The prostration position will help increase blood flow to the brain. Photo By: sehatq.com

For adherents of Islam, prayer is an activity of worship that is required for 5 times every day. Apart from the spiritual value and closeness to the Creator, it turns out that the benefits of prayer are also good for health.

This fundamental obligation for Muslims is also not burdensome because if physical limitations make it impossible to pray while standing, then praying while sitting or lying down is also permissible.

The Benefits of Prayer for Health

Some of the benefits of the prayer movement for health include:

1. Good for the Digestive System

The benefits of the first prayer movement are good for the digestive system. In the morning when the stomach is still empty, Muslims pray the dawn prayer of 2 rak'ahs. Meanwhile, after dinner, the prayers that are performed include the Isha prayer with 4 rak'ahs. Prayer can improve liver function, relax the large intestine, and help improve bowel performance.

2. Smooth Blood Flow

The first movement in prayer, takbir which is done while standing also increases blood flow towards the torso. In addition to takbir, the benefits of prostration for health from a scientific point of view are helping blood flow to the brain because the position of the head is lower than the heart.

3. Relaxes the Body

Another benefit of prayer is when sitting or tasyahud. When sitting between the two prostrations or sitting tahiyat, the thighs, knees, spine, and joints are in a position that provides a relaxing effect on the whole body. The pressure that is felt when sitting will be felt like a massage that makes the body relax.

4. Joint Movement

The benefits of prayer can not be separated from the movement of joints when performing each prayer position. When the joints move and rest on each other, there will be a flow of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. This can reduce the risk of experiencing joint pain, arthritis, to paralysis.

5. Good for Posture

In the long term, bad posture can lead to other diseases. That's why, the benefits of prayer movement which is also important is to make the body posture more ideal.

The standing position during takbir makes the posture better. The position of the body must be really upright and know very well how to support the weight. Moreover, prayer movements are carried out several times a day so that the posture is trained to be more upright.

6. Body Stretching

When bowing (rukuk), the body stretches. Photo By: sehatq.com

One of the benefits of prayer for health can also be obtained when the back is bent 90 degrees (rukuk). The benefit of the rukuk movement is that the body can stretch but not overdo it. The back, thighs, and calves are stretched while increasing blood flow.

7. Controls the Abdominal Muscles

The benefits of prostration during prayer also help the body control the abdominal muscles so they don't expand too much. If done continuously, without realizing the prostration movement can strengthen the abdominal muscles.

8. Psychological Therapy

The last point of the benefits of the prayer movement is slightly different from the physical benefits, but more to the psychological. Prayer is a form of psychological therapy that helps calm the soul as well as release burdens.

There is a gentle movement, harmony, and also coordination of every prayer movement from beginning to end. Even movements such as prostration that flow blood more smoothly to the brain also have a positive impact on memory, concentration, and other cognitive abilities.

The thing that is no less important than performing the prayers is maintaining cleanliness. Before praying, a Muslim must take ablution water for purification. The movements are very comprehensive, starting from washing hands, face, ears, nose, and feet.

That is, the benefits of the prayer movement are very good for health and also the cleanliness of one's body in general. But of course, the prayer must be done solemnly and not in a hurry to be able to get the spiritual and physical benefits of its movements.