(Image source from: Khurki)

Did you at any point had a difference of opinion with your mother as for why putting bindi is important? And, at that moment you would’ve not agreed to her point.

Apart from a sign of tradition and religion and in some cases as a fashion trend, putting bindi actually holds a number of health benefits.

The health benefits of this cultural practice stem from the fact that bindi is worn at the point in between the two eyebrows, the point which has tremendous significance in the ancient healing arts.

Significance of Bindi, According to Yoga

According to yoga, this point is known as the ‘ajna chakra’ or ‘agya chakra.’ It is the sixth and most powerful chakra in the human body and it encompasses the head, eyes, brain, pineal gland and pituitary gland.

This chakra plays a major role in yogic meditation and many meditation techniques require you to focus on this point. The pranayama technique of Brahmari, meaning bee breath, is focused entirely on opening up this chakra.

Several yoga poses, including Balasana (Child’s Pose) and Ardha Pincha Mayurasana (Dolphin Pose), involve touching your forehead to the ground in order to stimulate this chakra.

Lord Shiva’s third eye is also located at this point, and it is believed to be the center of knowledge, intuition, awakening, and awareness.

Health Benefits of Wearing Bindi

Clears up Sinuses

The trigeminal nerve, which is responsible for sensation in the entire face, passes through this area. This nerve is the largest of the cranial nerves and it has three branches, as you can probably tell from the name. Stimulating this nerve helps reduce the swelling and congestion in your sinuses.

Relieves Headache

According to acupressure, pressing this point for a few seconds can relieve a headache almost instantly, because a number of key nerves and blood vessels converge at this point.

Improves Eye Health

The supratrochlear nerve also passes through this area. This nerve is a branch of the frontal nerve, which in turn is a branch of the ophthalmic division of the trigeminal nerve. It is connected to all the muscles around the eyes, thus stimulating this nerve is believed to improve vision and eye health.

Keeps Skin Young

The trigeminal nerve’s branches cover pretty much your entire face. Stimulating this nerve helps keep your skin young and your facial muscles strong.

Improves Hearing

One of the nerves passing through this area also stimulates your cochlear, which is a part of the inner ear that is key to hearing.

Puts a Stop to Depression

The trigeminal nerve is such a key nerve that the medical community is now researching ways to stimulate this nerve with very low-intensity electrical shocks in order to treat depression, epilepsy and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). By pressing this nerve for a few seconds every day, you can prevent these conditions.

Prevents Insomnia

It is believed that stimulating the point between two eyebrows relaxes the face and body to the extent that it prevents insomnia and promotes restful sleep. This point is also very closely linked to the pineal gland, a tiny pea-sized gland in the brain that produces the hormones serotonin and melatonin. Melatonin is the sleep hormone, whereas serotonin is one of the hormones related to happiness.

Boosts Memory

According to both yoga and acupressure, stimulating this point boosts memory and concentration.

-Sangam Sowmya