Health benefits of blowing a Shankha

Shankha, also known as “Shankh” or “Conch Shell” holds immense importance in the Hindu religion. According to Hindu Mythology, it is a sacred emblem of Lord Vishnu. It comes from the Sanskrit words “Shum” which means “Something Good” and “Kham” which means “Water”. Therefore Shankham is a conch shell that holds the sacred water.

Blowing Shankha in Hindu temples at the time of worship is a popular ritual. Many people blow it at their homes during pooja and use it to bath deities. The sound produced while blowing it is called “Shankanad. The sound generated represents the sound of “OM” and has special significance as it originates at a particular frequency and wavelength.

Blowing Shankha every day has a positive bearing on physical and mental health. The sound produced while blowing a Shankha attracts positive energy and destroys all the bad vibes. It is considered to possess several spiritual and mysterious powers. Many Vastu Shastra consultants suggest that keeping a right-handed conch shell (“Dakshinavarti Shankha”) in the house is auspicious as it attracts good luck, health, and prosperity.

The Shankha is considered a giver of fame, prosperity, longevity, cleanser of sin, and abode of a Goddess Lakshmi. In the olden days, it was adopted as a war trumpet to summon friends and helpers and was also used in battles because of the sound it propagates. For ages, it is believed that blowing Shankha has many spiritual and health benefits. Some of the health benefits of blowing it are:

Benefits of Blowing a Shankha:

• • Experts suggest that blowing Shankha purifies the lungs by expelling the impurities. If blown regularly, it can cure Asthma by making the lungs stronger. It is also an extremely beneficial exercise for the urinary tract, lower abdomen, and chest.
  • Blowing it is considered very effective for diaphragm muscles.
  • It is considered to be an effective exercise for rectal muscles. Rectal muscles are contracted and move upward when you blow the Shankha. These muscles are released when we exhale. This movement helps in muscle strengthening.
  • It is said to improve prostate health by putting pressure on the prostate area.
  • Blowing Shankha is very useful for vocal cords and the thyroid gland. It can also help correct speech problems.
  • Conch blowing helps in stretching neck muscles. It also helps stretching of the facial muscles thus helping in reducing fine lines.
  • The vibrations released while blowing Sankha open up the nervous system. It is believed to improve the concentration level.
  • Blowing Shankha has a very important place in Ayurveda and is therefore used to treat many ailments. It is believed that the vibrations emanating from blowing it destroy the disease-causing germs in the atmosphere.

However, one needs to be cautious while blowing Shankha. Carelessly blown Shankha can cause damage to your muscles. Hence blowing it should be learned from a person who can guide you correctly.