Ever wonder why some traditions stick around, even the quirky ones? They’re more than just habits – they’re like threads tying past, present, and future. They connect us to our ancestors and foster a sense of community. These practices might raise an eyebrow but often hold hidden wisdom. Science is starting to recognize their value, too! Also, many global traditions originate from Indian roots, offering us a diverse tapestry of customs that can enhance our lives in unexpected ways. Let’s embark on a journey to explore 5 amazing traditions, both well-known and pleasantly surprising, and discover how they enrich our lives!
Top 5 traditions, some well-known and some pleasantly surprising
05. Ayurveda
In Indian tradition, Ayurveda, is connected to science in a cool way. Ayurveda is an old health system from India. It talks about how to stay healthy using natural things like herbs and special diets. People who follow Ayurveda believe that each person is different, so they need different treatments. Scientists have found that many herbs and things in Ayurvedic treatments actually help people feel better. This shows that even ancient traditions like Ayurveda can be smart and helpful in today’s world.
Note: Also, Ayurveda, a traditional system of medicine, is primarily practiced in India but also has significant followings in Nepal, Sri Lanka, and some other countries worldwide.
04. Eating with hands
Eating with hands is connected to science in several ways. Our hands have nerve endings that help us feel the texture, temperature, and consistency of food, which in turn helps in digestion. When we touch our food with our hands, it stimulates these nerve endings, sending signals to our brain that prepare our digestive system to break down the food more efficiently. Additionally, the act of touching food with clean hands can also enhance our connection with the food we eat, making us more mindful of what and how much we consume, promoting a healthier eating habit.
Note: Some people may criticize us for eating food with our hands, but let’s not forget that people around the world eat some dishes with their hands too, like Italian pizza, Japanese sushi, sandwiches and hamburgers. People eat with their hands in many countries around the world, including India, parts of Africa, the Middle East, and some Southeast Asian countries. So, I think we don’t need to feel ashamed while eating our own food with hands in front of anyone.
It’s our tradition, and it helps a lot not just with digestion but also, they say, it’s connected to the five elements, the fingers represent the five elements: the thumb for fire (Agni), index finger for air (Vayu), middle finger for sky or ether (Akasha), ring finger for earth (Prithvi), and little finger for water (Jala). When we eat with our hands, these elements come into contact with the food, enhancing our connection with nature and promoting a balanced approach to eating. So, next time while eating with hands, there’s no need to feel conscious about what others think; just do what you feel like.
03. Yoga
I think most people are familiar with yoga as it is widely spread around the world. For many years, Indian tradition has embraced yoga as a practice that connects the body, mind, and spirit, as written in our scriptures. Yoga involves various poses, breathing techniques, and meditation to promote physical and mental well-being. It’s not just a physical exercise but also a way to understand oneself deeply. Science has shown that yoga can improve flexibility, strength, and mental focus. It can also reduce stress, anxiety, and improve overall health. This ancient tradition continues to be relevant today, with people around the world benefiting from its teachings and practices.
Note: Yoga is practiced worldwide, with significant popularity in countries like India, the United States, Brazil, China, and many European nations.
02. Bindi
Wearing a bindi or tilak is more than just a fashion statement; it has deep cultural and scientific significance. The bindi, often worn on the forehead between the eyebrows, is believed to represent the third eye or the seat of wisdom in Hinduism. Similarly, the tilak, applied with sandalwood paste or sacred ash, marks religious significance and is believed to activate certain energy points on the forehead. From a scientific perspective, these marks are placed on the forehead where the pineal gland is located, which is associated with regulating sleep patterns and producing hormones. Thus, these traditional practices not only hold cultural importance but also have potential physiological benefits.
Note: These traditions are also found in countries with significant Indian cultural influence, such as Nepal, Sri Lanka, and some other South Asian countries.
01. Fasting
Indian tradition has a practice called upvas or vrat, which in a world is known as fasting for spiritual or health reasons. This tradition is connected to science in several ways. Fasting has been found to have health benefits, such as improving metabolism, supporting weight management, and promoting detoxification. It can also have positive effects on mental clarity and focus. Additionally, fasting is a common practice in many religions and cultures worldwide, showing its enduring relevance and potential benefits beyond just spiritual beliefs.
Note: Fasting is observed in various countries around the world, including India, Saudi Arabia, Indonesia, the United States, and many others, often for religious, spiritual, or health reasons.
There are many more Indian traditions that, if followed, can greatly benefit our holistic well-being and science. I will post more about this in the future, as I am always amazed at how what we follow in our daily lives can be so beneficial for our health, mind, and body.
