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.