Facts and myths behind some common Indian health traditions

If you are an Indian then you must have heard about these common superstitions like "it is your bad luck if a cat crosses your way" or "You must not sleep pointing your head towards north". One can say they are superstitions but there are scientific facts behind these traditions related to our health. It is very disgusting to confuse our great Indian traditions with superstitions .So you must know facts and myths about these traditions and should not take them as superstitions.

1. What if cat crosses your way -

Myth - It is the greatest bad luck if a cat crossed your way and you must cancel all your plan for today  . At first , Egyptians took this myth and soon it spread on a large scale.

Fact -  The fact behind this superstition is not about luck but it is about the bacteria a cat can spread. Cats consume rats and thus they might have bacteria of plague and plague can spread through air. This is the reason we should stop for a while whenever the cat crosses our way. Cats are not the symbol of bad luck at all.

2. Sleep, pointing your head towards the north -

Myth -  Only a dead person can keep head pointing towards the north. You must not sleep pointing your head towards the north.

Fact-  The fact behind this tradition is not about the direction of the dead person but it is about the magnetic field of earth related to our human body. The magnetic field of earth directs from north to south . If you sleep, pointing your head towards north may  affect the iron present in human blood and can change its flow direction . Thus it creates pressure over your brain due to the powerful magnetic effect between earth and the human body. That is why one should avoid sleep pointing head towards north.

3.Eating with hands -

Myth -  Eating with hands gives a more delicious taste or can satisfy your hunger soon.

Fact - Our fingertips are made up of a lot of nerves which are responsible for better digestion. Thus eating with your hands can boost your digestion . It also helps to increase blood circulation in these nerves . Eating with your hands helps you to eat slowly so that you might be away from overeating or vomiting .

4. Morning Prayers - 

Myth -  You might please god with morning prayers and now he will help you to solve your problems.

Fact - The fact is that morning prayers bring positivity , increase your concentration and sharpens your mind. It helps you to be motivated the whole day and work well .Where going to a temple brings peace in your mind and heart. "Karma" is considered to be worship in Indian culture and morning prayer in a temple is the best way to start work with motivation and calmness. 

5.Eating in silver utensils - 

Myth -  Eating in silver utensils is a symbol of royalty.

Fact - Silver keeps the body cool and also eating in silver utensils can reduce acidity . Silver is less reactive metal so it keeps food fresh . It also reduces anger and controls stress. It maintains haemoglobin and increases immunity.

6. Wearing jewellery - 

Myth - There are a lot of myths about wearing jewellery like "wearing gold is a symbol of good luck and royalty" or " wearing someone else's jewellery is a symbol of bad luck".

Fact - Wearing jewellery has its own health benefits :-

*It regulates body temperature.

*It boosts immunity.

*It gives relief from stress and anxiety.

*Helps the body to recover wounds fast.

*Enhancing  your look thus gives you confidence.

7.Wearing moli / thread on wrist -

Myth - It shows that one is Hindu and every Hindu must wear moli.

Fact - Indian traditions on wrist  never does partiality over religions and the traditions can be followed by anyone either that person is Hindu or of any other religion .Wearing moli controls the actions of the nerves of the wrist and prevents many serious diseases like blood pressure , paralysis , diabetes or heart problems.

8. wearing "Tilak" on forehead - 

Myth - Wearing "Tilak" is just a superstition and has no benefits.

Fact - "Tilak" or 'Bindi' are considered to be wore on the forehead in Indian culture because it has a lot of health benefits:-

* Keeps mind cool and calm.

* Reduces headache or eye problems.

*Helps to be concentrated.

*Sharpens the mind.

*Reduces insomnia.

9. Sneezing before starting new work -

Myth - If someone sneezes before you start doing any work then it is considered as your bad luck and you need to stop for a while.

Fact - Fact behind this myth is that If someone sneezes and you need to go out through the same way then you might catch bacteria present in air which came from the sneeze. One may stop for a while then continue to work . Sneezing does not bring bad luck at all.

Indian tradition is full of scientific logics and they should not be considered as superstitions . Keeping myths away from science is better to see the beauty of Indian culture about health.