MUDRAS
‘Mudra’, a Sanskrit word, means a symbolic hand gesture that has the power of conducting energy flow. It has been proved that regular practise of mudras not only contribute to one’s overall good health but can be used as a preventive measure as well. Our hands define our karma and fingers being the power points, are a link between individual Pranic force and universal cosmic energy.
The position of our hands has the ability to influence energy of our physical, emotional and spiritual body. Mudras help to link the brain to the body, soothe pain, stimulate endorphins, change the mood and increase our vitality.
Mudras have been an integral part of many Hindu and Buddhist rituals. They are used extensively in Yoga, meditation and dance. Across various disciplines it is said that there exist close to 399 mudras.
Surya Mudra
Benefit : The Surya mudra is intended to increase the solar/fire element in the body and improve metabolism and digestion. It is also useful in reducing heaviness in the body and to help ward off colds, since it increases core body temperature.
How to do it : Perform this mudra by bending your ring finger to the base of your thumb so that your thumb touches the ring finger’s knuckle. Stretch your other three fingers straight without stressing the hand.
Elements : Space+ Water
Dhyana Mudra
Benefit : The Dhyana mudra is shared across several eastern meditation disciplines. The Buddha is often pictured doing this gesture. The significance of this mudra is to bring you into deeper, more profound concentration. This gesture can also help bring you tranquility and inner peace.
How to do it : To do the Dhyana mudra, simply sit with your hands facing upward, right hand resting on top of your left palm. The right hand, representing enlightenment and higher spiritual faculties, rests over the left hand, representing the world of maya, or illusion.
Elements : All
Varuna Mudra
Benefit : The Vayu mudra is good for diseases related to air imbalances, such as gas-related pain, flatulence, joint pain, bloating, and abdominal discomfort. This mudra helps regulate Vata-related issues, both mental and physical, relieving them by bringing your air element back into its proper flow.
How to do it : At first glance, this mudra may seem very similar to the Gyan mudra. The difference is the Vayu has you connect the thumb to the knuckle or hump of the index finger, as opposed to the fingertip in Gyan. Press down on the index finger to your level of comfort; this gesture is intended to relax not strain the joint. For optimal results, do your Pranayama exercises while holding this mudra.
Elements : Space + Air
Gyan Mudra
Benefit : It’s intended to help you focus and enhance your consciousness and awareness.
How to do it : Simply touch the tip of your index finger with the tip of your thumb keeping your other three fingers straight out.
Elements : Space + Air
Prana Mudra
Benefit : The Prana mudra is said to be one of the most important mudras due to its ability to activate dormant energy in your body. Prana is the vital life force within all living things. This mudra will help awaken and enliven your personal prana, and put you more in tune with the prana around you.
How to do it : Perform this mudra by touching your ring and pinky fingers to the tip of your thumb, while keeping the other two fingers straight.
Elements : Space+ Water
Apana Mudra
Benefit : The Apana mudra is good for mental or physical digestion and for eliminating waste material from the body. This gesture may also be a form of aiding in mental and emotional digestion when applied to “evil” outside of the body.
How to do it : To do this posture, bring your second and third fingers to your thumb. The way you position your fingers may differ depending on the discipline you are learning from. Some say that you should rest the two fingers just slightly behind the tip of the thumb, but in many depictions, this mudra is demonstrated by bringing the middle and ring finger to the tip of the thumb.
Elements : Space+ Fire+ Water
Shuni Mudra
Benefit : This gesture is used to improve intuition, alertness, and sensory powers. It also purifies your emotions and thoughts.
How to do it : This mudra is performed by touching the tip of the middle finger to the thumb tip, while keeping the other three fingers straight and relaxed.
Elements : Space + Fire
Buddhi Mudra
Benefit : This mudra is used for mental clarity. You perform this gesture when you need to understand intuitive messages from your subconscious (i.e., dreams or meditations that puzzle you). One of the most powerful benefits of this mudra can be found in the improvement of communication, such as improving internal and external dialogue.
How to do it : This mudra is performed by touching your thumb to your pinky finger, while holding your other three fingers straight.
Elements : Space + Earth
Ganesha Mudra
Benefit : The Ganesha mudra is widely used and is named after the Hindu Ganesh. Ganesha is said to be a remover of obstacles. Similarly, this mudra is great for relieving yourself of all types of obstructions in your life; it can help you regain positivity and courage when dealing with hard times. By performing this mudra, you bring your attention and energy into the heart center, opening up your lungs and heart to the subject of your meditation.Aside from the mental and spiritual benefits on your heart chakra, the pulling motion is also beneficial to your cardiac muscles and good for tension in this area of the body.
How to do it : Place your left hand in front of your chest with your palm facing outward and left thumb down. Next, place your right hand in front of your left with your right palm facing toward you and your left palm. Lock your fingers together, holding them in a half-bent position like a claw. During your meditation, inhale deep, holding your hands in this gesture, then pull outwardly on your hands as you exhale without unlocking your fingers. Repeat this motion up to six times, then reverse the gesture (i.e., put your right hand in front of your chest facing outward with the thumb down). Be sure to perform this mudra the same number of times in each direction to maintain the balance of the pulling act.
Elements : All
Rudra Mudra
Benefit : This mudra is often associated with Shiva as it applies to your internal transformative abilities. The word Rudra means ”lord” in Sanskrit, which is fitting for this gesture because the main benefits affect your personal power center—the solar plexus. It is said to improve clarity and concentration of thought. Often this mudra is prescribed for those dealing with dizziness, exhaustion, and chronic tension in their body. You can use the Rudra mudra (say that out loud for a laugh) to energize your physical body and empower you to reach your highest potential or goals.
How to do it : To do this mudra, connect your thumb to your index and ring fingers while keeping your other two fingers as straight as you can.
Elements : Space + Air + Water
1) What are mudras used for ?
Ans) Mudra means “seal,” “gesture,” or “mark.” Yoga mudras are symbolic gestures often practiced with the hands and fingers. They facilitate the flow of energy in the subtle body and enhance one's journey within.
2) when should you practise mudras ?
Ans) You can practice this mudra anytime during the day or while you are performing yoga postures or during meditation.
3) Can we do mudras at any time ?
Ans) Mudras are done in conjunction with breathing exercises and help regulate the flow of energy throughout your body. Here we enlist five such mudras that have many benefits and can be done anywhere, at the bus stop, in cinema or while you are stuck at your seat in office.
4) How long do you hold a mudra?
Ans) To use a mudra effectively, keep it for at least a couple of minutes, however it is more effective to do them 15 minutes or so. You might spread that time over the day, but you could also make it part of meditation.
5) Which mudra is best for Oxygen ?
Ans) A yog mudra that helps increase oxygen level is Adi Mudra, where the thumb is pressed on the inside of the palm and the fingers are closed around it, making a gentle fist. It is called the first mudra because it is the first position the hands of the foetus are capable of making inside the womb of the mother.
6) What does each finger represent in mudras ?
Ans) It is said that each finger corresponds to an element: the thumb represents fire; the first finger represents air; the middle finger is space; and the ring finger is earth and the little finger represents water.
7) Which mudra is best for brain ?
Ans) Hakini Mudra is also called as 'Brain Power Mudra' or 'Mudra for the mind' as it enhances the brain power. It is also called as 'power gesture' since it installs power in the mind. It is useful for those who are indulged in lot of mental works and multi tasking leading to stress and brain fatigue.
8) Can mudras be done at night ?
Ans) There's no harm if you fall asleep while holding the mudras. You can put your hands on your chest, navel, or simply down besides your hips.
9) How does Kubera Mudra work ?
Ans) Kubera Mudra is a yoga hand gesture practiced to fulfill the desire. ... On practicing Kubera Mudra, practitioner harness the power of their thoughts by joining the tip of the index, middle, and thumb finger. It brings prosperity, contentment, and desire for gratification.
10) Benefits of Linga Mudra ?
Ans) Effective in weight loss.Have proved beneficial in increasing oxygen level.Relieves cold and flu.Fights bacterial and viral infections.Reduces mucus production and mobilized accumulated mucus.Fights bronchial infections and disorders.Improves digestion.Eliminates lethargy and laziness.