Blowing 'Shankh' can boost lung health: Vidyut Jammwal reveals fitness benefits of this ancient practice

Actor and martial artist Vidyut Jammwal recently shared a unique approach to fitness—blowing the conch shell (Shankh), or "Shankhnaad," and its positive effects on both the body and the soul. On New Year’s, Jammwal posted a video of himself performing this practice.

The post was accompanied by the caption: “WHOEVER Hears the sound of This Shankh, this New Year, may its vibrations bring the Best out in you.. Share the sound with SOMEONE who you think deserves MORE and will bring Their best out #2025..”

Jammwal also showed the practice on stage during the Action Hero Fitness Awards 2024. He said, “This can resolve 99.99 per cent of the problems.” He further spoke about how discovering conch blowing has played a critical role in his fitness journey.

Shankhnaad: More Than a Spiritual Practice

While most people associate the blowing of the conch with religious ceremonies, pujas, and spiritual practices, its fitness benefits have started to gain attention. Shankhnaad, which involves forcefully exhaling through the conch shell, can be surprisingly effective in achieving fitness goals. This technique demands lung strength, controlled breathing, and respiratory muscle activation. The sound generated from the conch creates vibrations that reverberate throughout the body, offering more than just spiritual benefits.

Dr. Vikas Mittal, the director of pulmonology at CK Birla Hospital in Delhi, explained the science behind the practice in an interview with The Indian Express: “Forceful exhalation strengthens expiratory muscles and promotes diaphragmatic breathing. This practice encourages the use of lung capacity to its fullest, helping individuals develop better control over their breathing. It is particularly useful for improving exhalation strength and maintaining airway function.”

Mental Health Benefits: More Than Just Physical

In addition to physical benefits, Shankhnaad has potential mental health advantages. Dr. Ravi Shekhar Jha, the director of pulmonology at Fortis Hospital in Faridabad, shared his insights on the mental impact of the practice: “Stimulation of the parasympathetic nervous system reduces stress and anxiety, conditions often linked to shallow, inefficient breathing. The vibrations produced during conch blowing also help massage the internal organs in the chest and abdomen, improving circulation and overall vitality."

However, it’s important to note that Shankhnaad may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with lung conditions or those suffering from airway obstructions should exercise caution. The effort required to blow the conch shell could exacerbate existing health issues, and it’s always recommended to consult a medical professional before incorporating such practices into your routine.

Incorporating Shankhnaad into a fitness routine is a fascinating blend of physical exercise, mental relaxation, and spiritual practice. For those looking to challenge their lung capacity and improve their overall well-being, Vidyut Jammwal’s unique fitness tip might just be worth exploring.