Hand Postures     

POSTURE OF KNOWLEDGE (GYANA MUDRA):

Method: This mudra is achieved by joining the tips of the index fingers with the tips of the thumbs.

Benefits: By practicing this posture for 5 to 20 minutes for 15 days, it can increase memory, intellectual power, calming your anger, and give relief from headaches and migraines.

GASTRIC CONTROL POSTURE (VAYU VIJAY MUDRA):

Method: This posture is achieved by bending the index finger to the root of the

thumb.

Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 15 minutes for 15 days, it can give relief from gastric trouble, pain in the joints, paralysis, trembling, diarrhea, constipation, bad thoughts, acidity, ulcer and abdominal pain.

THE SUN POSTURE (SURYA-MUDRA):

Method: This posture is consummated by bending the ring finger and pressing it by the thumb with light pressure.

Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 15 minutes for 25 days, it reduces obesity, evens the distributions of fat in the body, increases brightness on the forehead, and leads to weight reduction. It is also helpful in curing diabetes and liver disorders.

VITAL ENERGY POSTURE (MAHAPRANA-MUDRA):

Method: This Mudra is achieved by joining the thumb with the tips of the ring and little fingers.

Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 15 minutes for 15 days, it gives relief from disorders of the eye, improves eyesight, and increases vital energy and resistance power. It is helpful in physical ability.

THE WATER POSTURE (VARUN MUDRA):

Method: This Mudra is achieved by joining the tips of the thumbs and the little fingers.

Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 30 minutes for 30 days, it helps to cure skin disease, excessive perspiration; it purifies the blood and balances its circulation, making the body flexible.

THE SOUND POSTURE (APAN-MUDRA):

Method: This Mudra is achieved by pressing the middle and ring fingers under the thumb.

Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 15 minutes for 7 days, it helps to cure heart, kidney and throat problems. It also purifies the body; ailments of the mouth, eyes, nose and ears are cured. It gives immediate relief in controlling drinking habits.

THE HEART POSTURE (APAAN VAYU MUDRA):

Method: This Mudra is achieved by keeping the index finger near the roots of the thumbs (as in figure 2) and by pressing the middle and ring fingers with the thumbs.

Benefits: By practicing 5 to 20 minutes for 10 days, it gives relief from high blood pressure, heart trouble, heat emotions and passions. It is also beneficial in cases of sudden and massive heart attacks.

ENERGY POSTURE (SHIVA-LINGA-MUDRA):

Method: this Mudra is achieved by intertwining the fingers of the two hands while raising the left thumb. Hands should be kept close to the chest.

Benefits: By practicing for 1 to 5 minutes for 7 days, it is beneficial in controlling coughs, colds, asthma, paralysis, vibration, sinuses, and low blood pressure.

GOOD NIGHT MUDRA (PARIVATAN MUDRA):

Method: Lie down on your back. Clasp your hand tightly, interlocking the fingers. Then with the fingers of the left hand press on the back of the right hand and vice versa. Repeat 27 times.

Benefits: By practicing for 3 days, this mudra cures insomnia and can lead to sound sleep and no bad dreams. The body will rest easily and comfortably.

PRASANNA MUDRA (Hair do Posture):

Method: Keep hand near the chest. Rub the nails of the eight fingers against each other for 5 to 10 minutes for 30 days. The thumbs should be straight.

Benefits: This slows down hair loss, with reduction of gray hair and split ends. It makes hair lustrous and strong. while improving disposition.

DHENU POSTURE:

Method: Crossing both hands, join the index finger to the middle finger, ring finger to the little fingers and keep thumb to the other thumb. Point the fingers downward. Close your eye and concentrate your conscious mind on the mudra. While in this position you will feel your mental problems going in to the earth through your fingers.

Benefits: By practicing 1 to 5 minutes for 7 days, it is helpful in curing depression, mental disturbance, despair, dissension and stress.

 

When one talks about yoga, one is talking about three aspects, namely; physical, mental and spiritual. In yoga, there are asanas and mudras, which when, loosely translated mean exercises and hand gestures, respectively. As there are different asanas for maintaining health and vitality, there are certain mudras, which help in this endeavor as well.

When one is practicing mudras, for a substantial amount of time, the benefits that the mudras offer are visible. The mudras help in generating, redirecting and recharging the energies of the force, which governs the body. It is with the mudras, that one is able to establish a link between the physical, pranic and mental body. They help in awakening the different pranas, chakras and kundalini located in the body.

Mudras in Yoga and their BenefitsAlthough mudras are a part of yoga, they can be practiced independently without the asanas. The beauty of this science is that they can be done when one is sitting, standing or sleeping in bed; however, they are performed either in vajrasana, padmasana or sukhasana. There is no specific time that needs to be followed for most of the mudras; however, the results are best, when they are practiced on an empty stomach, early in the morning.

*Click on the images for a better preview.

Gyan Mudra - Mudra of Knowledge

DescriptionTouch the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb, with other fingers extended, but relaxed. This mudra should be done with both the hands and should be practiced for 10-15 minutes, thrice daily.

Health Benefits

Calms the mind Improves concentration Sharpens the brain Forbids insomnia Helps in curing psychological disorders Prevents drowsiness Prevents depression Helps in achieving mental peace

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Prana Mudra - Mudra of Life

DescriptionTouch the tip of the little finger and the ring finger to the tip of the thumb, but keep the other fingers extended, yet relaxed. This mudra has to be done for at least five minutes with both the hands.

Health Benefits

Improves eyesight Energizes the body Helps in improving vitality Prevents nervousness Improves immunity Strengthens the lungs Energizes the heart Helps in getting rid of vitamin deficiency

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Apan Vayu Mudra - Mudra of Heart

DescriptionThis mudra is also known as hridaya mudra. Touch the index finger to the base of the thumb, and with the tips of the middle and the ring finger touch the tip of the thumb. Keep the little finger straight up. Practice it for 15 minutes, three times a day with both hands to see its effect.

Health Benefits

Reduces heart troubles and regularizes palpitation Used as first aid for heart attack, when done within the first couple of minutes Keeps blood pressure under control Reduces gastric trouble and brings acidity under control Regulates bowel movement and gets rid of constipation Keeps body temperature under control Relieves toothache Boosts self-confidence Reduces menstrual problems

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Rudra Mudra - Solar Plexus Chakra Mudra

DescriptionThe tip of the little finger and the ring finger should be placed on the tip of the thumb. Extend the other fingers straight up, but keep them relaxed. This mudra has to be done for five minutes (3-6 times a day) with both hands.

Health Benefits

Relieves heart complaints Relieves dizziness Reduces symptoms of exhaustion Blood circulation improves Lowers blood pressure Reduces symptoms of eating disorders Beneficial for improving concentration Brings about clarity in thought

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Jal Mudra - Mudra of Water

DescriptionThis mudra is also known as varuna mudra. Press the tip of the little finger on the tip of the thumb to get the right jal mudra. The other fingers have to be extended out straight, yet relaxed. This mudra has to be done with both the hands for three minutes.

Health Benefits

Relieves indigestion Relieves dryness in any part of the body Reduces symptoms of constipation Helpful in treating dehydration Relieves cramps in any part of the body Beneficial for muscle cramps Beneficial in case of blood disorders Prevents muscle shrinkage

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Prithvi Mudra - Mudra of Earth

DescriptionPlace the tip of the ring finger on the tip of the thumb. Extend the other fingers out straight, but keep them relaxed. This mudra has to be done for 10-15 minutes (thrice a day) with both the hands.

Health Benefits

Helps in weight gain Beneficial for a number of skin problems Improves patience Brings about peace of mind Helps in restoring balance and equilibrium of the body Helps in keeping weakness at bay Helpful for people who have lost the sense of smell Beneficial for nail, hair and bones

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Vayu Mudra - Mudra of Wind

DescriptionBend the index finger such that the tip of the index finger touches the base of the thumb, while you extend the other fingers straight out. This mudra, too, has to be performed with both hands, thrice daily for 15 minutes.

Health Benefits

Helps in relieving symptoms of rheumatism Relieves sciatica pain Beneficial in treating nervous system problems Relieves pain and aches in any part of the body Used for treating gout, Parkinson's disease and paralysis Beneficial for treating cervical spondylosis Relieves muscle spasms, especially in the neck muscles

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Linga Mudra - Mudra of Heat

DescriptionThe fingers of both the hands are to be interlocked, so that the thumb of the left hand is pointing towards the sky and the right thumb encircles the left one. Hold the mudra for 2 to 3 minutes and repeat.

Health Benefits

Accelerates metabolism and thus, aids in weight loss Improves digestion Helps in combating cold and cough Relieves symptoms of bronchial infection Strengthens the lungs Reduces phlegm production

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Surya Mudra - Mudra of Sun

DescriptionBend the ring finger towards the base of the thumb. Place the thumb on the ring finger and press the ring finger further towards the base of the thumb. This mudra should be practiced at least twice daily for 5 to 15 minutes with both the hands.

Health Benefits

Improves functioning of the thyroid glands Reduces cholesterol levels Aids in weight loss Helps in reducing fat in the body Alleviates digestion issues Calms anxiety Mental heaviness is reduced

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Shankh Mudra - Conch Mudra

DescriptionThe fingers of the right hand should encircle the thumb of the left hand. Press the thumb of the right hand to the index finger of the left hand. Hold the mudra for 15 minutes and repeat it thrice daily.

Health Benefits

Aids in digestion Improves functioning of the thyroid glands Regularly practicing this mudra enhances voice quality Relieves throat infection Reduces cold and cough symptoms

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Yoga stances are better performed in lotus position. Although they can be practiced at any time of the day, it is best if they are practiced on an empty stomach. Doing them regularly will trigger the healing process and have a long-lasting effect on the overall health. Before I conclude this write-up, remember: unless otherwise specified, the mudras should be performed with both the hands, sitting in a comfortable position.

Mudras are very powerful. If you practice these mudras regularly you can see the wonderful health benefits.

Long before this much publicity came to yoga my grand father used to practice asanas, chakras and mudras in yoga. To my knowledge my grandfather has never gone to a doctor. He has neither diabetes nor blood pressure. He taught us the way to practice mudras. Mudras are very powerful. If you practice these mudras regularly you can see the wonderful health benefits.

1. Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge):

Method:

Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, with the other three fingers stretched out.

Specialty:

As it is a mudra of knowledge, it enhances the knowledge. The tip of thumb has centers of pituitary and endocrine glands. When we press these centers by index finger the two glands work actively.

Time duration:

There is no particular time duration for this mudra. You can practice by sitting, standing or lying on bed whenever and wherever you have time.

Benefits:

o Increases memory power and sharpens the braino Enhances concentration and prevents Insomniao If we practice it regularly, it will cure all psychological disorders like Mental, Hysteria,

Anger and Depression

2. Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth):

Method:

Tip of the ring finger touches the tip of the thumb, with the other three fingers stretched out.

Specialty:

It reduces all physical weaknesses.

Time Duration:

It has no particular time duration. You can practice it any time you want.

Benefits:

o It helps to increase the weight for weak peopleo It improves the complexion of skin and makes the skin to glow o It makes the body active by keeping it healthy

3. Varuna Mudra (Mudra of Water):

Method:

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Tip of little finger touches the tip of thumb, with the other three fingers stretched out.

Specialty:

It balances the water content and prevents all diseases which come due to lack of water.

Time Duration:

It has no specific time duration and one can practice it according to their time.

Benefits:

o It retains clarity in blood by balancing water content in the bodyo Prevents the pains of Gastroenteritis and Muscle Shrinkage

4. Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air):

Method:

Keep the index finger on the base of the thumb and press with thumb keeping the other three fingers straight.

Specialty:

It prevents all the diseases that occur due to the imbalance of the air.

Time Duration:

The practice of this mudra for 45 minutes reduces the severity of the disease in 12 to 24 hours. For better results practice it for two months.

Benefits:

o It cures Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gout, Parkinson’s disease and paralysis without any medicine

o It is useful for Cervical Spondilytis, paralysis to face and dislocation of nerve in necko It corrects the disorder of gas in the stomach

5. Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness):

Method:

Keep the middle finger at the mount of Venus and press it with thumb.

Specialty:

It reduces the dullness in our body.

Time Duration:

One can practice it for 40 to 60 minutes daily until to be cured from the disease.

Benefits:

o It relieves an earache within 4 or 5 minuteso It is useful for the deaf and mentally challenged, but not for inborn ones.

6. Surya Mudra (Mudra of Sun):

Method:

Bend the ring finger and press it with thumb.

Specialty:

It sharpens the center in thyroid gland.

Time Duration:

Practice it daily twice for 5 to 15 minutes.

Benefits:

o It reduces cholesterol in body and helps in reducing weighto It reduces anxietyo It corrects indigestion problems

7. Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life):

Method:

Bend ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of thumb with their tips keeping the remaining two fingers stretched.

Specialty:

As it is the mudra of life, it improves the power of life. Weak people become strong. It reduces the clamps in blood vessels. If we practice it regularly, we will become active.

Time Duration:

No specific time duration. One can practice it any time.

Benefits:

o It improves immunityo Improves the power of eyes and reduces eye related diseaseso It removes the vitamin deficiency and fatigue

8. Apana Mudra (Mudra of Digestion):

Method:

The tips of middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb while the other two fingers are stretched out.

Specialty:

It plays an important role in our health as it regulates the excretory system.

Time Duration:

Practice it daily for 45 minutes, but practice for longer time yields more benefits.

Benefits:

o It regulates diabeteso It cures constipation and pileso It helps excreting the normal waste regularly

9. Apana Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Heart):

Method:

The tips of the middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb, while the index finger touches the base of thumb and little finger stretched out.

Specialty:

It benefits the heart. It works like injection in the reduction of heart attack. It is as powerful as sorbitate tablet. It reduces the gas content in body.

Time Duration:

Practice it as many times as you can. Heart patients and BP patients can practice it for 15 minutes daily twice for better results.

Benefits:

o It strengthens the heart and regularizes palpitationo It regulates excretory systemo It redeems gastric trouble

10.Linga Mudra (Mudra of Heat):

Method:

Interlock the fingers of both the hands and keep the thumb of the left hand vertically straight and encircle it with the thumb and the index finger of the right hand.

Specialty:

It generates heat in our body. Take milk, ghee, more water and fruit juices in addition to practice of this mudra for much benefits.

Time Duration:

Practice it any time you want. But don’t practice it a lot as it produces heat in the body. It can cause sweating even in winter if you practice it longer.

Benefits:

o It stops production of phlegm and gives power to lungso It cures severe cold and bronchial infectiono It invigorates the body

Read more: http://healthmad.com/mental-health/health-in-your-hand-seven-mudras-for-amazing-health-benefits/#ixzz29eEgCHkp

http://www.yogacheryl.com/physical-healing.html