Indian : Fashion & Science - 2

Why Do Indian Women Wear Bangles?

First, let us know that, ornaments in our Hindu tradition, were usually made of Gold and Silver. Glass, plastic, paper etc are recent colourful ornaments without any healing properties. So, When we say ornaments, let us assume that, it is Golden.

In generations past, the techniques and philosophies of health, along with experiments with energies, often included various metals and their effect on the body. The effects of gold are subtle, but definitely apparent. Pure gold was used for healing. Other metals change the properties of the pure gold and the vibrations emitting from it. It was considered that gold possessed an energy that brought warm, soothing vibrations to the body to aid healing, for when the body relaxes and the blood vessels in the cells aren’t as constricted, blood can move through the tissue spaces more easily. Since all healing is the growth of new cells replacing the dead cells, the body would heal much better and faster, just as those people who have learned to meditate and use the other various arts of relaxation can testify. For the same reason, for thousands of years acupuncturists used silver and gold needles. Gold is believed to have a relaxing effect.

How does these properties of Gold help women by using them as bangles?

​We all know that, human body has its own energy emmitting around itself, upto 6 inches. Palms are one of the major sources of emmitting abundant energy. Therefore, elders rest their palms on the heads of younger ones when they bow down to do Namaskara (Salute) for “Ashirwad”. We can also illustrate the example of Pranic Healing or Reiki treatment, wherein, only palms are used to heal certain pains or problems in the body.

Keeping this in mind, let me move further. From the palm, the wrist of the women. As per Ayurveda, the bones of women are weaker than those of men and the health of anybody was majorly identified by the then Ayurvedic Vaidya (Doctor), just by studying the pulse rate in the wrists and body heat. Therefore, the pulse at the wrist is considered to be a very sensitive indicator for diagnosing various ailments. Bangles worn by women move over the wrist area, creating constant friction and increasing blood circulation. The metallic properties of these metals were absorbed by the body through friction generated by wearing bangles. Furthermore, the energy passing out through the outer skin again reverts to the body because of the circular shape of the bangles, which permits no exit point.

It is believed that the tinkle of bangles in a house keeps negative energy or thoughts at bay. It keeps the mind calm, the similar concept of, bell-ringing sounds in the temple. It is also psychologically powrful, when a mother pats her kids to sleep or caress them when ill. The kids esperience the feeling of love, care, relaxed, emotional and secured because of the healing power in the mother's palms.

Is this not a wonderful and most lovable gift any child can have?