SPEAKING
TREE
Simple hand movements to overcome any ailments!
Wikipedia defines Mudra as a spiritual
gesture and an energetic seal of authenticity employed in the iconography and
spiritual practice of Indian religions and traditions of Dharma and Taoism. If
you are wondering how a simple hand gesture can hold such powerful powers, get
ready for a surprise. Read on to know about the science behind hand mudras…
It is all about the 5
elements
The Universe is composed of five elements, earth, air,
water, fire, and ether. Similarly our body is also a union of five elements
which is represented by our five fingers. Imbalance of these elements disrupts
the immunity system and causes disease. Hand mudras regulate these five
elements in our body. Deficiencies in any of these elements can be made up by connecting
one part of the body with another in a particular manner through Mudras.
How do Mudras work?
When a finger representing an element is brought into
contact with the thumb, that element is brought into balance. Therefore the
disease caused by the imbalance is cured. Mudras start electromagnetic currents
within the body which balance various constituting elements and restore health.
The joining of fingers creates an effect on the human body.
Which finger represents
which element?
The fingers representing five elements are: The Thumb for
Fire; Rhe Index (Jupiter finger) for Air; The Middle (Saturn finger) for Ether
or Space; The Ring (Sun finger) for Earth; The smallest (Mercury finger) for
Water.
The various types of mudras
There are hundreds of mudras, some for health, some for
wellbeing, some for creating certain other kinds of processes. For different
aspects of life there are different mudras. Take a look at some of the most
popular and effective mudras…
Gyan Mudra
Gyan Mudra is by far the most common mudra used by
practicing yogis and depicted by wise sages and avatars in a meditative state.
In the case of this particular mudra, the index finger is approximated gently
to the tip of the thumb. Apply enough pressure to feel the energy flow between
the fingers. Advantages of Gyan Mudra includes - attainment intelligence and
wisdom, purification of mind, eradication of mental illness, creation of joy,
help with addictive habits.
Shoonya Mudra
Keep your middle fingers at the root of your thumbs and
press it with thumb. Then keep both your hands on folded knees so that the
palms face upwards. Put a little pressure on your palm and rest of the hand
would be relaxed. Practice it for 20-30 minutes every day. This hastamudra is
helpful for health problems like deafness, vomiting, vertigo and thyroid
problems.
Apaan Mudra
This important mudra is formed by joining together the
tips of thumb, middle & ring fingers and applying the tip of index finger
to the base of the Thumb. One of the most important benefits of the Apaan Mudra
is its ability to purify the body. It also helps the body get rid of unwanted
toxins and is also helpful in dealing with constipation, flatulence and absence
of sweat. It is also said to be useful during childbirth.
Prana Mudra
Bend ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of
thumb with their tips keeping the remaining two fingers stretched. As it is the
mudra of life, it improves the quality of life by increasing strength. It
removes free radicals from blood and is beneficial for removing eye and nerves
related problems. It energises the body and balances vitamins in the body.
Vayu Mudra
Keep the index finger on the base of the thumb and press
with thumb keeping the other three fingers straight. It prevents all the
diseases that occur due to the imbalance of the air. This mudra is also helpful
for stress, anxiety, irritability,lack of concentration, nervousness,
indecisiveness, impatience, restlessness, Sleeplessness etc.
Prithvi Mudra
When the tips of the ring finger and the thumb are joined
and rests of the fingers are kept straight, Prithvi Mudra is formed. It
increases the Prithvi element in the body. At the same time it decreases the
Agni element within our body. It can also be called Agni-shaamak Mudra. This
mudra makes you feel physically and psychologically stronger. Use it when you
need inner stability and self assurance.
Varun Mudra
Popularly known as Varun mudra, this mudra increases the
jal (water) element within the body. This mudra is formed by joining together
the tips of the thumb and the little finger. It is useful in disorders such as
anemiaanemia (low hemoglobin) and skin diseases. It also improves the
deteriorated quality of the blood due to shortage of water.
Surya Mudra
This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the ring
finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb
upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element earth (residing in the
ring finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb). This mudra helps reduce
cholesterol and assists in weight loss and maintaining a healthy balanced
weight. It helps reduce anxiety, and improves indigestion problems.
Ling Mudra
Interlock the fingers of both hands together. Keeping the
left thumb up (encircled by right thumb and index finger) i.e. left thumb
should be vertically straight and right thumb around it. This mudra helps
strengthen the lungs and can assist in the relief of phlegm. As a result of the
intense heat produced by this mudra it can help break fever and colds and has
also been known to assist with bronchial infections.
Chin Mudra
This Gesture has a grounding effect on the mind. You
would have probably seen yogis holding their thumb and pointer finger together
and extending their remaining 3 fingers out. This is Chin Mudra. This Mudra is
a remedy for improving mental tension and promoting memory and concentration.
It can help with insomnia, depression and high blood pressure. It is the symbol
of unity and peace.
Adi Mudra
To do this mudra, all you have to do is curl your hand
into a fist. Remember to wrap your Adi mudra fingers around your thumb. Place
your hands with the palms facing downwards on your legs while in padmasana.
This mudra is believed to increase the flow of oxygen to the lungs, calm the
nervous system, increase vitality and helps the organs function optimally.
Brahma Mudra
This mudra is known as the gesture of all pervading
consciousness. To do this mudra, curl the fingers of both your hands around
your thumbs, so that it forms a fist. Now press the knuckles of both the hands
together. While pressing gently place your hands in the centre of your abdomen
just above your pubic bone. This mudra helps to increase the amount of oxygen
taken in by the lungs.
Chinmaya Mudra
Join the tips of the index fingers and thumbs as in chin
mudra and then curl the other three fingers into the palms. The four folded
fingers represent the finite aspects of the world around us. The closed fist
shows that the phenomenal world seems to be severely limited, blind and
unconscious.
How to perform hand
mudras
Mudras in general are actions of hands and fingers that
can be performed at any time in any way, like sitting, standing, walking or
travelling. So there's no need to devote a special time to perform a mudra, but
the maximum benefit is by doing it in sitting posture, especially in sukhasana,
vajrasana, or padmasana.
Timing and duration for
mudras
In the initial phase mudras should be performed for at
least 10 minutes and then can be extended to 30 minutes to 1 hour. In each yoga
mudra take at least twelve breaths and closely observe the flow of prana. Feel
where the breath is flowing and gently energizing and mind.
