What is yogic mudra?
Mudra is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘hand gesture’. All the yogic mudras are hand gestures, especially the fingers that have numerous unknown health benefits if practised scientifically and following the proper technique. In other words, we also can say that Mudras are ‘Yoga in your Hands’. They are associated with the body’s energy flow, helping to treat many ailments and diseases. Here, I will discuss seven amazing mudras, how they perform step by step and their surprising health benefits.
Fingers represent five elements
The fingers of the hand represent the five elements which play essential roles in the body’s overall functioning.
- Thumb finger-Fire
- Index finger-Air
- Middle finger-Space
- Ring finger-Earth
- Little finger-Water
What is Gyana Mudra?
This is one of the leading and most widely used yogic mudras practised practisedanayama and meditation.
How to do Gyana Mudra
- Place the tip of the thumb index fingertip and extend your other fingers.
- You can keep your hand on your thighs.
- Maintain it initially for 5 minutes and may increase it for 15 minutes.
- Do it regularly.
Benefits of Gyana Mudra
- According to Keshav Dev, this mudra is a universal remedy for improving mental tension and disorders.
- It helps to promote memory and concentration.
- It is beneficial in cases of insomnia, sleeplessness, depression and high blood pressure.
What is Vayu Mudra?
It is also known as wind mudra.
How to do Vayu Mudra
- Bend the index finger so that its tip touches the ball of the thumb.
- Press the thumb lightly to the index finger.
- Maintain it initially for 5 minutes and may increase it for 15 minutes.
- Do it regularly.
Benefits of Vayu Mudra
- It helps to release excessive gas from the body.
- It also helps treat gout, sciatica, flatulence and rheumatism.
What is Surya Mudra?
Surya mudra is associated with the fire element, reduces the Kapha element in the body, and helps to enhance body metabolism. It is also known as ‘Agni Vardhak Mudra’.
How to do Surya Mudra
- Vayu Mudra is performed by pressing the ring finger at the tip of the thumb’s base.
- The rest of the fingers will be stretched.
Benefits of Surya Mudra
· It helps in weight loss by burning fats and removing cholesterol.
· It enhances your metabolism, thus improving your digestion.
What is Prana Mudra?
Prana Mudra helps to make you refreshed and rejuvenated. It is a mudra for vitality, too.
How to do Prana Mudra
- It is performed by touching the tip of the ring and little fingers with the thumb.
- The rest of the fingers will be stretched.
Benefits of Prana Mudra
- It helps to strengthen the immunity of the body.
- Good for eyesight.
- Helps to make you refreshed and rejuvenated.
What is Prithvi Mudra?
Prithvi Mudra helps to subdue fire elements in the body.
How to do Prithvi Mudra?
- In the case of this mudra, the tips of the ring finger and thumb need to be touched.
- Other fingers will be straight and stretched.
Benefits
The following benefits of this mudra are:
- It prevents skin rashes.
- Prevents hair loss.
- It is also beneficial for those who desire weight gain.
- The arthritis patients should also share this.
What is Adi Mudra?
The mudra is good for the nervous system and helps expand the lungs.
How to do Adi Mudra?
- First of all, place the thumb at the base of the small finger, and the remaining fingers should be bent over it.
- Try to make a fist.
Benefits
- It is suitable for the nervous system.
- It ensures proper oxygen flow in the body and is thus suitable for lung expansion.
What is Chinmaya Mudra?
It is a mudra for awareness. It is beneficial in case of physical and mental health.
How to do Chinmaya Mudra?
- Makes a touch with the tip of the index finger with the thumb.
- The palm will face upwards.
- The rest of the fingers will curl into the palms.
- The palm will face upwards.
Benefits of Chinmaya Mudra
- Good for digestion
- Ensures smooth flow of energy in the body.
Duration of performing the mudra
Initially, mudras can be performed for 30 seconds or 1 minute. Its duration may be increased up to 20 minutes. It can be performed twice a day at one’s convenience.
Top Facts about Yogic Mudras
- Yogic mudras are associated with healing power.
- Since hands have numerous acupuncture points or reflex zones, known as the controlling centre of the body. Thus, the hands are the mirror of the body.
- If you do not have time to do yoga or other physical exercises, you can practice mudra to channel your body energy.
- The five fingers in a hand represent the five elements, namely fire, water, air, sky, and earth, termed Pancha Mahabhutas.
- Mudras can be practised for a few seconds to one hour.
