In modern
lifestyle, we all are very conscious about our health, and following every
means to keep our body fit. Particularly we are very choosy about our food.
i.e., strictly follow a balanced diet and inclined towards healthy food which
is a good thing. But we all know about this, we have learnt from our childhood
all these things to follow. So today I am going to explore another mantra to get
a fit and blissful body and soul.
You may have seen some people eat
food with their hands. And if you think that this is unhygienic and disgusting
then let me tell you that eating with hands is another way that makes your body
fit. The ancient tradition of eating with hands is derived from postures
(mudra) practices and it is discussed in many aspects within Hinduism. As we
know that hands postures are used during Meditation and yoga. As per
Vedas, our hands and feet consist of the five elements; Space, Air, Fire, Water
and Earth. And it is also mentioned in Ayurveda that each finger contains one
of the five elements.
Thumb: Fire
Index finger: Air
Middle finger: Heaven/ Ether
Ring finger: Earth
Little finger: Water
Each finger transforms food in
digestive form before it passes to human digestion system. And eating food with
hands enhances the taste, texture and this gives you the satisfaction of having
food. While eating with hand, the skin sends the senses to the brain about the
temperature, texture of the food. Some people believe that hands behave as
energetic cleanser when the food passes via hand to mouth. Similar kind of
tradition is followed in other religion also when people eat food after placing
their palms above the food.
Have you ever noticed that many
people coming from abroad they feel suffocation and negative feelings when they
eat through knife and fork. On the other hand, if they eat with their hands, they
experience heavenly and divine feeling.
Benefits of eating with hands also
has a scientific reason, if you think that it is only mentioned in Vedas or
Ayurveda than you may be shocked that
science also believed in eating with hands is beneficial for the health.
We have some bacteria, known as normal flora, found on our skin. These bacteria are not harmful to human in fact they protect us from many harmful bacteria from diseased environment.
It is required to establish normal flora in various parts of our body like in
mouth, throat, intestine, gut etc for the betterment of health. Eating
with spoon for long time can change the arrangement of normal flora. With this,
the pattern of normal flora can be changed in the gut. It results reduced
synchronous immunity to environmental bacterial germs.
Karaagre Vasate Lakssmih Karamadhye Sarasvati |
Karamuule Tu Govindah Prabhaate Karadarshanam ||
It means at the Top of the Palm Dwell
Devi Lakshmi and at the Middle of the Hand Dwell Devi Saraswati, At the Base of
the Hand Dwell Sri Govinda; Therefore one should Look at ones Hands in the
Early Morning and contemplate on Them. Hence, This shloka suggests
that the divinity lies inside our hands.
Is not it exciting to maintain a digestive
system as well as enjoy the divine feeling by eating with hands. But remember
wash your hands properly before you eat anything.