During puja times at home or in temples, ancient Yogis recommended blowing the shankh (conch) every day. The blowing of a conch shell, which is kept as a religious object, is a necessary part of the puja in many homes. Shankh was initially used as a weapon by Lord Vishnu during the puranic period of churning the milky ocean (samudra manthan), when it is believed to have first appeared. The Mahabharata battle began when Krishna blew his conch, known as Panchajanya, and the righteous won.
The conch shell is a marvel of nature. Sea snails live there naturally to protect themselves from predators and can be found in the ocean’s depths. They throw it away when the creatures become bigger. It is well known that large sea snails have a special kind of shell with points on both ends.
It is well known that you can hear the sound of the ocean if you put a conch shell to your ear. Its hollow, which reflects sound and creates a type of noise from its surroundings, is the reason of this. The hallowed syllable ‘Om’ is pronounced as this, as keen observers would note.
The pleasant yet piercing sound sends positive vibrations through the environment. For this reason, the conch is blown throughout all festivals and auspicious events. There are various health advantages of blowing a shankh in addition to the spiritual ones. It is an excellent workout for the muscles of the neck, chest, diaphragm, and bladder. Your lung muscles expand as you blow the conch, increasing your ability to soar.
Health Benefits of Blowing the Shankh
The sound of the Shankh is said to promote concentration and mental clarity. When used in spiritual practices, it can help sharpen one’s focus, aiding in meditation, prayer, and mindfulness.
Improves Lung Capacity and Breathing:
Blowing the Shankh requires controlled and deep breathing, which strengthens the lungs and improves respiratory function. It can help in breathing exercises and is often used in pranayama (yogic breathing exercises) to enhance lung capacity and control.
It also improves oxygen intake, leading to better health and increased energy levels.
Boosts Heart and Brain Function:
The act of blowing the conch can help increase the circulation of blood and oxygen throughout the body. This contributes to better heart health and enhances brain activity, aiding in improved mental clarity and focus.
Calms the Mind:
The resonant sound of the Shankh has a calming effect on the mind. It is believed to reduce stress and anxiety, promote relaxation, and help achieve a peaceful state of mind during meditation.
Aids in Detoxification:
The sound vibrations produced by the Shankh are said to have a purifying effect on the air. Regular exposure to these vibrations can support detoxification by removing stagnant energies, similar to how sound therapy works in various healing modalities.
Strengthens the Immune System:
Some traditions believe that the vibrations produced when blowing the Shankh can help in boosting the immune system. The sound helps stimulate certain energy centers (chakras) in the body, promoting overall health and vitality.
Improves Focus and Concentration:
The sound of the Shankh is said to promote concentration and mental clarity. When used in spiritual practices, it can help sharpen one’s focus, aiding in meditation, prayer, and mindfulness.
