Ayurveda introduces Samskaras as ceremonies that mark good health of body, mind and intellect. The main purpose of Samskaras is to prepare the baby for intrauterine and extrauterine life, develop proper feeding habits and ensure adequate nutrition.
Different Samskaras are described for different stages of life in ancient Ayurvedic texts. These stages mark, announce or ensure proper growth, child health and overall development at each step.
Karna Vedha or ear piercing is one such Samskara!
If you’re someone who finds ear piercings pleasant on the eyes and as an enhancement in one’s aesthetics...
Or
If you’re someone who already has a piercing, then you might be reminded of the undesirable pain that you experienced when you got yours done...
Either way, this traditional practice of ear piercing, according to the 5000-year-old Science of Life, holds unbelievable health benefits!
So, if you are contemplating on getting a piercing or are on the fence about it, you can actually give yourself or your child’s body & mind the added benefits of this ancient procedure.
But before that, first let's understand...
What exactly does this Ayurvedic practice of ‘Karna Vedha’ Mean?
The ancient Indian practice and Ayurvedic art of piercing the ears of babies is called ‘Karna Vedha’ (Karna- ear, Vedha-Piercing). It is mentioned as 1 among the 16 Samskaras or sacraments, sacrifices, and rituals done to mark the various stages of human life and to signify cultural heritage and proper upbringing.
These piercings also have mystical and symbolic significance. This practice is intended to open the inner ears of the child to receive sacred sounds, which is also believed to nurture the spirit and cleanse one of their sins.
In fact, this ancient Ayurvedic ceremony is said to improve the health of the intestines and cure the swelling of testicles in males, a condition that affects 1 in 10 baby boys.
But that’s not where the unique health benefits of Karna Vedha stop! Want to know more about the unbelievable benefits of Karna Vedha? Keep reading...
When and where should the piercings be done?
Ayurveda specifically recommends that this practice must begin with the right ear, in case of boys, and left ear, in case of girls. It also states that Karna Vedha must be done either on the 10th, 12th, or 16th day or in the 6th or 7th or 8th month, or odd years from the year of childbirth.
The Ancient Ayurvedic text Sushruta Samhita, written by the famous physician and surgeon Sushruta in the 6th century BC, mentions Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday as auspicious days for conducting the ceremony.
Karna Vedha is advised to be performed according to the movements of celestial bodies and should be avoided during the new moon.
And so, if you are a mother who is considering getting an ear piercing for their child, or someone who wants to try this procedure...
MARK your calendars and save yourself the perfect date!
Although, it might seem like a notorious procedure that wouldn’t necessarily be pleasing to the ears, its health benefits might suggest otherwise and deem its worth!
Here are 5 unbelievable health benefits of Karna Vedha:
- Promotes a healthy Reproductive health
Acharya Sushruta, the ancient Ayurvedic scholar, explains that the lobe of the ear possesses an important Marma point that is found right in its middle. Marma points, according to Ayurveda, are energy points in the body used for healing. It can also be compared to acupuncture points in Chinese Medicine!
This Marma point is considered the most essential for the health of one’s reproductive organs. This process, according to Acharya Sushruta, helps in preventing diseases like Hydrocele and Hernia in males. In females, it is known to regularize and maintain a healthy menstrual cycle and increase the vitality of the reproductive organs.
2. Ensures proper brain development
Ear piercing at an early stage in life is said to help ensure proper and enhanced brain development.
According to Sushruta, the ear lobes contain meridian points that connect to the left and the right hemisphere of the human brain. This theory can also be found in the Chinese principles of acupressure therapy. Which believes piercing or stimulating these points helps in the quick and healthy development of the brain and enhances memory.
3. Believed to sharpen eyesight
The presence of a specific acupuncture point in the center of each earlobe is said to be connected to the eyes. Piercings on these points are said to help sharpen the eyesight.
Even Pirates used to abide by this practice, as they believed doing so would improve or even cure poor eyesight. That is why it was common among pirates to wear earrings.
Yes, you read that right!
4. Helps with OCD, nervousness and anxiety
Ayurveda not only states the piercing ceremony to help with proper brain development, but it is also known to prevent conditions like hysteria.
This statement can also be backed by acupressure theory, which believes that applying pressure on this point helps keep a check on mental illnesses like OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), nervousness and anxiety.
5. Energy flow
Ayurveda also believes a flow of energy will be maintained if one wears earrings. Doing so balances the energy points which leads to optimal mental and physical well-being. Additionally, it also helps us function at our best in the prime of one’s time with more energy and motivation.
Even though the Ayurvedic practice of Karna Vedha dates back to millenniums and millenniums ago, yet people are still following it and practicing it for its undeniable health benefits. Because what better proof than that of time!
What's your take on Ear Piercing?
Have you ever considered getting ear piercing done?
Tell us in the comment below.
Please consult a qualified Ayurvedic practitioner before trying the recommendations mentioned in this article.
Sources:
A critical review of Bal Samskara and its scientific importance: https://www.jaims.in/jaims/article/view/1135
Karna Vedha- importance of ear-piercing in Hinduism: https://vedictribe.com/bhartiya-rights-rituals/karnavedha-sanskar-importance-of-ear-piercing-in-hinduism/
Karnavedha: Here's the Auspicious Date and Time for Ear-Piercing Ceremony: https://www.news18.com/news/lifestyle/karnavedha-heres-the-auspicious-date-and-time-for-ear-piercing-ceremony-in-march-3545021.html
Desi Wisdom: 7 things you didn't know about ear piercing: https://www.thehealthsite.com/diseases-conditions/desi-wisdom-7-things-you-didnt-know-about-ear-piercing-192410/