According to Ayurveda and traditional practices, blowing the shankh is believed to provide various health benefits beyond its ceremonial and symbolic value.
In Ayurveda, blowing the shankh is considered a form of Pranayama, or controlled breathing technique, that has been shown to have numerous health benefits. When you blow the shankh, controlled, deep breathing is required, which helps improve lung capacity and respiratory efficiency. This practice can be particularly beneficial for people with respiratory conditions such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as it strengthens the respiratory muscles and increases oxygen intake.
Shankh blowing is said to have a calming effect on the mind and nervous system. The deep, rhythmic breathing involved in this practice helps reduce stress, anxiety and promote relaxation. It can be used as a form of meditation or mindfulness practice, helping with mental clarity and emotional well-being.
According to Ayurvedic principles, blowing the shankh is believed to balance the doshas, especially Vata and Kapha. By regulating airflow through controlled breathing, it helps harmonize the body’s energy and promote overall balance and vitality.
Blowing the shankh is said to have a purifying effect on the environment, as well as benefits for respiratory and mental health. It is believed that the sound of the conch resonates with positive energy and vibrations, which can cleanse the atmosphere of negative energies and promote a sense of harmony and well-being.
From a spiritual perspective, blowing the shankh is often associated with ceremonial practices and rituals in Hinduism. It is believed to invoke divine blessings and purify the environment, making it a common practice during religious ceremonies, prayers, and auspicious occasions.
How to blow Shankh correctly to get maximum health benefits?
Blowing Shankha (conch) Proper use to achieve maximum health benefits involves a combination of technique, awareness and understanding of its traditional significance. Here is a step-by-step guide to effective blowing:
Hold the Shankha firmly with your dominant hand, maintaining a comfortable grip to control airflow. Position it at an angle so that the opening (or mouthpiece) is facing upwards, allowing for easy inhalation.
Next, take a deep breath through your nose and fill your lungs completely. This first breath prepares your respiratory system and provides the volume of air needed to blow into the shankh.
Place the mouth of the Shankha on your lips to form a seal. You need to make a ‘poo’ by puckering your lips and blow air into the Shankha through this small opening. Remember, you don’t need to fill your cheeks with air. Just the lungs and this air should blow into the Shankha through the narrow opening of your lips.
Aim to blow regularly and evenly, allowing the natural resonance of the shankha to amplify the sound produced.
The ideal blowing technique involves a moderate amount of force, just enough to produce a clear, resonant sound without straining your lungs or facial muscles. Adjust the force of your breath as needed to achieve a consistent sound and maximize vibration within the shankha.
As you blow, focus on maintaining a steady rhythm and deep breathing patterns. This rhythmic breathing not only improves voice quality, but also promotes relaxation and mental clarity.
To reap the maximum health benefits of Shankha breathing, practice regularly and incorporate it into your daily routine as a form of conscious breathing exercise. The combination of controlled breathing, Shankha resonance, and meditative focus can help improve lung capacity, respiratory efficiency, and overall mental well-being.
Respect the cultural and spiritual significance of the shankha during your practice. Approach blowing the shankha with respect and intention, acknowledging its traditional role in promoting harmony, purification, and spiritual connection across various cultures.
