Spiritual and Energetic Impact of Handshakes

 

Introduction

In today’s modern era, the handshake is considered as a universal gesture of greeting, respect, and agreement. On other hand shaking hands is seen as a polite, friendly, and professional behaviour in social gatherings and corporate circles.

Food for thought: How physical interaction in form of handshake has impact on  energetic or spiritual level?

There are different theories behind this concept.

Ayurveda, the ancient Indian system of holistic healing teaches us that there is transfer of energy with each touch. Whenever we meet any person, the first action is to greet. How we greet others, a simple action can have impact / influence on our well-being. A simple action like a handshake may seem harmless or even positive interaction, but it has very deep implication on our subtle energy body—or Pranic field. Human bodies are complex systems of energy, emotion, and spirit but most of us just assume body as physical vessel.

How to greet / connect with others as per Ayurveda prospect

Namaste –Greeting of Respect in Ayurveda

Namaste, the respectful and spiritually aligned way is best way of greeting in Ayurveda and yogic traditions. A gesture which is performed by placing both palms together in front of the heart and bowing down slightly is known as Namaste. Namaste gesture carries meaning in multiple layers such as:

"Namaste" symbolizes

·       Mutual respect and Spiritual recognition.

• Maintains personal energetic boundaries by avoiding physical touch.
• "The divine in me bows to the divine in you" means heartfelt expression

Namaste - Spiritually Safe and Energetically Balanced Gesture

• The joining of hands represent heart-centred gesture which represent unity, peace, and compassion.
• Namaste means No physical contact. Our energy remains intact and uncontaminated by the energetic frequencies of others.
• Namaste also balances all three doshas: Vata (air), Pitta (fire), and Kapha (earth) due to its stabilized, balanced and symmetrical posture.

Such postures in Ayurveda promotes such mindful greetings without energetic exchange between individuals.

 

Why to avoid Handshakes as gesture of greeting:

1. Transfer of Energies (Pranic Exchange)

Every human being is a bundle of energy with subtle life-force energy called Prana. This energy can be positive or negative based on situations. This energy can be transmitted and absorbed by contacting each other through various body parts especially hands because our hands are rich with nerve endings and energy centers.

During handshake:

• Unintentionally, the emotional, mental, and physical energy is transferred via handshake. This energy can be good or bad.
• If a person is in stress, anger or anxiety, unconsciously the negative energy is transferred.
• Similarly, meeting with multiple persons can drain our positive energy leading to tiredness and may be reason for brain fog..

2. Disturbance of Doshas

In Ayurveda, the balance of doshas Vata, Pitta, and Kapha get disturbed during handshake and can affect such as:

• During frequent touch or handshake, persons of Vata types may feel anxious or drained due to overstimulation of energy.
• Persons having Pitta types might become irritated or agitated during aggressive touch.
• Persons with Kapha types, may unintentionally absorb others' emotional heaviness due to their grounded nature.

Balancing of doshas is very crucial for health, and Ayurveda sees unwanted or unconscious touch as a potential disruptor.

How to identify doshas:

Dosha type	Signs of Identification
Vata	Dryness and roughness of skin Too much weight loss. Irregular bowel movement or constipation Pain in bones, joints Flatulence Fear and restlessness Abnormal pulse rate Palpitation Preference for hot environment and surroundings
Pitta	Excessive heat marked by desire for cold things Yellow coloration of the skin Giddiness Weakness Reduced sleep Increased anger and agitation Burning sensation Excessive thirst and hunger Increased tendency of being a perfectionist Bitter taste in the mouth Bad breath Hot flashes
Kapha	Anorexia Drowsiness Cough Respiratory disorders Obesity Sweet taste in the mouth Goitre Indigestion Hardening of blood vessels Loss of appetite Flu Sinusitis Bronchitis Disorders of the joints

 

3. Risk of Absorbing "Ama" (Toxic Energy)

In Ayurveda, Ama is called toxic residue. Due to poor digestion, both physically and emotionally, toxins get accumulated in our body. During shaking of hands energetically, there can be transfer of mental or emotional ama (Sadness, stress and  hatred) can lead to:

• Fatigue / mental clutter
• Weak immunity or ojas (vital essence).

These kinds of energies accumulate with time but difficult to notice.

4. Decline in Spiritual Power (Tejas and Ojas)

Inner radiance(Tejas) and are essential energies in ayurveda for spiritual clarity and immunity.

• During handshakes for multiple times, there is leakage of Ojas resulting in weakening of our natural energetic defence system.
• Vital essence (Ojas) is also affected by handshaking gestures due to constant exchange of physical and emotional energy.

Since, our sages and yogis do not allow any type of touch, they are often seen as arrogant. Actually their intent is to protect their spiritual reserves and maintain energetic hygiene.

 

Global Awareness and modern implications:

Best example in which greetings without touching each other (Not even hand shaking) is becoming culture can be summarized as:

• COVID-19 pandemic: During COVID 19, touchless greetings became socially acceptable culture. Many countries in world has continued this culture of touchless greetings.

• Empaths and Energy healers: As more and more people are becoming aware about energetic boundaries, non-contact culture is being adopted which is beneficial in healing many lifestyle diseases..

In today’s high-touch, high-speed world, ayurvedic prospects are still relevant and effective in maintaining good health.

 

Alternative Greeting Practices:

For greetings, there are many alternatives in Ayurveda Instead of shaking hands which are spiritually aligned balance energies:

1. Eye Contact with a Smile

A smile with gentle eye contact is effective in conveying connection without physical touch. It helps in preserving energy and spreads happiness.

2. Bowing Slightly

Slight bowing down during greetings symbolizes humility and mutual respect. This gesture carries high spiritual vibration and foster human connection without touch.

 

Tips in Ayurveda for protection of Energy:

In Ayurvedic and yogic practices, there are some practical tips which can conserve energy:

1. Cold water for Hand wash
   Negative energy gets released after washing hands with cold water. This is also called as Pranic residue.
2. 
3. Rubbing hands and Shaking Them Off
   This gesture helps in clearing stagnant or foreign energy after a handshake.
4. 
5. Use Protective Oils
   Before stepping out of our homes, rub few drops of sandalwood or tulsi oil on wrists and palms before meeting people which will act as an energetic barrier.

6. Daily Pranayama and Meditation
   Meditation and breathing exercises (Anulom vilom and Kapalbhati) helps in restoring energetic balance and clears accumulated negative energy.

ANULOM VILOM	KAPALBHATI

Note: For learning yoga exercises, contact yoga trainer for correct procedures.

Conclusion

Handshake is widely accepted in today’s society but Ayurveda offers some other alternatives for greetings which help in conserving energy and spiritual health. Namaste, a respectful bow, or a heartfelt smile, can honour others without having physical touch and conserving both physical boundaries and spiritual well-being.

So, pause for a moment before reaching out to shake someone’s hand considering what you're giving and what you're receiving—not just physically, but energetically.

Choose connection but also choose consciousness.