In the Hindu culture, it has been an age-old tradition to bow down to touch our elders’ feet as a mark of respect. This tradition has been passed on from one generation to the next. The act of bowing down to touch the elders’ feet is connected to the flow of energies from one body to another. This is a scientifically proven tradition.

Science Says…

According to scientific research, everybody has energy flowing from head to toe. This is called the Cosmic Energy. Therefore, when we bow down to touch someone’s feet, we absorb some of their cosmic energy.

Bowing down to touch someone’s feet is a mark of respect and devotion. As per psychologists, this act makes us humbler and calms our mind. Also, when we bow down to others, we influence their behaviour in a more positive manner.

According to Newton’s Laws, every object is bound to the earth and to each other by the gravitational force. The gravitational force attracts the weaker object to the stronger object. Going by the same logic, with our head as the North Pole and our feet the South Pole, gravity always flows from our head to feet. This results in an unwanted accumulation of energy at one’s feet. When we touch someone’s feet, we absorb that energy—the force travels from their feet (the South Pole) to our hands (the North Pole).

The act of bowing down to touch others’ feet could be considered a form of micro exercise. It involves bending to touch the feet, kneeling to pay respects, or lying prostrate (sashtang dandvat), all of which result in a more flexible body. Also, bending forward improves blood circulation, which is beneficial for health.