Milind Soman Has Mastered A New Skill Of Blowing The Conch Shell: Here Are Its Health Benefits

From promoting cardiovascular health to improving sleep and lung capacity, find out about the numerous health benefits of blowing a conch shell.

Besides exercising outdoors to build muscles and strengthen the bones, Milind Soman is aware that there are many other skills that can take care of one's overall fitness and health. When it comes to internal well-being, there are certain specific activities that can be done at home, without much paraphernalia. Soman recently took to Instagram to share a video in which he expertly blew a conch shell, which is commonly found in many Indian (Hindu) households and used during ceremonies and festivals. For a beginner, it may seem like a challenging activity, requiring quite a lot of pressure and skill, but once it has been mastered, it can become quite a fun workout. The 59-year-old wrote in the caption accompanying the video that he has been "learning a new skill", and that the "sound produced by the conch is believed to purify the environment, dispelling negative energies and bringing in positivity". Take a look at the video.

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A post shared by Milind Usha Soman (@milindrunning)

Soman -- who loves to work out in the nature, especially going out running -- also mentioned some other health benefits of blowing the conch shell. "Blowing a conch exercises the muscles in your chest, neck, diaphragm, bladder, and lower abdomen. It also strengthens your vocal cords and thyroid glands, expands your lung muscles and improves their capacity. Blowing a conch puts pressure on the prostate, which can help prevent enlargement. The deep breathing involved in blowing a conch can reduce stress and anxiety. The sound waves produced by the conch can improve focus and performance," he stated, based on what he read online.

Spiritual And Cultural Significance

Besides the aforementioned points highlighted by Soman, an actor and model, blowing the conch shell, also known as shankh, has been an integral part of Hinduism and Buddhism for centuries. It is believed to purify the mind, body, and soul, and bring spiritual growth.

Physical And Mental Health Benefits

Here are the 10 health benefits of blowing the conch shell:

1. Reduces inflammation: The sound vibrations from the conch shell are believed to have anti-inflammatory properties, which can help reduce inflammation and promote healing.
2. Improves digestion: The vibrations from the conch shell can help stimulate the digestive system and improve digestion.
3. Promotes spiritual growth: As mentioned earlier, blowing the conch shell is believed to promote spiritual growth by purifying the mind, body, and soul.
4. Reduces blood pressure: Doctors say that regular blowing of the conch shell can help reduce blood pressure and promote overall cardiovascular health.
5. Improves sleep: The calming sound of the conch shell can help improve sleep quality and duration.
6. Relieves sinus congestion: The vibrations from the conch shell can help relieve sinus congestion and promote clear breathing.
7. Improves mental clarity: Blowing the conch shell can help improve mental clarity and focus by stimulating the brain's cognitive functions.
8. Reduces stress and anxiety: The vibrations produced by blowing the conch shell can help calm the mind and reduce stress and anxiety.
9. Improves lung capacity: Blowing the conch shell requires controlled breathing, which can help improve lung capacity and overall respiratory health.
10. Boosts immune system: The sounds made from the conch shell are believed to stimulate the immune system and increase its ability to fight off infections.

In short, blowing the conch shell is an activity that requires many muscles in the body to work together to enable a coordinated auditory outcome. But, one must consider that while blowing the conch shell can have numerous health benefits, it is essential to do so correctly to avoid any adverse effects. It is recommended to consult with a healthcare professional or a qualified yoga instructor before starting a conch shell blowing practice on your own.