Introduction to Sufi Whirling

Sufi Whirling is a form of meditation in which a Sufi whirls to aim for the source of all perfection, or kemal. It originated in the 12th century in present-day Turkey by Dervishes, who were the numerous of the Sufi orders. 

Science Behind Sufi Whirling

The reason for whirling in Sufism is to imitate the planets orbiting the Sun in the Solar System. As explained in an article from Nurmuhammad.com:

Everything in this creation is spinning counter-clockwise, from our atoms and the electrons that spin around the nucleus to the earth which spins around itself and moves counter-clockwise around the sun. As everything is spinning in that love of the Divine and in submission to the Divine power that is powering all of creation, Sufi Masters were teaching us to mimic that reality.

Therefore, in Sufi whirling the body represents the earth and theheart represents the sun. As the earth rotates around the sun, the Divine is showing you that when you are moving towards that process of enlightenment you will find God present in your heart because God says “I cannot be found in Heaven or on earth, but I can be found in the heart of my believer.”

Body = Earth                      Heart = Sun

Source: http://nurmuhammad.com/NaqshbandiSecrets/naqshbandisecretsofthewhirlingsama.htm

Health Benefits of Sufi Whirling

The health benefits of this activity include: releasing eye muscles, balancing energy flow and stimulating glandular activity, resulting in endorphin and serotonin release.

Source: http://www.livestrong.com/article/498099-health-benefits-sufi-whirling/#ixzz1w5RO4EQR