Why Eat Food With Hands

ॐ Hindu Of Universe ॐ
“God’s light is within you, It never leaves you.”

Ancient Indian culture is rich with customs and traditions that makes the life enriched with principles and values.

According to Hindu philosophy, every action & activity in our routine is seen as divine.

Values in Indian culture teaches us to see divinity in everything.

Walking itself is treated as salutation to earth considering her as Mother.

The Sun, offering life energy to entire creation, without taking anything in return is regarded as one of the Gods and so on with other natural phenomenon.

Human birth is considered as divine and so is the human body.

The core values in Indian culture is that all ancient Indian scriptures pay high regard to physical body.

It is regarded as a vehicle to carry mind along with its emotions to reach the destination – the godliness.

Every action in Hinduism and ancient Indian traditions is backed with scientific or a moral reason.

Why eat food with hands – align with nature: Trees and plants too has a place in the Indian tradition.

There are lot of temples across the country where you can see the peepal tree being worshipped as equivalent to God.

Again, if we look at the values in Indian culture, environment is given utmost importance.

It is important to note that we need food to sustain life and energy in our body.

Needless to state, “Annam” or food we eat is respected before it is consumed.

In the 15th chapter of Bhagavad Gita, even food we consume is considered as Brahman, the divine.

We all know that once our body too will join the earth along with soil!

Values in Indian culture teaches us to treat food as the divine that sustains life in the body.

Why eat food with hands a yogic perspective: There is nothing in the life of a Hindu that is not linked with yogic practices.

Values in Indian culture teaches us to connect each activity with yoga also.

Most of the habits of Hindus were evolved from yogic practices.

Because of this reason, most of us practice it without even thinking about the underlying yogic principle.

Hands & legs are the god gifted organs to human beings.

It is because of the hands and legs we are able to carry out our actions and activities in daily life.

Let me talk a bit about yoga here.

The food consumed needs to be digested well to reach across the body so as to keep the body healthy.

You will have a balanced mind only if the food is properly consumed by the body.

The channels or energies carrying out this responsibility are called as “pranas”.

Indian tradition always advise eating with hands.

The pancha pranas (five elements) flows through these fingers.

They are agni, vayu, akasha, prithvi, jala i.e. fire, air, sky, earth, water respectively.

These are essential to digest and balance the energy in our body.

It is the same hands we use to pray, greet using namaste.

The principle of pancha pranas have great role in the values in Indian culture and tradition.

According to Vedas, hands are considered to be the most valuable organs in human body.

Most of the Vedic practices are performed with the help of right hand.

As suggested earlier, the five elements represented by fingers are – thumb represents the space element, forefinger is the remembrance of air element, middle finger is the representation of fire, ring finger signifies water and finally the little finger is the representative of the earth.

Ayurveda suggests lot of different combination of food items and ingredients to help digestion.

Why eat food with hands – An ayurvedic perspective: According to Ayurveda, the tips of fingers where the nerves end is believed to help the digestion if you consume food with hands.

Psychologically also, the taste of the food can be sensed more if eaten using the hands than using any other utensil like spoon or fork.

Just with the touch, our body can easily make out if the food is hot to consume.

We will also sense if it can create stomach problems by disturbing the digestive system.

Instead of tasting the food with a spoon, taste with tongue and then eating with hands is always recommended.

If you look at the entire creation, no living being uses anything a like spoon or fork to eat food.

This is the principle taught to us by the nature and creation through the values

in Indian culture. There is always an awareness among us to wash hands prior to eating food, especially when we eat with our hands.

This ensures cleanliness and hygiene.

Eating food with hands makes you more conscious about the cleanliness and hygiene factor.

Most of the old aged people who still follow these customs and traditions won’t touch food in other plates or vessel while eating food with hands.

Old people still roll the rice in hands making it the shape of a ball.

It is like an exercise for the fingers too.

This is especially seen in South India. There is always a fulfilment – both physically & mentally if food is consumed with hands.

Researchers too recommend eating food with hands rather than using cutlery as it gives a sense of fullness.

Why eat food with hands – Experiencing mindfulness: Mindfulness is one of the key benefits of practicing several customs and traditions explained in the ancient Indian scriptures.

It is the practice of values in Indian culture and tradition.

This is applicable even while having food.

If we eat using our hands, it will help to achieve mindfulness.

Especially chewing and swallowing, can happen with awareness and mindfulness.

It is not only beneficial for the mind, but also for the body.

Eating mechanically will certainly affect the body by putting on weight, creating indigestion, etc.

This will affect also the bowel movement leading to lethargy.

So, it is not just about eating the food, but eating with awareness.

Our ancient scriptures, philosophies have elaborated the values in Indian culture, even in the case of a minute aspect like eating food.

Leading a holistic life will always be beneficial for the entire humanity.

Why Do We Eat With Our Hands?

So recently we were having our dinner, and my youngest Dhiyan aged 4 said to me…”Mummy why is it when we have Indian food we eat with our hands and when we eat other types of food we use spoons, knives and forks!!”. Good question when I am telling him to use a fork to eat his spaghetti, yet when having roti and rice and curry at home he happily eats with his hands!.

So off course I had to explore this questions The Jai Jais way…. Why do we eat with our hands?

Researching this, there is a skill to eating with hands and also many health benefits. There is also a deeper significance originating from Ayurvedic teachings. Vedic teachings believed our bodies are in close relation to the elements of nature, and our hands hold a certain energy. Ayurvedic texts teach us that each finger is an extension of the five elements:

Thumb finger connects to Agni-Fire.

Index finger connects to Vayu-Air.

Middle finger connects to Akash-Space.

Ring finger connects to Prithvi-Earth.

Little finger connects to Jal-Water.

When you eat with your hands you join your fingers together and push the food into your mouth with your thumb. This is believed to improve our consciousness of the taste of the food. We do not just feed our body we feed our mind and soul to. During eating with hands is helps practice mindful eating, showing the importance of eating slowly, feeling the texture, aroma and tasting the food, and enjoying it . When we touch our food with our hands we create spiritual and a physical connection.  We are careful to check the temperature of the food, how much we out in our mouth, and careful not to drop it.

When you use your fingers to pick up food, millions of nerve endings in your fingers relay the message that you’re about to eat. This preps the stomach for digestion by releasing digestive juices and enzymes.

Our former prime minister, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru once said, “Eating Biryani with fork and knife is like making love through an interpreter,”. Our regular diet includes rotis and parathas, which will be quite a task to be dealt with forks and knives. Personally for me, eating with my hands keeps the culture alive in a small way. When we share a meal with loved ones, we create a beautiful environment of love, peace, togetherness and mindfulness.

Why Indian Don’t Eat With Left Hand?

While many countries have this belief, some cultures take this practice to an extreme. In these countries, using the left hand while eating is considered impolite and taboo. One such country is India.

In Indian culture, there is a strong preference for using the right hand over the left hand while eating. The practice is deeply rooted in Indian customs and traditions, but why is this the case?

Why Indians Don’t Use Their Left Hand When Eating

Using the left hand while eating is considered disrespectful and unacceptable in India. This belief is deeply ingrained in the country’s culture, and people are taught from a young age to use their right hand while eating. In fact, many Indian families teach their children to eat with only their right hand.

One of the primary reasons why Indians don’t eat with their left hand is because it is considered unclean. In traditional Indian households, the left hand is used to perform tasks such as cleaning the body, using the toilet, and other activities considered impure.

On the other hand, the right hand is considered pure and is used for activities such as eating, greeting people, and performing religious ceremonies.

Another reason why Indians prefer to use the right hand while eating is because of hygiene. Since most Indians eat with their hands, using the left hand to pick up food can be unhygienic.

The left hand is often used for cleaning the body and other activities, which can transfer bacteria and other germs to the food. Therefore, to maintain hygiene and cleanliness, Indians use their right hand while eating.

Apart from hygiene and purity, there are also cultural and religious reasons why Indians prefer to eat with their right hand. In Hinduism, the right hand is considered sacred, and it is believed that the food is a gift from the gods. Therefore, showing gratitude and respect by using the right hand while eating is essential.

Additionally, there are practical reasons why Indians prefer to use their right hand while eating. Indian food is often eaten with bread or rice, which requires fingers to scoop up the food. Using the right hand allows for a more efficient and cleaner way of eating while using the left hand can lead to spillage and mess.

There are several reasons why Indians don’t eat with their left hand. While it may seem like a minor cultural practice, it is essential to Indian customs and traditions. It is important to respect and understand these practices to appreciate India’s rich and diverse culture.

Is It Disrespectful To Eat With Left Hand?

Eating with the left hand has been a topic of discussion and debate for a long time, particularly in cultures where eating with the left hand is considered disrespectful. Many people often wonder why such a stigma is attached to the left hand and whether it is really necessary to follow such customs.

Hygiene

Firstly, it is essential to understand that in many cultures, the right hand is considered the dominant and clean hand, while the left hand is considered the unclean hand. This is because in many cultures, the left hand is used for personal hygiene purposes, such as cleaning oneself after using the bathroom. Therefore, using the left hand for anything else, particularly for handling food is considered unclean.

Etiquette

In some cultures, eating with the left hand is considered disrespectful as it is seen as an insult to the host or other diners. This is because the left hand is associated with impurity and uncleanliness, and using it to touch food can be seen as an insult to the food and the people who prepared it.

In addition, eating with the left hand can also be seen as a sign of disrespect towards oneself. In many cultures, the left hand is associated with negative energy and impurity, and using it to eat can bring bad luck or misfortune. Therefore, it is believed that eating with the left hand can lead to negative consequences, both for oneself and for others.

It is important to note that these beliefs and customs are deeply ingrained in many cultures and often passed down from generation to generation. In some cases, these customs may be linked to religious or spiritual beliefs, while in others, they may be linked to social or cultural practicesHowever, it is important to ask whether these customs are still relevant in modern times. With the advancements in hygiene and sanitation practices, the distinction between the left and right hand may not be as relevant as it once was. In addition, many people may not even be aware of these customs or may not attach much significance to them.

In conclusion, eating with the left hand is considered disrespectful in many cultures due to associating the left hand with impurity and uncleanliness.

However, it is important to question whether these customs are still relevant in modern times and consider the potential harm they may cause. While respecting cultural practices and beliefs is important, it is also important to ensure that they do not lead to harm or discrimination toward individuals.

Which Country Does Not Eat With Their Left Hand?

Other countries that consider using the left hand while eating is impolite are those in the Middle East—in countries like Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, using the left hand. At the same time, eating is considered disrespectful and taboo. This belief is mainly due to religious and cultural beliefs associating the left hand with impurity.

Similarly, using the left hand while eating is inappropriate in many African countries. Countries like Ghana, Nigeria, and Ethiopia have strict social norms that dictate using the right hand while eating. In these cultures, the left hand is used for unclean activities like cleaning oneself after using the bathroom. Therefore, using the same hand for eating is deemed unhygienic and impolite.

However, it is important to note that not all countries consider the use of the left hand while eating impolite. In some cultures, such as Japan and China, the use of chopsticks eliminates the need for hand-to-mouth contact. Therefore, the left hand’s impurity is not a concern in these countries. Similarly, in some European countries, such as France and Italy, the use of both hands while eating is acceptable.

The use of the left hand while eating is considered impolite and disrespectful in many countries. While this belief is mainly due to cultural and religious norms, respecting these customs when traveling or interacting with people from different cultures is important. It is always essential to be aware of different cultures’ practices and etiquettes to avoid causing offense or disrespect.

The Vedic Science behind Eating With Your hands

Hands are considered our most precious organ of action. Our hands and feet are said to be the conduits of the five elements–space, air, fire, water and earth. One of the five elements courses through each finger. Through the thumb, angushtha, comes space; through the forefinger, tarjani, air; through the midfinger, madhyama, fire; through the ring finger, anamika, water and through the little finger, kanishtha, earth.

In Vedic tradition, we eat with our hands because the five elements within them begin to transform food and make it digestible even before it reaches the mouth. This transformation also heightens the senses so that we can smell, taste and feel the texture of the foods we are eating. We can also hear the sounds of eating. All of these sensations are a necessary prelude to beckoning agni, the fire of digestion, to ready itself for the meal to come.

On the greater dimension, the act of eating is spiritual feasting. We are activating the energies of the Deities aligned with the elements, stimulating a surge of heightened consciousness within. This is made possible through the powerful play of mudra. It brings the elements of nature through our hands and fingers into the food, and then joins it with agni. If we are aware of awakening the fire within ourselves, we digest not only the food but also our thoughts more smoothly. The fire of digestion and the fire of the mind, tejas, work hand-in-hand. As you see below, there are six specific mudras for eating.

Ayurveda tells us that disease takes rise in the body because the digestive fire is awry and the mind is agitated. Most people today eat and run, juggling an overly full calendar. We often skip breakfast, eat a less-than-nutritious lunch, and that too in a hurry, and sit down to dinner late at night, after which we immediately fall into bed. How could proper digestion occur when we force the system to put up with such abuse year after year? In this frantic pace of living, how could we maintain composure in the mind and therefore remember the sacred purpose of these limbs? No wonder then that we have such a high incidence of cancer and heart disease, and ailments resulting from improper diet. We refuse to observe the integrity of our physiology by nourishing our bodies and souls with dignity and respect. Using the time-honored ways of sadhana can help us to restore health and harmony in our everyday lives.

Eating food with your hands feeds body, mind and spirit. According to the Taittiriya Upanishad, food represents the coarsest and last of the five vestures in which the soul is clothed and passes from body to body in the long process of metempsychosis. In other words, food is not limited to what we eat, but expresses the universe’s entire body and all that is manifested within her. Likewise, we eat food not only to sustain the body, but to assimilate the universe’s elements and energies within our physical and emotional body and to nourish the greater, spiritual Self. The Taittiriya Upanishad tells us: “The essence of all things here is the Earth. The essence of Earth is water. The essence of water is the plant. The essence of the plant is a person.”

Let’s take this text a step further and ask ourselves: what is the essence of a person? I believe it is the fundamental nature that is uniquely ours and connects us to the universe. As humans, we are linked to the vast energy of the infinite, dimensionless universe by way of our limbs. The Purusha Suktam, a sixteen-mantra poem composed by the sage Narayana is regarded as the oldest work on cosmic anatomy and ecology. It reveals that the universe is an infinite continuum of energy. Yet it describes this energy as a living force, with eyes, ears, arms, legs, hands and feet and heads watching over all of existence. Just as the universe guards the many limbs and energies of its infinite structure, so each of us is meant to become aware of the greater life force and its many aspects. The sage explained that the individual who strives to live a spiritual life must first be aware of the life force and its many manifestations, limbs and faces before he can accomplish and serve it.

When we use our limbs in accord with the sacred laws of nature, every action worships and praises the omniscient Divinity in all things. When we eat with our hands, or feed the young and infirm with them, use them to dig into the rich soil and plant a good seed, embrace someone, or give them a gift, clasp the hands in prayer, we are using our hands to share in the maternal healing energies of the universe. Being conscious of how we use our hands is a wonderful act of sadhana.

To remind yourself each day of the sanctity of your limbs, recite the Vedic prayer, “Karagre vasate Laksmih karamule Sarasvati Karamadhye tu Govindah prabhate karadarsanam,” which means, “On the tips of my fingers is Goddess Laksmi, on the base of my fingers is Goddess Sarasvati, in the middle of my fingers is Lord Govinda. In this manner, I look at my hands.”

To start your mudra practice, engage anjali mudra. Each morning you engage this practice will help you remember the sanctity of your hands and your connection to the creative energies of our universe. In anjali mudra, bring the palms of your hands together in front of the heart, with fingers pointing upward. When we clasp the hands in this manner, we stimulate the prana, or energy, that circulates through the heart, which increases its vitality and brings us a sense of ease and resolve. To evoke the Deities, raise the clasped hands to the center of the forehead. This mudra is itself an act of prayer and helps to heal the heart, not only of the trespasses of the present life, but also of the wounds incurred through timeless rebirths. When you bring your hands together, you are transforming all five elements back into their source of tejas, the energy of the subtle fire of creation that is responsible for cellular and nuclear metabolism within and without. You will immediately feel oneness with the Divine.

We are all embarked on a lifelong quest for consciousness, which emerges from the cultivation of awareness, the inner knowing that depends entirely on the harmonious relationship we develop with nature. The aim of the food sadhana practices I advocate is to help us reconnect to the greater energy of the universe so that we may restore our cognitive memory that goes far back to the origin of the universe. Using mudras for eating and communing with the food we eat is a paramount step to connecting with cosmic energies and a vital means of receiving nourishment by touching upon the Earth’s bounty. The practice of these specific mudras is likely to open your heart to the Mother’s wisdom. Feast with your hands at Her table and you will never go hungry or angry. Food is memory. Eating with your hands is remembering your sacred nature.

While in the West eating with the hands usually conjures up pictures of a young child smeared from head to foot with food, in the East, using the hands as utensils is a highly refined art. Here are the six major ways in which the hands are used. (see newstand copy for illustrations):

In ghronikah mudra the five fingertips form a petal around a lump of food about the size of a plum. This is one of the two main mudras used for eating solid food like grains and vegetables, or for scooping dhals with chapati or bread.

In annabhakshana mudra, use the fingertips to pick up a small amount of food, sufficient to fit on the base of the four fingers. Use the thumb to advance the food forward and into the mouth. This is the second of the two main mudras for eating any solid food. Only the right hand is used for eating. Annabhakshana mudra practice cultivates our discrimination in eating good quality food in the appropriate quantity and in a tranquil environment.

Kangulah mudra is taking food with the thumb, forefinger and mid-finger. Engage this mudra when eating long, slender pieces of food, like asparagus, carrots, celery, sugar cane and “drumsticks” or murungai. As we bring food to our mouth in kangulah mudra, the palm of the hand faces upward, evoking the spirit of consciousness as we touch upon Nature. This mudra cultivates a gentle reverence for Nature’s precious gifts. The first mudra, Ghronikah, activates and balances the element of earth within the body. The earth element controls our sense of smell and gives us added vision to “smell our way,” that is, to be keenly aware of our connection to Mother Nature.

Kadambah mudra crouches the five fingers around firm, solid food. This mudra is reserved for eating round-shaped fresh fruits that fit neatly in the palm of the hand, such as apple, pear, mango or peach. You may also use it to eat sweets like ladhu. The mudra is named after the famed kadamba tree, which is said to put forth buds at the roaring of thunder-clouds, and which produces hard, inedible fruits. When Mother Nature is mistreated and taken for granted, she roars her thunder and makes rare her fruits. Practicing this mudra helps us to remember to be grateful for every speck of Nature’s food.

Mukulah mudra is eating with all five fingers tightly knitted together. In this mudra a minimal quantity of food is taken at a time, for example, ten grains of cooked rice. The mudra is used in annaprashanam, or the ceremony of first feeding, one of the 16 samskaras, usually performed in the fifth or sixth month of a child’s life. Mukulah mudra is a reminder that we are forever in the bud of life, continually regenerating the on-rushing flow of awareness. Every bite of food must serve to awaken cosmic memory of the first food we, as conscious human beings, imbibe from the Mother’s nectary.

Khatakamukhah mudra is tasting or sampling food with forefinger, mid-finger and thumb tightly pinched. This mudra measures the equivalent of a half-teaspoon. It is used to mete out spices and condiments in cooking. We may also use it as a pinch-measure for medicines. Food is the most potent form of medicine. We need to exercise caution. Keeping our hearts open but our hands half-closed when receiving food is a good policy to maintain. Khatakamukhah mudra helps us to exercise firm discretion around food.

Indian traditional way of eating food with hands fingers

A majority of Indians like the traditional way of eating food / meals i.e.sitting on the floor and eating food with fingers / hands. This may sound unclean / unhygienic for non-Indians but for Indians there is some in-depth meaning in this traditional way of eating.

In the ancient times Indians might have had a thorough knowledge on the advantages of this ancient Indian way of eating food and there could be some rationale behind it. Let’s study.

Eating food sitting on the floor

A healthy ancient Indian practice of eating food is having food sitting on the floor and not on dining table. Food is served in eco-friendly plantain leaves placed on the floor. In Hinduism, food is considered sacred and is considered as Goddess Annapoorna Devi who is believed to have served food to Lord Vishwanath (i.e Lord Shiva) of Kasi (the present Varanasi in Uttar Pradesh).

Shoes and socks or sandals must be removed while sitting on the floor for having meals which is a typical Indian style of eating food. By doing so, the spread of germs / pollutants which otherwise might have accumulated on your shoes / socks, is restricted.

Sitting on the floor and eating food is a mark of respect to Annapoorna Devi – the Hindu goddess of food. It signifies humbleness and devotion to the goddess. Scientifically, human beings who are living beings cannot survive without food. So, Indians respect the food they get to eat for the day.

Maintaining etiquette while eating

When a traditional meal is served on plantain leaf, one has to wait till all the items are served. Picking up of items while these are being served and putting in mouth is not a good manner. Secondly, when there are elders sitting in the row, one is supposed to wait for the elders to start eating food. This is a gesture of respecting the elders.

Similarly after a person finishes eating, he / she is not supposed to get up and go for hand wash but he / she has to wait till the elders i.e the older ones finish eating. The young ones have to get only after the elders get up and go for their hand wash.

Another good gesture while having meal is not to leave any food in the leaf. Food which is grown by the farmers, should not be wasted. So, initially all the items are served in very little quantity in the leaf to avoid wastage.

Serving all the items shows what all items are prepared for the meal. During the second round of serving food, people ask the items of their like and politely reject the items which they don’t like. By doing so, there is no wastage of food. Leaving food items (half eaten or not eating at all) in the leaf is not a good manner. But it is treated as a sign of disrespecting food.

Indian way of eating food with fingers / hands

An ancient eating habit of Indians is eating food with fingers / hands. Basically Indians are rice eaters, particularly South Indians while in the North people mostly eat Indian breads i.e chapati made of wheat. Food is served hot and also relished hot. So, one of the advantages of eating with fingers is that when you initially touch the food with hands, you can easily make out whether the hot food is bearable or not. This avoids burning your mouth / tongue.

The very sight of food and its touch triggers the secretion of digestive juices and the digestive system gets ready for its proper functioning.

Indian foods are enjoyed the most when you eat with hands / fingers. It gives you a satisfied feeling.

So also, licking of fingers after a sumptuous meal is a sign of satisfaction and it indicates how much you relished the food. But lifting up the plate / bowl and licking it is not considered a bad sign.

In Hindu religion, it is inappropriate to eat food with left hand as this is used for the other purpose i.e. cleaning the private parts. A majority of Indians follow the age old practice of using water for cleaning the private parts after defecation. Indians are not much used to the use of toilet tissues. Hence, use of left hand is restricted for the purpose and is not used for other good activities. Basically, Indians use their right hand for touching food, serving food and for eating. However, when you eat and simultaneously serve food, then you are not supposed to touch the food to be served, with your right hand as you are still eating with the hand.

However, washing hands before taking meals is a must from hygienic point of view.

Disposing of the leftovers

The age old practice of disposal of leftovers is done in an eco-friendly manner. The plantain leaves along with the leftover foods, if any are rolled up and disposed in the backyard. This serves as a food to many animals / living creatures. Animals feed on the disposed items. If it not fed by the animals, it mixes up with the soil and replenishes the soil with nutrients.

After this flash of thought, I thanked the Westerners (of course in my thoughts) who gave me the opportunity to get to know more about the traditional way of eating food. However, India being a vast country with varied culture, the way of eating style differs from region to region.

Eating with your hands. Indian Ritual or Science?

Sometimes you may think about why Indians eat with their fingers?

In India, particularly in the South of India, people are eating with their hands. This practice is coming from the Ayurvedic teachings. In Ayurveda, it is believe that our body is sync with the elements of the nature. For our hands, each finger is an extension of one of the five elements as shown in the picture. Hence, eating with one’s fingers stimulates these five elements and helps in bringing forth digestive juices in the stomach.  

Eating with hands creates a spiritual and physical connection with the food and helps being more conscious of the food you eat as well as being present in the moment. By touching food with fingers, the attention is automatically on the temperature, the textures and the colors of the meal.

Health benefits of eating with your hands :

Better Digestion: Eating with our hands helps in improving our digestion because our hands have some good bacteria named “Normal Flora” generally found on palms and fingers which protect us from various body parts like throat, mouth, and intestine.

Avoid Over Eating: When we eat with our hands, we generally eat slower rather than eating with cutlery which helps you to avoid eating too much. Studies prove that people with Type 2 diabetes tend to eat faster than others which causes an imbalance of blood sugar in our body. So eating with our hands makes us to eat slower which helps in the prevention of the diseases.

Promotes hygiene: Before you use your fingers to eat, you wash them and you wash them again once you are done – that’s twice per meal. Eating with hands promotes frequent hand washing that helps in maintaining hygiene.

With all those positive aspects of eating with hands, I guess you are now feeling like trying yourself? But it is not as easy as it looks like! There is a special technique! In the south of India, it is considered disrespectful to let the palm and the outside of the fingers get dirty. Hence, you can only use the tips of your finger to pick up the food.

Benefits of Eating with Hands

Our hands and feet are the conduits of the Panchabhootas

The West considers eating food with one’s hands to be unhygienic. And ill-mannered and primitive. However, since ancient times, Indians have believed in eating food with hands. There are several benefits of eating with hands like it feeds not only the body but also the mind and soul. Having said that, let’s look at some of them.

Origin of the Tradition of Eating With Hands

The origin behind this old adage dates back to Vedic days when people ate with their hands. This practice originated with Ayurvedic teachings which made people aware of the energy present in their hands. Our hands and feet are the conduits of the panchabhootas—the five elements of nature that constitute our body—and each finger of our hands is an extension of the five elements. The thumb is Agni or fire that helps with digestion. This is one of the major benefits of eating with hands. One often sees infants sucking their thumbs; this is nature’s way of aiding the digestion of infants at an age when they are unable to do any physical activity. The forefinger is for Vayu or air; the middle finger is for Akash or ether—the tiny intercellular spaces in the human body; the ring finger is Prithvi or earth, and the little finger is for Jal or water.

Why is food eaten with hands more palatable?

Another of the numerous benefits of eating with hands is that each finger aids in the process of transformation of food. Before it passes on for internal digestion. Gathering the fingertips, particularly while eating rice—the native and staple food of ancient India—as they touch the food, it stimulates the five elements and invites the Jatharagni or the fire in our stomach to bring forth the digestive juices. The person becomes more conscious of the taste, texture, and aroma of the food, and this adds to the pleasure of eating. It is an established fact that food, when consumed with hands, is different in taste and more palatable than food eaten with a fork and knife.

Benefits of Eating With Hands In today’s western society, sometimes eating with hands is considered as being unhygienic, primitive, and bad mannered. Whereas eating with spoons, knives, and forks is considered more modern, hygienic, and convenient. Direct interaction of food with the hands and mouth, basically, provides a strong signal to the brain that helps our stomach to get prepared for receiving the food for digestion. The ancient native tradition of eating food with the hands, basically, is derived from the ‘Mudra’ practice that is very common in various aspects of Hinduism. Mudras are generally used during the meditation along with many classical forms of dance including Bharatnatyam.

According to the Ayurveda, hands are considered as one of the most important body part for action. This is also connected to the Vedic prayer of;

“Karagre vasate Laksmih Karamule Sarasvati

Karamadhye tu Govindah prabhate karadarsanam”

The above verse suggests that the divinity lies in our hands.

According to the old saying of Indian culture;

“Eating food with the Hands not only feeds the body but also the mind and the spirit”.

According to the Vedas, each finger, thumb and toe represents the five different elements that are also known as Panchamahabhutas in fingers. These five elements of Panchamahabhutas in fingers include thumb for fire, index finger for air, middle finger for space, ring finger for the earth, and little finger for water. It is believed that these five elements are considered as a type of Ayurveda Treatment, which works on food in most favorable manner, as these elements are used for cleansing it of any negative vibes and finally preparing it for us to eat.

Gathering all the fingers altogether while eating helps to bring forth the digestive juices along with the improvised digestion that makes people more conscious of tastes, smells, and the textures of the food. When we eat with our hands, we get to know about the temperature of the food. If you eat food with a spoon directly, there are possibilities to burn oral cavity of your buccal mucosa. Using your hands to eat is a well known fact and established tradition that none of us are ashamed of. Everyone in our Ayurveda Hospital whether a millionaire or a pauper both eats in the same way. While eating with hands means you, basically, eat with conviction and passion. Eating with hands is not only healthier for your body but it can also be a lot of fun. So, next time you have a meal with your family try eating with hands as it can make the conversation lively including with a lot of laughter.

You may also get to know about the vast knowledge hidden in it. With the help of our Best Ayurveda specialist Dr.Mini Nair present in our Ayurveda and Siddha Hospital – Ayurhealing.

Why Do Indians Eat with Their Hands?

5 fingers – 5 elements

The practice of eating with one’s hands, specifically your fingers, originated within Ayurvedic teachings, where it is believed that our bodies are in sync with the five elements of nature and each finger is an extension of one of these five elements.

The thumb is an extension of space

The forefinger is an extension of air

The middle finger is an extension of fire

The ring finger is an extension of water

The little finger is an extension of earth

When using your hands, you are supposed to utilize all fingers together. This brings together all of nature’s elements and brings awareness to the texture, taste, aromas, and temperature of the food.When you touch your food with your hands, you are creating a physical and spiritual connection with it, being more present in the moment.

Indian recipes such as chapatis, dosas, and parathas are torn and wrapped around a side dish such as chutneys or raita. Indian rice dishes are usually hand-mixed with a side of curry and eaten in delicious sizable chunks.

Celebrating Togetherness

Additionally, for me, eating with my hands takes me back home and keeps the culture alive in a small way. When we share a meal with loved ones, we create a beautiful environment of love, peace, togetherness, and mindfulness. We feel one with nature and with each other.

Having meals on the floor

Before dining tables became essential in every household, Indians would traditionally sit on the floor to eat, with a cloth or mat serving as the seat [1]. When one’s feet are beneath the heart (as in a position when sitting on a seat), the blood flow is directed to the feet, whereas when one sits with folded legs on the floor, the heart gets the advantage of better dissemination.

Additionally, when an individual assumes sukhasana (sitting crossed-legged Indian-style), it strengthens the lumbar region of the body by reducing stress and anxiety. This posture also induces calmness of mind.

When the individual sits to eat in an appropriate position, digestion-related juices are secreted in the stomach, which gets ready for processing the food. The plate or a banana leaf (practiced in south Indian cultures, sustainability for the win!) is placed in front of the individual, who bends forward to eat and then goes back to the starting position to swallow the morsel of food. The constant back and forth movement activates the abdominal muscles and helps with digestion.

Eating with Your Hands: An Exquisite Indian Tradition

In India, eating with your bare hands is considered normal, given that it was started within the ancient Ayurvedic teachings. The Ayurveda teaches that food must systematically be prepared before consumption, with the ideal goal to derive the perfect balance in the three doshas (elements).

That being said, the texts on Ayurveda teach that each finger represents one of five elements, namely:

The thumb represents space

The forefinger represents air

The mid-finger represents fire

The ring finger represents water

The pinky finger represents the earth

It is believed that when eating with your hands, join all of your fingers together. This will allow you to focus more fully on the taste of the food.

The thing is, eating with your hands is also considered a respectful gesture in India. The other reason eating with your hands is considered a respectful gesture is that in Hinduism, the right hand is considered the clean hand. Because of this, it is not considered polite to eat with your left hand.

The left hand is considered to be unclean because of the ancient notion that when a woman is menstruating and touches her left hand, it will make anything or anyone it touches impure. While this notion is no longer practiced in India, eating with your left hand is still considered impolite.

HOW ABOUT SOUPY FOOD?

This is a certain case where exemption is permitted. Of course, how can you eat soupy food with your bare hands? You can use a spoon to eat it or use a piece of bread.

The other exception to this rule is when the food is so dry that it will not stick to your hands while eating. This is the case with a lot of Indian fried snacks.

BEFORE YOU EAT, DO NOT FORGET TO WASH YOUR HANDS

Before you begin to eat, in addition to a spiritual significance, washing your hands washes away the impurities. Would you not want to eat food with someone else’s dirt on your hands?

THE PROPER WAY TO EAT WITH YOUR HANDS IN INDIA

As you’ve already learned, the proper way to eat with your hands is to join your fingers together, making your hand look like a cup. The more elegant way to eat with your hand is to use your right hand to pick up food. While doing so, your left hand should be used to support your right hand.

If you’re left-handed, you can use the same hand that you eat with. If you’re right-handed, use your left hand to support your right hand.

Use the tips of your fingers to pick up food, then use the same fingers to place it in your mouth. This makes sure that you don’t pick any food that you don’t have to.

The chewing of the food will mix the flavours together, and you will be able to savour the taste.

It is also polite to say “excuse me” when you accidentally touch something with your hand.

CONCLUSION

While Westerners will always debate whether it’s “civilized” to eat with your hands, the fact of the matter is that it is a typical custom and art in India.

Furthermore, for an Indian, eating with hands is respectful, spiritual, and a way to enjoy the art of taking your time to savour the wonderful taste of the delicacies presented in front of you.

9 Reasons why you must feel good about eating with hands

1 Why is it good to eat with hands?

We often quote our country as ‘Incredible India’, but we hardly think about the reasons behind this statement. Okay, let us tell you one of the reasons that makes India incredible and silly that it may sound to you now, but that fact that we eat with our hands and not with glittery cutlery, makes us really special. It is such a regular practice that we mostly never give a thought to it and pick the spoon only when we are in company or are eating out in a party or restaurant. According to Vedas, the practice directly benefits our chakras, and the use of hands for eating also increases the blood circulation. These are just to name a few, beyond this; there is a plethora of logic that you need to know about this indigenous practice. So, grab your plate of food and eat with your hands while you read this piece of information which will amaze you.

2 It increases blood circulation

Hello, fitness freaks! Let us tell you that eating with hands is a sort of muscle exercise that increases the blood circulation. So, all the lazy bums, please start practicing from today.

3 It intensifies sensual connection with food

If you have ever observed, when you eat Indian food (daal and rice) with hands, you feel an unsaid connection with the food, that lacks with fork and spoon. According to Luke Coutinho, a holistic nutritionist, author and exercise physiologist, “Eating with your fingers helps in establishing a connection with what you are eating and therefore, you eat mindfully.”

4 Better digestion

As per Ayurvedic texts, as the fingers put the food in the mouth, you unknowingly, curve them to form a yogic mudra, that activates the sensory organs that keep prana in balance. Your food is digested well because when the hand touches the food, the nerves on the finger tips experience it and then send signals to the brain which instructs the body to release digestive juices. Perhaps this is why food tastes better when eaten with hands.

5 It directly affects our chakrasAccording to Vedas, our fingertips are related to heart, third eye, solar plexus, throat, sexual and root chakras. And when we eat with hands, the motion and touch activates the charka and benefits us in every possible way.

6 You know your food is hot

Logically, when you eat with spoon or fork you can’t analyse how much the food is hot, but when you eat with hands, you can sense it (thanks to quick receptive power) and protect the sensitive tissues of the tongue from burning.

7 It is hygienic too

Well, it might sound offensive to many, but human hands are more hygienic as compared to spoons and chopsticks.

8 Cutting a paratha with knife

Imagine eating roti and dal with spoon and fork. Sounds impractical? Actually, it is, and that’s the reason we prefer hands over cutlery.

9 Non-veg with bones

We agree that majority cuisines have non-vegetarian food, but they are boneless, while Indian non-vegetarian delicacies have bone, that can’t be consumed without using hands.

10 Food served on leaves

In majority parts of India (especially rural areas) food is served on leaves, and, if you use fork and spoon on it, you might spill the food, so it is comfortable to use hands.

why you should eat with your hands:

1. There is a chakra connection

“The practice of eating with one’s hands, specifically your fingers, has its origin in Ayurvedic. It propagates the teaching that our bodies are in sync with the five elements of nature, and each finger is an extension of one of these five elements,” says nutritionist Yashna Garg.

The thumb is an extension of space;

The forefinger is an extension of air;

The middle finger is an extension of fire;

The ring finger is an extension of water;

The little finger is an extension of the earth.

When using your hands, you are supposed to utilize all fingers together. This brings together all of nature’s elements and brings awareness to the texture, taste, aromas, and temperature of the food.

When you touch your food with your hands, you are creating a physical and spiritual connection with it, being more present in the moment.

2. Eating with hands prevents overeating, hence, no weight gain

It promotes mindful eating. Psychologically, eating with your hands makes you pay attention to what you’re eating. Eating with your hands may allow you to have your food slowly and deliberately, which can help you feel full even with less food. This prevents binge eating that is a cause for weight gain.

“It also encourages a sense of satiety or satisfaction, which is lacking when you use cutlery to have your food,” suggests Yashna.

3. It also prevents type 2 diabetes

Research shows that type-2 diabetic patients are probably hasty eaters. This is because they use cutlery to eat, as compared to individuals who don’t have the condition. Eating fast has been connected to blood sugar disparities in the body, thus being a big factor in the occurrence of type-2 diabetes.

4. It also improves digestion

Once we touch our food with our hands, the brain signals our stomach that we are ready to eat. This helps the stomach in getting ready to prepare itself for the food, thus improving digestion.

5. It adds good bacteria to your gut

“We have some bacteria, known as normal flora, found on our skin. These bacteria are not harmful for humans. Instead, they protect us from many harmful bacteria from the outside environment. It is required to establish normal flora in various parts of our body like in mouth, throat, intestine, gut, etc. for the betterment of health,” recommends Yashna.

6. It regulates mouth temperature

Your hands also act as an effective temperature sensor. When you eat with a spoon or fork, the food goes directly from the plate to your mouth, so you may not realize if it is too hot. When we touch our food before putting it into our mouths, the millions of nerve endings on the tips of our fingers get a temperature and texture reading that is immediately sent to the stomach. So, you are less likely to put food that is too hot into your mouth, effectively preventing you from scalding your tongue.

7. Eating with your hands improves blood circulation

Eating with hands is healthy, as it can prove to be a wonderful muscle exercise that may in turn help in increasing blood circulation. The hand’s movements may assist in promoting a better flow of blood, thus positively affecting the overall well-being of the body.

“Just wash your hands properly before eating and you are good to go”, concludes nutritionist Yashna.

Why Eating With Hands Is More Than Just A TraditionEating with hands contributes to healthy eating and overall well-being. The benefits are surprising and eye-opening.In a world where traditions fade away or take on new forms, it’s time to give a nod to those forgotten gems. Some transformations are undeniably for the better, but there’s one age-old practice that has stood the test of time: eating with our hands! Sure, shiny cutlery may have taken over our tables, but there’s a tribe of bold individuals who still relish the touch of their fingertips on their meals. Let’s take a delicious journey back in time to ancient civilizations like India, Greece and Egypt, where this vibrant tradition thrived.

But according to food and health experts, eating with your hands goes beyond mere tradition – it’s a health-conscious choice! You might not have given it a second thought, but fear not, we’ve got your back (and your plate) covered. From improved digestion to heightened awareness of portion sizes, eating with hands has more health benefits than you might have ever imagined.

What Ayurveda SaysAyurveda is an ancient system of medicine in India that teaches us how to live in harmony with nature. According to Ayurveda, eating with your hands is not only hygienic but also beneficial for your senses and digestion. Ayurveda says that each finger represents one of the five elements: space (thumb), air (index finger), fire (middle finger), water (ring finger), and earth (little finger). When we eat with our hands, we make a gesture that activates these elements and balances the energies in our body. Also, when we touch our food with our fingers, we send signals to our brain that we are ready to eat, which prepares our stomach and other digestive organs for the process of digestion. Eating with hands also helps us to be more mindful of what we eat, how much we eat, and how fast we eat, which are all important factors for healthy digestion.

What Science Says:Eating with your hands may also have some scientific benefits that are supported by research. Some of these benefits are:

1. Improves Blood Circulation Eating with hands involves the movement of the fingers and the hand muscles, which can improve blood circulation and prevent stiffness in the joints.

2. Stimulates Digestion Eating with hands can stimulate the production of digestive enzymes and juices in the mouth and stomach, which can help break down the food more efficiently and prevent indigestion, bloating, and gas.

3. Prevents Overeating Eating with hands can make us more aware of the texture, taste, and aroma of the food, which can increase our satisfaction and satiety levels. This can prevent us from overeating and help us maintain a healthy weight.

4. Lowers Blood Sugar Levels Eating with hands can slow down the speed of eating, which can lower the glycemic index of the food and prevent spikes in blood sugar levels. This can be beneficial for people with diabetes or prediabetes.

5. Boosts Immunity Eating with hands can expose us to some beneficial bacteria or flora that reside on our skin, mouth, and gut. These bacteria can protect us from harmful pathogens and infections and strengthen our immune system.

What Culture Says:Eating food with hands is not only a healthy habit but also a cultural one. Many cuisines around the world are designed to be eaten with hands, such as Indian rotis and curries, Ethiopian injera and stews, Moroccan couscous and tagines, Mexican tacos and burritos, etc. Eating these foods with cutlery can take away from their authentic flavour and experience. Eating food with hands can also create a sense of connection and intimacy with the food, the people who prepared it, and the people who share it. It can foster a sense of gratitude and appreciation for the food that nourishes us.The Art of Eating with HandsThe process of eating with hands involves more than just picking up food. Different cultures have their own techniques and etiquette when it comes to eating with hands. For example, in Indian culture, using the right hand is preferred as the left hand is considered unclean. Each finger may be used for different types of food such as using the thumb and index finger for tearing off a piece of bread or using all fingers to mix rice and curry. Understanding and respecting these cultural nuances can enhance the experience of eating with hands.Mindful Eating and ConnectionEating with hands can promote mindful eating, which involves being fully present and attentive to the act of eating. The sensory experience of touching food with hands, feeling its texture, and experiencing its temperature can deepen the connection with the food. By slowing down the eating process, we can savour each bite, appreciate the flavours, and develop a greater sense of gratitude for the nourishment the food provides.Hygiene and Food SafetyWhile eating with hands offers various benefits, it is crucial to maintain proper hygiene. Washing hands before and after eating is essential to prevent the spread of bacteria. Additionally, keeping nails trimmed and clean, and avoiding touching the face or hair during the meal, ensures food safety. These hygiene measures are important for enjoying the practice of eating with hands without any concerns.

Eating food with hands is a healthy habit that has many benefits for our physical, mental, and emotional well-being. It can enhance our digestion, blood circulation, immunity, and weight management. It can also enrich our sensory experience, mindfulness, and cultural awareness. However, eating food with hands also requires some hygiene measures. By following these precautions and embracing the art of eating with hands mindfully, we can enjoy the health benefits and cultural richness that this tradition offers.

The Bottom Line

So, ditch the utensils, roll up those sleeves, and get ready to savour every morsel with a touch of finger-licking indulgence!

Note: Remember to wash your hands and keep your nails tidy for a truly hygienic and delightful experience. Trust us, eating with hands will make you wonder why you ever bothered with those clunky spoons and forks.

8 Reasons Why Eating With Hands is Awesome

1. What Ayurveda Explains

Eating is supposed to be a sensory experience and it is said to evoke emotion and passion. According to the Vedas, hands are the most precious organs of action. The scriptures reveal how every finger is an extension of the five elements. Through the thumb comes space, with the forefinger comes air, the middle finger is fire, the ring finer is water and the little finger represents earth.

Hence, eating with one’s fingers stimulates these five elements and helps in bringing forth digestive juices in the stomach.

The nerve endings on our fingertips are known to stimulate digestion. Feeling your food becomes a way of signalling the stomach that you are about to eat. You become more conscious of the taste, textures and aromas.

2. Because our Hands are Good Enough

Biologically speaking, our hands were made to be multi-taskers. We can pick up things, scratch, feel, touch, make it into a claw shape and pick up small stuff or large stuff, hold water without dropping it…Do you get the point?

DISCLAIMER: Spoons are recommended while drinking soup or gravy, though.

3. Helps Manage our Food Portions

Eating with hands makes you eat slower and hence digest better because you become more aware of the process of eating as you experience it with all your senses.

Many recent studies have shown how you can mange your portions using the hand trick.

4. Eating with Hands is an Exercise too

Eating with hands increases the blood circulation in the body since it is sort of a muscle exercise.

For all you lazy bums out there like me, you know what to answer when someone asks about your exercise schedule next time.*wink wink*

5. Helps Manage Digestion Problems

how we have a bacteria, known as normal flora found on the palm and fingers of the hand. It is not harmful to humans, it, in fact, protects us from many damaging microbes in the environment. When you eat with your hands, the flora in the fingers is swallowed. It is beneficial for health and for various body parts such as the mouth, throat, and intestine, and it promotes healthy digestion in the gut.

As mentioned above handling food with your fingers releases digestive juices and enzymes. Also, millions of nerve endings in your fingers relay the message that you’re about to eat, including the temperature of the food, level of spiciness and texture of food, thereby prepping the stomach for digestion.

6. Helps You Stay FitBesides better digestion, managing food portion and muscle exercise (hehe) but two studies published in the journal Appetite found that when people ate by hand while simultaneously reading a newspaper or watching TV, they were less hungry at snack-time and opted for a smaller snack. Researchers concluded that eating by hand promotes a sense of fullness and satiety as compared to eating with utensils.

7. Helps Prevent Diseases like Type 2 Diabetes.All the above advantages and the fact that it helps prevent type 2 diabetes. A new study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that people with type 2 diabetes were more likely to be fast eaters that used cutlery to eat, as compared to people without the condition. Eating with forks and spoons correlates with faster eating, which has been linked to blood-sugar imbalances in the body — contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes.

8. It is More Hygienic

Contrary to popular belief eating with hands is way more hygienic than with utensils because of the simple reason that you wash your hands multiple times a day while we wash the utensils once a day. We are conscious of the cleanliness of our hands and hence whatever happens our hands will be cleaner at the end of the day.

5 reasons why you should eat with your hands

A lot of people do not know that eating with hands has a number of surprising health benefits

1) Helps prevent type 2 diabetes

A new study published in the journal Clinical Nutrition found that people with type 2 diabetes were more likely to be fast eaters that used cutlery to eat, as compared to people without the condition. Eating with forks and spoons correlates with faster eating, which has been linked to blood-sugar imbalances in the body — contributing to the development of type 2 diabetes. If you suspect that you may be eating too quickly, ditch utensils and focus on your eating style — consciously slow it down and see how you feel. You may be surprised by how soon you get full with less food if you eat with your hands.

2) Improved digestion

We have some bacteria, known as normal flora, found on the palm and fingers of the hand. It is not harmful to humans, it in fact protects us from many damaging microbes in the environment. When you eat with your hands, the flora in the fingers is swallowed. It is beneficial for health and for various body parts such as the mouth, throat, and intestine, and it promotes healthy digestion in the gut. Handling food with your fingers releases digestive juices and enzymes. Also, millions of nerve endings in your fingers relay the message that you’re about to eat, including the temperature of the food, level of spiciness and texture of food, thereby prepping the stomach for digestion.

3) Useful tool in preventing binge eating

Binge eating is becoming a concern with more adults, but it can also occur in childhood. Binge eating seems to be related to the vicious cycle of restrictive dieting followed by a loss of control around food, and it contributes to further health problems. A study published in the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology showed that families who ate by hand were more in touch with eating concepts, such as eating only when hungry and paying attention to fullness cues. The study found that parents were able to help their 8 to 12-year-old overweight children cut down on binge eating episodes by training them to eat by hand.

4) It can help decrease overeating at restaurants

People worldwide spend about 40% of their food budget on dining out. These meals tend to be higher in overall calories, raising concern that this practice is increasing our national waistline. While many health professionals advise people to try and cook more at home, one study showed that watchful eating at restaurants might help. The researchers found that middle-aged women who ate out and used their hands to pick on appetizers and dry food entrées at least three times a week were heedful while eating. This approach helped them reduce acid influx issues while still enjoying restaurant meals minus the feeling of heaviness.

5) Sure-fire way to stay lean.

Researchers studied over 1,600 middle-aged women in New Zealand found that those women who ate in response to hunger were more likely to be at a healthy weight than women who paid no mind to hunger cues when they ate. Many people multi-task while eating lunch, but two studies published in the journal Appetite found that when people ate by hand while simultaneously reading a newspaper or watching TV, they were less hungry at snack-time, and opted for a smaller snack. Researchers concluded that eating by hand promotes a sense of fullness and satiety as compared to eating with utensils.

10 Proven Benefits of Eating With Your Hands

Most Indians believe that the real taste of food can be experienced only by eating it with hands. As per Ayurveda, every finger is an augmentation of each of the five elements. Thus, when a person gathers his fingertips to touch the food, he possibly kindles the five elements (earth, water, fire, space, air), making him more aware of texture, smells and taste of the food that he is about to consume. This way you are not only feeding your physical body but also your spirit and mind.

Why Should You Eat Food With Your Hands?

Why do Indians eat with their hands? Some people may be curious to know this. Here are some of the benefits of eating food with your hands:

1. Improves Digestion

The minute we touch our food with our fingers, the nerve endings present in the fingertips signal the brain that we are about to eat.

The message is further transmitted to the stomach which starts preparing for digestion by releasing enzymes and digestive juices necessary for proper digestion.

Also, the nerve endings of the fingers help in ascertaining the texture and temperature of the food that we are about to partake, thereby readying the brain to release appropriate digestive juices even before the food has touched our lips.

2. Promotes Mindful Eating

When you join your fingers to eat, it may augment mindfulness for the taste and aroma of the food, thus making the entire event more pleasant. You are more connected or in sync with your food as compared to when eating with a fork or spoon. Plus, a more conscious and calm state of mind may support optimal digestion and better assimilation of nutrients.

3. Engages All Senses

When a person uses cutlery to eat food, he may be limiting his experience to the food textures felt in the mouth only. On the other hand, eating with hands adds a concrete dimension to your mealtime by engaging all your senses.

4. Provides Healthy Bacteria

Many healthy bacteria inhabit the skin of the hands.

This healthy flora can safeguard the body from the onslaught of other destructive bacteria that invade from the outside environment.

Eating with hands can thus aid in boosting our digestive system’s natural immunity to ecological bacterial germs. However, be sure to wash your hands properly before eating and also to trim your nails.

5. Prevents Burning of Tongue

Your hands can work as temperature sensors as well.

When an individual eats with a fork, he may not realise how hot the food is for it goes straight from the platter into his mouth.

In contrast, when you touch the food while eating it with your hands, the nerve endings of your fingertips convey a temperature reading to the brain, thus stopping you from burning your tongue.

6. Benefits Our Chakras

As fingers place the food into the mouth, they tend to curve in a yogic mudra which stimulates the sensory organs that maintain the prana balance.

According to Vedas, the fingertips are correlated to the third eye, heart, throat, solar plexus, sexual, root chakras.

So, when we consume food with hands, the touch and action trigger the chakras and profits us tremendously.

7. It Is Natural

Eating with hands is a common practice in many cultures, especially Indian, because Indian cuisine is such that it feels like the most natural thing to do.

Now imagine having dal and roti with fork and knife? Or trying to eat a non-vegetarian delicacy consisting of bones with a fork? It is quite impractical. Thus, hands are preferred over fine cutlery.

8. Increases Blood Circulation

Eating with hands is healthy as it can prove to be a wonderful muscle exercise that may in turn help in increasing blood circulation.

The hand’s movements may assist in promoting better flow of blood, thus positively affecting the overall well-being of the body.

9. Discourages Overeating

Eating with hands may allow you to have your food slowly and deliberately which can help you feel full even with less food thus preventing binge eating and likely weight gain.

It also encourages a sense of satiety or satisfaction which is lacking while using cutlery to have your food.

10. Reduces the Risk of Type-2 Diabetes

Research shows that type-2 diabetic patients are probably hasty eaters.

This is because they use cutlery to eat when compared to individuals who don’t have the condition.

Eating fast has been connected to blood sugar disparities in the body, thus being a factor in the occurrence of type-2 diabetes.

Indians tend to attach a lot of value to food, both while preparing and relishing it.

When it comes to eating, most Indians may do so with hands unlike the Western culture of using fancy cutlery. And the practice does have its advantages.

So the next time you want to relish food, consider tossing the cutlery to sample the dishes with hands.

Scientific reason behind eating with hands

1. Hands are an extension of the five elements

According to ancient texts of India, and Ayurveda, our five fingers are like the five elements:

The thumb represents Agni (fire),

The index finger Varun (air),

The middle finger Akash (sky/space),

The ring finger Prithvi (Earth), and

The little finger Jal (water).

Hands are the center of tactile sensations, processed by the brain.

So, when you eat with your fingers, you stimulate these five elements and prepare yourself for the intake of food, and the subsequent process of digestion.

2. It aids and eases digestion

Our hands are the first level of digestion. When we mash food with them, we enable easier digestion: in the mouth and then, in the stomach.

The touching of fingers also activates the pranas (energy) in them, and this prana is transferred to the food with the naadis (pulse) in our finger tips.

When we eat with our hands, they form a mudra.

With the help of different mudras or postures with the hands, Ayurveda teaches us important ancient curative mechanisms.

The mudra helps cleanse food of negative vibes and energy, making it fit for consumption.

So, eating with fingers has the added benefit of easier digestion. These advantages are lost with a spoon.

3. Tearing food becomes easier

This is not only true of Indian food such as dosas and rotis but also Western ones such as bread, and pancakes as well.

The positioning of the fingers and their flexibility make it easier to tear food into small pieces that can be consumed. Compared to rigid cutlery, hands can mold, re-shape, cut, soften, and roll food, making it suitable for chewing and digestion.

4. You avoid overeating

With increased sensory organs at work, you are more conscious of the amount and type of food that you intake.

This ensures that you eat only as much as your appetite (and not your greed) demands. Along with smaller portions, eating with your fingers also helps you eat slower.

This allows you to make a more informed judgment about how much you really need to become full.

And hence, avoids overeating.

5. It is more hygienic

Simplistic as it sounds, you wash cutlery once whereas you wash your hands multiple times a day.

Plus you know where your hands have been! And you are more aware of any soap remnants stuck to your hand than to your cutlery.

So, how can a washed and used piece of cutlery be cleaner than your very own personal fore limb?

6. Adds an extra sensory organ that helps you appreciate your food more

It is because you are now offering yourself the sense of touch, in addition to the sense of sight and smell to enable you to relish your meals. Your eyes search for dirt or particles that don’t belong in your food. Your nose keeps at bay foul smelling or rotten food.

So, if one more sense organ, the skin helps you test your food before you put it into your system, it is good, isn’t it? It makes it safer for you to put the food in your mouth. How?

Ever put a boiling piece of vegetable into your mouth without knowing it?

It probably happened because you were using a spoon! If you use your hands, you have a better idea of the temperature of your food and prepare yourself for it, so you don’t scald your tongue directly.

Yes, your hands are likely to feel the heat first, but the skin on the palms is harder than that on your tongue, and you can always lightly feel it before picking it up.

Also, your brain is more prepared for the food you are about to consume. This helps you anticipate and savor the taste of the food you are about to eat with more enjoyment. The digestive system also releases juices that are appropriate to digest the food based on its texture!

There is something warm, intimate and homely about eating with your hands (which is the feeling that you should eat with) that cannot compare to the cold feel silverware, stainless steel or glass, as it were. Your hands are a part of you and your emotional connect with the food you eat makes it more palatable.

Some rules relating to eating with hands

1. Washing your hands thoroughly before and after eating is sacrosanct. Many hotels are equipped with wash basins to wash yourself before eating. They also offer a bowl of water with a lemon to help you clean the grease off your hands after you are done.

2. In many cultures, including Indian culture, it is the practice to eat only with the right hand. The left is not considered clean.

3. Only your fingers should touch the food and not your entire palm and hand.

4. Along with eating with hands, the Indian practice of sitting on the floor is also a healthy custom. The back and forth movement, while you sit on the floor and eat, activates digestive enzymes, and also prevents overeating.

Why Indians Eat With Their Hands

This may sound familiar to some of you.

Remember when your mother or father would tell you to stop playing with your food and use a fork and knife? Well, perhaps you still shouldn’t play with your food, but in India you should definitely set aside that cutlery and use your hands when eating a delicious Indian meal.

In India, as well as other parts of the world, eating with your hands is part of the culture.

After all, what could be more natural, more primal? Though many may view this custom as uncivilized, the practice is not as easy as it may look.

There is in fact a skill to it and manners to follow.

There are also several health benefits from eating with your hands such as improves digestion and prevention of diabetes.

There’s also an even deep significance as to why eating with your hands is so important according to Indian culture.

When did eating with yours hands become a thing in India?

The practice of eating with the hands originated within Ayurvedic teachings.

The Vedic people believed that our bodies are in sync with the elements of nature and our hands hold a certain power.

Ayurvedic texts teach that each finger is an extension of one of the five elements:

Through the thumb comes space

Through the forefinger comes air

Through the mid-finger comes fire

Through the ring finger comes water

Through the pinky finger comes earth

When you eat with your hands, you are supposed to do so by joining all fingers together. This is believed to improve our consciousness of the taste of the food we eat.

Not only are you feeding your body but also your mind and spirit.

When you touch your food with your hands, you’re creating a physical and spiritual connection with it. You’re also much more present in the moment.

When food is touched with the hands, there’s automatically more careful attention placed on it what the temperature is, how much you can carry, how the hand must be held in order to keep the food in it.

Eating with your hands is respectful!

When you are invited into the home of an Indian family for a meal, it’s a mark of respect towards the host and god to physically touch your food when eating.

However, there is a technique to eating this way.

In the south of India, it’s considered ill-mannered to let the palm of your hands or outside of your fingers get stained. Proper etiquette is to only use the tips of your fingers to pick up the food.

This goes back to our fingertips holding certain energies.

What about soupy food? Do I use my hands for these types of dishes?

In general, silverware is used only in the kitchen for preparing and for serving the food.

However, for more liquidly foods such as some dal dishes, a spoon can be used. In the North of India, rice can also be eaten with a spoon but in the South, the practice of eating food (including rice) from a banana leaf is practised.

What about the whole saying “you don’t know where your hands have been?”

Well, I sure hope you do. After all, they are your hands!

You will find that in every Indian restaurant there’s a hand washing station.

This is so you can clean your hands before enjoying your meal.

As for the skeptics who still believe there’s bacteria on your hands that shouldn’t be consumed

Our body has a certain kind of bacteria that protects us from other harmful bacteria in the environment. This good bacteria resides in places like our hands, mouth, throat, intestine, gut and the rest of our digestive system.

When you eat with your hands, this good bacteria enters your system and protects you against harmful bacteria.

So, as long as you wash the bad bacteria you’ve collected from your day off your hands, you’ll be giving your body a dose of good bacteria that it needs to stay healthy.

Along with the ingesting good bacteria, there are other health benefits to reap from eating with your hands:

Improves Digestion

When you use your fingers to pick up food, millions of nerve endings in your fingers relay the message that you’r about to eat.

This preps the stomach for digestion by releasing digestive juices and enzymes.

Promotes Mindful Eating

I’ve read several articles sharing the same message of the importance of eating slow and only when relaxed.

Eating when your stressed or too fast can lead to some pretty ugly indigestion problems you don’t want to deal with.

A calm, aware state allows optimum digestion.

Not only that, but it also prevents you from overeating.

As In Indian Culture, Eat With Your Hands – It is Healthy!

In India, people use their hands to eat their food or meal.

It is an Indian culture we practice from ancient times.

Perhaps, it may not be good manners or etiquette to you, but there are reasons behind this habit.

There are several benefits of eating with hands, which include improving digestion and the prevention of diabetes.

Where Western countries use cutleries and Eastern countries use chopsticks, here in India, by habit we eat with our bare hands.

According to our Indian culture, there is a deep significance of eating with hands.

The eating with hands culture is an Ayurvedic (the Hindu medical system) teaching and originated in Vedic times.

The Vedic people used to believe that our bodies are in sync with the elements of nature and our hands hold a certain power. Each finger is an extension of one of the five elements (Space, Air, Water, Fire, and Earth).

Why eat food with hands?

Ancient Indian culture is rich with customs and traditions that makes the life enriched with principles and values. According to Hindu philosophy, every action & activity in our routine is seen as divine.

Values in Indian culture teaches us to see divinity in everything. Walking itself is treated as salutation to earth considering her as Mother.

The Sun, offering life energy to entire creation, without taking anything in return is regarded as one of the Gods and so on with other natural phenomenon.

Human birth is considered as divine and so is the human body.

The core values in Indian culture is that all ancient Indian scriptures pay high regard to physical body.

It is regarded as a vehicle to carry mind along with its emotions to reach the destination the godliness.

Every action in Hinduism and ancient Indian traditions is backed with scientific or a moral reason.

Why eat food with hands align with nature: Trees and plants too has a place in the Indian traditiom There are lot of temples across the country where you can see the peepal tree being worshipped as equivalent to God.

Again, if we look at the values in Indian culture environment is given utmost importance.

It is important to note that we need food to sustain life and energy in our body.

Needless to state, “Annam” or food we eat is respected before it is consumed.

In the 15th chapter of Bhagavad Gita, even food we consume is considered as Brahman, the divine.

We all know that once our body too will join the earth along with soil! Values in Indian culture teaches us to treat food as the divine that sustains life in the body.

Why eat food with hands – a There is nothing in the life of a Hindu that is not linked with yogic practices. Values in Indian culture teaches us to connect each activity with yoga also.

Most of the habits of Hindus were evolved from yogic practices.

Because of this reason, most of us practice it without even thinking about the underlying yogic principle.

Hands & legs are the god gifted organs to human beings. It is because of the hands and legs we are able to carry out our actions and activities in daily life.

Let me talk a bit about yoga here.

The food consumed needs to be digested well to reach across the body so as to keep the body healthy.

You will have a balanced mind only if the food is properly consumed by the body.

The channels or energies carrying out this responsibility are called as “pranas”.

Indian tradition always advise eating with hands.

The pancha pranas (five elements) flows through these fingers. They are agni, Vayu, akasha, prithvj, jala i.e. fire, air, sky, earth, water respectively.

These are essential to digest and balance the energy in our body. It is the same hands we use to pray, greet using namaste.

The principle of pancha pranas have great role in the values in Indian culture and tradition.

According to Vedas, hands are considered to be the most valuable organs in human body.

Most of the Vedic practices are performed with the help of right hand. As suggested earlier, the five elements represented by fingers are thumb represents the space element, forefinger is the remembrance of air element, middle finger is the representation of fire, ring finger signifies water and finally the little finger is the representative of the earth.

Ayurveda suggests lot of different combination of food items and ingredients to help digestion.

Why eat food with hands – An ayurvedic perspective: According to Ayurveda, the tips of fingers

where the nerves end is believed to help the digestion if you consume food with hands.

Psychologically also, the taste of the food can be sensed more if eaten using the hands than using any other utensil like spoon or fork.

Just with the touch, our body can easily make out if the food is hot to consume.

We will also sense if it can create stomach problems by disturbing the digestive system.

Instead of tasting the food with a spoon, taste with tongue and then eating with hands is always recommended.

If you look at the entire creation, no living being uses anything a like spoon or fork to eat food.

This is the principle taught to us by the nature and creation through the values in Indian culture.

There is always an awareness among us to wash hands prior to eating food, especially when we eat with our hands. This

ensures cleanliness and hygiene. Eating food with hands makes you more conscious about the cleanliness and hygiene factor.

Most of the old aged people who still follow these customs and traditions won’t touch food in other plates or vessel while eating food with hands.

Old people still roll the rice in hands making it the shape of a ball. It is like an exercise for the fingers too. This is especially seen in South India.

There is always a fulfilment both physically & mentally if food is consumed with hands.

Researchers too recommend eating food with hands rather than using cutlery as it gives a sense of fullness.

Why eat food with hands – Experiencing mindfulness: Mindfulness is one of the key benefits of practicing several customs and traditions explained in the ancient Indian scriptures. It is the practice of values in Indian culture and tradition.

This is applicable even while having food.

If we eat using our hands, it will help to achieve mindfulness.

Especially chewing and swallowing, can happen with awareness and

mindfulness. It is not only beneficial for the mind, but also for the body.

Eating mechanically will certainly affect the body by putting on weight, creating indigestion, etc.

This will affect also the bowel movement leading to lethargy.

So, it is not just about eating the food, but eating with awareness.

Our ancient scriptures, philosophies have elaborated the values in Indian culture even in the case of a minute aspect like eating food.

Leading a holistic life will always be beneficial for the entire humanity.