About Yoga Mudras

“Yoga” means to “unite”, and Mudras means “postures”. Yog Mudras comprises the line of yoga (treatised in Mudra Vigyan, “Vigyan” meaning “science”) that uses yogic positioning of hands and the finger tips to redirect the prana (subtle life force energy) emanating from the fingers, back into the body, thus strengthening our nerve centers. The hand and the fingers are the largest representation of the brain’s neurological map that connects to the nerve centers. Thus, yoga mudras bring astounding results in personal wellness and healing, if practiced with pranayamas and awareness.

 

The five elements in nature correspond to our five fingers, each resonating with a unique frequency that enables it to talk to the body and the mind to alter bodily sensations and the mood favorably. The thumb responds to the fire element and corresponds to stomach, self-assertion and worry. The index finger represents air element and influences the lungs, the large intestine, and controls feelings of self-worth, depression, and grief. The middle finger is instrumental to the flow of ether, thus it affects the heart, circulatory and respiratory systems, and controls responsibility, impatience and haste. The ring finger vibrates to the water element and is instrumental to the liver, gall bladder and the nervous system, thus affecting relationships and our anger levels. The little finger corresponds to water, and maps the health of the kidneys and controls communication and fear.

 

Thus, this line of yoga reinforces the fact that nature has programmed our bodies with the intrinsic abilities to heal ourselves and if we are intuitive and receptive to the subtle gifts of nature, we can usher in a flood of healing that would extend even to our loved ones around us. Curative, therapeutic and a facilitative to meditation, yoga mudras keep the body fit and unhealthy emotions in effortless control.

 

Mudras may be practiced with a single hand (asamyukta hastam) or with both hands (samyukta hastam), with eyes closed, while seated in padma-asana (lotus posture) with right legs folded and resting on left thigh, the left legs folded and resting on right thigh, or, in vajra-asana (thunderbolt posture) by sitting back on heels with knees together. Long deep breaths with attention to the breath, gently ropes the mind to the present moment, which is the most ideal and productive state of the mind.

 

Yoga Mudras are claimed to have been initiated by Lord Shiva, the Hindu deity associated with yoga, transformation or annihilation of negativity.

 

Some beneficial mudras comprise the Abhaya Mudra (“Abhaya” means “fearless”- brings courage), Gyan Mudra (“Gyan” means “knowledge”), Linga Mudra (“Linga” means “phallus”- for immunity cold and chest infections, weight loss), Prithvi Mudra (“Prithvi” means “Earth”- facilitates appetite and weight gain, cures liver and stomach problems), Purna Gyan Mudra (associated with Lord Buddha), Shunya Mudra (“Shunya” means “zero” or limitless- regulates the thyroid gland), Surya Mudra (“Surya” means “sun”- hence it energizes), Apan Mudra (“Apan” means “air that moves away”- for liver and gall bladder problems, boosts self-confidence, mental serenity, Rudra Mudra (“Rudra” for Shiva- controls low blood pressure, bad eyesight, breathing and eating disorders, and brings clarity in thoughts), Vaayu Mudra (“Vaayu” means “air”- controls gastro problems, joint pain, backache, arthritis, panic, hysteria, sciatica and Parkinson’s disease), Varuna Mudra (“Varuna” means “water”- better blood circulation, glowing skin), and likewise many others. The Stoop Yoga needs special mention because it helps asthmatics in simulation of the lungs and bronchial branches, cures spine and gastric problems, constipation, and sexual potency. At advanced levels, it awakens the kundalini (means “coiled”) which is the corporeal instinctive energy that lies dormant at the base of spine until awakened by yogic practices to experience infinite bliss or divine communion with Shiva and comprehend reality beyond the five senses. Seated in padma-asana or sukh-asana (“Sukh” means “relaxation”), bring both hands at the back and grab the wrist of the right hand with the left. Bring the right hand into a fist after touching the right thumb to the mountain at base of the little finger. Rest the locked hands at the back, inhale and bend forward exhaling, and touch the forehead to the ground. Raise both hands without undue strain and repose in this position for a few seconds. Lower the hands and return to normal seated position with long, gentle inhalation.