In the Vedic period, it was known as Charan Sparsh—and according to Rishis, touching the feet of parents, elders and teachers gives strength, intellect, fame and knowledge. In the modern era, people believe that doing Charan Sparsh helps get a longer life, fortune and wisdom. – Simran Arora
Ever seen at family gatherings how elders are greeted not just with a Namaste but also by touching the feet? People in Indian households are taught since childhood that they must touch the feet of elders before taking up a new venture, going for an examination or even after waking up every morning or going to bed at night. But Indian traditions go beyond just propagating the idea of seeking blessings of elders—surprising as it may sound, there is science behind it all.
In India, tradition dictates that the young touch the feet of their elders to seek blessings—from children to adults, it is a common gesture to show respect to elders. In the Vedic period, it was known as Charan Sparsh—and according to Rishis, touching the feet of parents, grandparents, teachers or elders gives strength, intellect, fame and knowledge. In the modern era, people believe that doing Charan Sparsh helps get a longer life, fortune and wisdom. Little do we realise that the act of touching elders’ feet is backed by science. Turns out, it is an exercise as well.
How to touch elders’ feet properly?
Over time, many cited back and knee pain issues to get away with it while others found an easier way out by simply bending to touch the knees of elders.
Read on to know the right way of touching the feet of elders:
- Without bending the knees, bend the upper half of the body
- Stretch both arms with the head between them
- Finally, touch the feet of elders
- Fingertips of the left hand should touch the right foot of the elder and vice versa
What is the science behind touching elders’ feet
Surprising as it is, there is science behind the act of Charan Sparsh.
- Exchange of energies: Nerves coming out of the brain are present all over the body and they end at the hands and feet. So when one touches the fingertips to the feet, alternating the arm and leg, the energies of both bodies are connected thereby making palms and fingers receptor of energy.
- Keep aside ego: Touching the feet of an elder helps keep aside ego—this helps the elder emit positive vibes through energy and thoughts which reaches one through their hands and toes.
- Improved blood circulation: Bowing down and touching the feet of elders helps increase blood circulation to upper body parts thereby improving skin and hair health.
An exercise
Touching elders’ feet is also an exercise and there are many ways of doing it. Many times, people practice the Sashtang Pranam; however, this one is often performed to honour God.
The Sashtang Pranam is when the whole body is stretched and one lays flat on the stomach on the floor to seek blessings. This one is known to alleviate body pain.
The act of touching the feet by leaning forward and bending stretches the waist and backbone to reduce pain—and sitting on the knees to touch the feet relieves pain of the knees—in both cases, most of the body’s muscles are stretched. – TimesNowNews, 28 September 2022
› Simran Arora is a Health Desk Correspondent at Times Now.
Filed under: india | Tagged: charan sparsh, obeisance, pranama, prostration, touching feet | Comments Off on The science behind touching feet and prostrating before elders and God – Simran Arora
