Folded Hands, Bent Knees, Open Heart—The Ancient Posture That Doubles as Wellness Practice

Image Source: Business Today

Bending the knee in temples has long been a symbol of humility and respect—but researchers are now revealing that this ancient tradition is also a powerful means of physical and mental healing.

A recent Business Today article explores how the simple act of kneeling and bowing forward during temple prayers mirrors actions from yoga and physical therapy. The same position, one typically done unconsciously during prayer, offers an unexpected range of health benefits.

Physical Benefits of the Posture:

Spinal Extension & Joint Strength: Kneeling stretches out the spine and tightens up the hips and knees, much like a low-impact yoga session.
Lower Back Relief: Forward bending movement decompresses the lower back and offers soothing relief from pain.
Cardiovascular Calm: Bowing with the head downwards can trigger a gentle drop in blood pressure and heart rate, resulting in a sense of calm.
Posture Reset: Repetitive kneeling increases alignment and flexibility, specifically to the lower body.

Mental & Emotional Benefits:

Stress Reduction: The posture activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which dissolves anxiety and stress.
Emotional Intensity: Neuroscientists suggest that kneeling heightens feelings of humility, thankfulness, and spiritual intensity—states linked to better mental health.
Body-Soul Attunement: The act of kneeling is believed to quiet the ego and concentrate mental clarity, uniting body and soul in one, holy breath.

Yet experts caution that kneeling on firm surfaces for an extended time can be stressful to joints. The use of cushion or being careful while kneeling can avert this.

From sashtang pranam in Hinduism to sujud in Islam, kneeling is a cross-cultural ritual that fuses religion and fitness. As it so turns out, the ancient gesture is arguably one of the most overlooked wellness practices of the times.

Sources: Business Today, Lyfas Life Care, Oracion Cristiana