It’s something we were encouraged to do daily. Usually, the person whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. And there was a great deal of science behind it. Bending down to touch someone’s feet is an act of reduced ego, which is why, the heart emits positive thoughts and energy, which reaches you through their hands and toes.
GOOD OLD HABITS
Good Old Habits
Don’t eat food with fork & spoon. Touch the feet of your elders. Sit on the floor to eat your meal. Eat warm water with honey every morning.
Back then, we didn’t give it much of a thought. But a lot of thought has been given to the good old Indian habits our elders thought us. And these were no superstitions. They were habits backed by science. Habits that made us who we are. Habits that formed us.
So what are your good old habits?
Bad habits are usually easy to develop but very difficult to live with. The same isn’t true for good habits. Good habits might not be easy to develop but are very easy to live with. The challenge almost everyone face is in knowing where to start. Which is why, we have compiled a list to inspire, motivate and encourage you to make a positive change in your life. One habit at a time.
Namaste or Namaskar is a tradition we follow to greet people by joining our palms. 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 activates the pressure points which helps us remember that person for a long time. And, no germs since we don’t make any physical contact!
We have all thrown a coin in the lake and thought it would bring us Good Luck. In ancient times, coins were made of copper, 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.
Weddings are stressful, and often, the stress causes headaches and fevers. The excitement mixed with nervous anticipation can take its toll on the bride and groom. Besides lending color to the hands, Mehndi is a very powerful medicinal herb. Applying mehndi (on the hands and feet, which house nerve endings) can prevent stress as it cools the body and keeps the nerves from getting tense.
Festive season usually marks the start of winter and the end of monsoon. Rainy season wasn't a good time for everyone back then; many homes needed repair and renovation after a heavy fall. That is why time before diwali was considered the period during which everyone can indulge in cleaning and beautification of their home. And also take out their winter clothes and pack the summer ones.
Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. This habit is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.
Sukhasan is the position we normally use for Yoga asanas. This habit is not just about sitting on floor and eating, it is regarding sitting in the “Sukhasan” position and then eating. Sitting in this position while eating helps in improving digestion as the circulatory system can focus solely upon digestion and not on our legs dangling from a chair or supporting us while we are standing.
Paying regards to Sun God early in the morning by offering water is an old indian habit. 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.
Silver is a good conductor and it can assimilate the polar energies from Earth and passed it to the whole body. A nerve from the second toe connects itself to the uterus and later to heart. Wearing toe rings strengthens the uterus and thus helps in keeping the regularity in menstrual cycles.
Tulsi is considered as a mother by Indians; Which is Basil in botany, has many medicinal properties. Basil is antibiotic, which increases immunity if taken every day. Moreover, the fragrance of Tulsi averts mosquitoes and other insects; it is also believed that snakes do not tread near Tulsi plant, and therefore, ancient people used to plant Tulsi near their houses.
The significance of this eating methodology 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 pull down the digestive process. Hence, sweets were always recommended to be taken as the last item.
Since age unknown, it is believed that ear piercing helps in the development of intellect, the power of thinking and decision making faculties. The Western world has also taken over the idea, and so they are getting their ears pierced to wear fancy earrings as a mark of fashion.