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Culturally, we attach a lot of importance to the holy tilak on the forehead. Applying a yellow sandalwood tilak is a common practice in India. While you may be aware of the religious significance of applying sandalwood on the forehead, here's the scientific significance of it.
Scientific significance
The area between the eyebrows, where you apply chandan is the spot of 'agna' chakra. In yogic science, this chakra or energy channel, often called as the third eye is considered as one of immense power. The third eye signifies a point of awakening and is usually activated when you pursue spiritual sciences. This is also one of the reasons for wearing a bind or tilak. You can read more about it here.
Applying chandan on the point, has the following benefits:
Improves focus and concentration
Spiritual guru Sri Sri Ravi Shankar often talks about the third eye being associated with awareness and alertness. According to him, applying sandalwood paste on your forehead can stimulate your attention and helps you focus better. The cooling sandalwood can also have a significant effect on your body and mind.
Relieves headache
In Chinese acupressure sciences, the area between the eyebrows is considered to be a converging point of nerves, and a massage on it is believed to ease headaches. So, applying chandan on your forehead helps in cooling the nerves and relieving a headache caused because of excessive sun exposure [1]. Here are some more natural remedies to beat headache.
Keeps you positive
The third eye represents your subconscious mind and various thought processes. Negative energy in the form of negative thoughts enters your body through this chakra. When you apply chandan, you block the negative energy from entering the body [2].
Relieves insomnia and stress
The most common reason for insomnia is an overactive mind, mental stress and fatigue. Ayurveda believes massaging this spot with chandan can relieve stress and insomnia. Also, try shirodhara-- an Ayurvedic technique to help beat stress.
Has a cooling effect on your body
The 'magic' ingredient, chandan, or sandalwood is popular for its cooling properties. It not only benefits the skin but also cools the nerves below it [3]. In a hot tropic country like India, applying sandalwood on your forehead can help cool your entire system.
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References:
[1] Hsieh LL, Liou HH, Lee LH, Chen TH, Yen AM. Effect of acupressure and trigger points in treating headache: a randomized controlled trial. Am J Chin Med. 2010;38(1):1-14. PubMed PMID: 20128040.
[2] Jan de Vries, The Five Senses, 1997, 120-Page
[3] Kumar, D. (2011). Anti-inflammatory, analgesic, and antioxidant activities of methanolic wood extract of Pterocarpus santalinus L. Journal of Pharmacology & Pharmacotherapeutics, 2(3), 200 202. doi:10.4103/0976-500X.83293
