Blowing a conch, or shankhnaad, an age-old practice rooted in tradition, is gaining attention in the fitness world for its potential benefits. The act involves forcefully exhaling air through the conch shell, producing a resonant sound while requiring controlled breathing, strong respiratory muscles, and significant lung capacity. Fitness enthusiasts and experts are now exploring this ancient technique as a means to improve breath control, strengthen the diaphragm, and boost overall lung function.
Among those advocating its benefits is Vidyut Jammwal, actor and martial artist known for his role in Commando. Speaking at the Action Hero Fitness Awards 2024, Jammwal demonstrated conch blowing on stage and highlighted its impact on his fitness journey. “This can resolve 99.99 per cent of the problems,” he stated, emphasising the crucial role the practice has played in his physical development. Reinforcing his belief in the technique, Jammwal also shared a video of himself blowing the conch on Instagram on January 1, 2025.
How is blowing shankh beneficial for your body?
Arpit Singh, founder of Natural Shankh by Kalari Warriors and a mixed martial arts practitioner, has been researching and promoting conch blowing as a fitness practice since 2012. He has incorporated it into his training methodology, particularly drawing from his background in Kalari, an ancient Indian martial art. “During my kalari training, I realised the immense physical benefits of controlled breathwork and how it can be achieved through conch blowing. I saw it as a tool to build lung capacity and strengthen the diaphragm,” Singh explained.
Singh also conducts workshops where he delves into the biomechanics of conch blowing. Through these sessions, he educates participants on how the practice enhances blood circulation, fortifies respiratory muscles, and improves overall endurance. “I ensure that the workshops are structured as fitness-oriented sessions rather than religious or spiritual gatherings,” he clarified, making it accessible to a broader audience interested in health and wellness.
Strenthening state of mind, heart & respiratory system with conch blowing practice
According to Asian Pacific Journal Of Health Sciences, “Sound waves produced by conch shell enhance positive psychological vibrations and lead to state of improved focus and performance. It is believed that blowing of conch shell has huge beneficiary effect on health especially on heart and respiratory system.”
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The study also states that, “The blowing of conch shell makes the atmosphere holy, pure, and conducive for the spiritual growth of the individual. It also augments the positive psychological vibrations such as optimism, hope, determination, and willpower. These can also be felt by people listening to it.”
With more people discovering the benefits of shankhnaad, this traditional technique is steadily emerging as a modern fitness tool. As advocates like Jammwal and Singh continue to spread awareness, conch blowing is proving to be more than just a symbolic ritual it is a powerful practice with tangible physiological advantages.
