True, it’s a gesture of showing respect. But why can’t we touch a calf or a thigh or a shoulder or any other body part for showing respect? Like countless allegorical conundrums of Hindu tradition, touching feet too conceals a scientific benefit with a rational explanation.
The Right Way of Touching Feet
To understand this, we must first know the right way of touching one’s feet. Bend the upper half of your body, ideally without bending your knees, and stretch both your arms – with your head between them – to touch the feet of the elder. Obvious that it is, the fingertips of your left hand should touch the right foot of the elder and your right hand should be on their left foot. The elder person should now touch the top of your head with their right hand.
The Scientific explanation of touching feet
The nerves that start with our brain spread across all your body. These nerves or wires end in the fingertips of your hand and feet. When you join the fingertips of your hand to those of their opposite feet, a circuit is immediately formed and the energies of two bodies are connected. Your fingers and palms become the ‘receptor’ of energy and the feet of other person become the ‘giver’ of energy.
1. Feet are like a base for a building.
2. While touching feet we ask for one’s wisdom and pay respect to their experiences.
3.According to Atharvaveda…
4. Do you know the perfect way to touch the feet of elders?
5. A circuit of positive energy is built between the seeker and the blesser.
6. It also increases blood circulation.
Usually, the person of whose feet you are touching is either old or pious. When they accept your respect which came from your reduced ego (and is called your Shraddha) their hearts emit positive thoughts and energy (which is called their Karuna) which reaches you through their hands and toes.
In essence, the completed circuit enables the flow of energy and increases cosmic energy, switching on a quick connection between two minds and hearts. To an extent, the same is achieved through handshakes and hugs. Ever wondered why you suddenly feel better after a firm handshake or an affectionate hug? Now you know. You should feel the same after touching feet of a good soul, provided you do it the right way.