A bindi is a mark of protection worn by many Hindus in the center of the forehead. The word is derived from the Sanskrit, Bindu, which means “point” or “dot.” Bindu refers to the point from which creation begins and the bindi symbolizes this point.

Traditionally, the bindi is red, yellow, or white. They are usually made from the paste of aromatic sandalwood, turmeric, or sindoor. Depending on the region or religious tradition, a bindi can come in a variety of shapes. The most common is a red circular dot; however, half moons, parallel stripes, and "U" shapes are worn and carry different meanings. A bindi can also be called tika, sindoor, pottu, kumkum, tilak and tilakam.

                                                                 health benefits of wearing a bindi on your forehead

 

Center of awakening and concentration:

 The point right between our eyebrows, on our forehead is the point where the major nerves of the body meet. Apart from that, this point is also known as the position of the sixth, and most important chakra. Known as the 'Ajna chakra', this point signifies the point of awakening and the position of the third eye. It is believed that when this spot is stimulated it helps a person in a number of ways including making you calmer and helping beat anxiety. It is also believed that this point helps a person awaken to the world that cannot be seen by the two physical eyes.

 Relieves a headache: 

According to the principles of acupressure, this point in the body is the key to finding instant relief from a headache. That is because it has a convergence of nerves and blood vessels that are instantly relaxed with this point are massaged. Read more about natural remedies to relieve a headache.

 

 

Clears up sinuses:

 On pressing this point a specific branch of the trigeminal nerve (the nerve supplies our entire face) that supplies the nose and the areas around it is stimulated (mainly the zygomatic, temporal, and buccal arm of the trigeminal nerve). When stimulated these nerves to help stimulate and increase the blood flow to the nasal passage, the mucosal lining of the nose, and sinuses. This In turn helps relieve a blocked nose, reduce the swelling within the sinuses and the nose, and helps relieve nasal congestion and sinusitis. Read more about home remedies to help beat sinusitis.

Strengthens your facial muscles and can beat wrinkles: 

One of the most amazing benefits of stimulating this point is that it stimulates the muscles of the face and increases blood flow (by stimulating the supratrochlear artery, and the supratrochlear vein) to all the muscles involved. This action helps retain the stiffness of the muscles, nourishes the skin, and keeps wrinkles at bay. Apart from that this point is also the home of the supratrochlear nerve (a branch of a nerve that nourishes the skin), thereby helping the skin look more supple, healthy, and wrinkle-free for longer. Find out everything you'd want to know about anti-aging.

 Can help relieve the symptom of Bell's palsy: 

Massaging this point is also shown incredible effects on people suffering from Bell's palsy (a condition where one part of the face becomes paralyzed). Massaging this point helps because a muscle known as the procerus muscle is present right between the eyebrows. This muscle is fed by the branches of the temporal nerve that contains nerve fibers of cranial muscle five (CN VII). CN VII is a key player when it comes to Bell's palsy since it is responsible for the movement of all the facial muscles.

 

The massage of this point has been widely used in the Panchakarma wing of Ayurveda, where this condition is treated using a treatment modality called 'Shirodhara. In this therapy, the practitioner pours medicated oil continuously on the center of the forehead (or where you would wear a bindi/tilak) for about 40-60 minutes. This is said to provide deep stimulation to the facial nerves and can relieve the symptoms of Bell's palsy.