Mudras are hand gestures used in yoga and meditation, which mean ‘mark’ or ‘seal’ in Sanskrit. In the Mudra philosophy, it is believed that our 5 fingers correspond to the 5 elements of the universe - water, earth, ether, air and fire. Each of these elements has a distinct role in the balance of our physical body, state of mind and mental well-being. Every organ and bodily part is connected to your hands. Mudras have unique hand motions that, when sustained with focus, can directly stimulate healing processes within the body. Every posture or gesture or body changes the flow of our energy. As we saw some yogis doing these hand gestures, we never think that they hold any meaning, but they really do. As told in acupuncture and acupressure techniques, every organ in our body is connected to our hands, and when you pressure them or pin them, they stimulate the connected organ. Same is with hand gestures. Our energy flows in or around us in a very specific way, and it matters how it flows. Hand gestures are the techniques that change the flow of it, positively.
List of all the Mudras mentioned in this blog.
1. GYAN MUDRA
You can practice this mudra anytime during the day or while you are performing yoga postures or during meditation. Gyan mudra helps to increase concentration, memory, reduces sleep disorders, helps to release stress and anger, eases depression and headache. This mudra has been used extensively for thousands of years by yogis as it brings peace, calm, and spiritual progress.
2. PRITHVI MUDRA
Earth element is a vital component of bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc. Practice of Prithvi mudra builds and invigorates these tissues and strengthens the bones. It produces stability, confidence and strength.
To practice this mudra Sit down in lotus pose or easy pose to perform this mudra. Gently touch the tip of the ring finger and thumb, while the other three are stretched or free.
This, if done 30-45 minutes every day (together or in 3 parts during the day), helps reduce stress, weakness, helps in weight gain, increases blood circulation & Kapha, boosts self esteem & confidence. Also, it increases determination and directs individuals towards spirituality. It improves digestive power, develops vitality and removes deficiency of vitamins.
3. PRANA MUDRA
Prana mudra can be used whenever you feel drained or tired, and need an extra boost of energy. This mudra cleanses our aura due to its innate ability to control the subtle energies of our aura. It is considered beneficial for all types of diseases and is also said to impart special power to the eyes. Prana mudra is said to help activate the dormant energy in the body (chi or qui).