outside but back to the body.

Well, now that you’ve read through these common Hindu traditions and the scientific reasons behind them, share this article and spread the awareness!

If you know of any other Hindu tradition that we’ve missed, feel free to drop a comment below!

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