All You Need To Know About Mudras

• Introduction

• Origins of Mudras

• Healing With Mudras

• Popular Mudras & Their Healing benefits

Introduction

In Eastern healing cultures, the hands are known to be the gatekeepers of our micro- meridians, essentially paths through which our life-force or “QI” flows. Naturally, the hands hold many secrets and techniques when it comes to ultimate healing. This is where I introduce mudras. The Sanskrit derived term means “sign” or “gesture”. “Mud” translates to “joy”, whereas “ra” translates to “produce”.

Therefore, the meaning is typically “gesture that produces joy”. Fundamentally, a mudra is the specific positioning of the hands that guides energy flow throughout the body. When we exert pressure on our fingers by crossing, touching, curling and stretching them- we can activate these meridians to access several chakras.

Psychic, emotional, spiritual, and artistic gestures or attitudes are all examples of mudras, according to ancient yogic experts. Eye positions, breathing techniques (pranayama) and various body postures (asanas) can also be considered mudras.

Origins of Mudras

Mudras, subtle yet powerful movements that can be used to enhance the mood, attitude and even perspective of an individual. These gestures are considered to be higher rituals, are utilized to help awaken our energetic/subtle body. Usually, they are practiced accompanied by any of the previous techniques mentioned. This way the ancient practice can be optimized to create a wealth of benefits for the mind, body and spirit.

Mudras have been engaged for thousands of years. Emerging from Eastern traditions, as well as Egyptian traditions. Hand postures are also popular within Hinduism and Buddhism traditions. These positions can often be seen in Asian martial arts and even Indian dancing as well. Additionally, they have a profound influence in many yogic teachings and have been utilized during various types of yoga. In many ancient texts, Hindu and Bhuddists’ gods and goddesses are often revealed and depicted in deep meditation performing the hand positions.

More about Mudras

According to Mudra principles, each individual’s body is composed of the five elements- air, water, earth, space/ether and fire. Further, each element is represented by a corresponding finger. Consequently, it is taught that each element has a precise relation and in turn dominates the mind, body and also breath.

Evidently, disease within the body derives from disharmony, this can be developed from either a surplus or scarcity of these fundamental elements. As stated previously, these five elements: earth, water, wind, ether and fire play a vital role to the well- being of oneself. Thus, when our fingers, which are physical representations of these elements are manipulated into these mudras we can impart amazing healing.

For example, when a finger is touched by the thumb, that particular element residing in the body is grounded, therefore balanced. This, in turn, causes a ricocheted effect of healing the dis-ease or disharmony present. Simply put, mudras promote significant, thorough healing and rehabilitation by reshaping the movement of energy, transforming the symmetry of these principle elements.

Each element is physically controlled by a particular finger;

• Air (Vayu)- is represented by the index finger. This finger and its corresponding element governs the lungs and the large intestine. It is also responsible for the emotions of sadness, grief and depression.
• Space (Akash)- is represented by the middle finger. This finger and its corresponding element governs the heart, small intestine, circulatory and respiratory systems. It is also responsible for emotions of impatience and hastiness
• Earth (Prithvi)- is represented by the ring finger. This finger and its corresponding element governs the gallbladder and the nervous system. It is also responsible for the emotion anger.
• Water (Jal)- this is represented by the little finger. This finger and its corresponding element governs the kidneys. It is also responsible for the emotion fear.
• Fire- (Agni)- This is represented by the thumb. This finger and its corresponding element governs the stomach. It is also responsible for the emotion worry.

Healing With Mudras

Any disease caused within the body can be traced to an imbalance of the five fundamental elements. Subsequently, this leads to much disruption in many of the body’s operations, these include the immune system, respiratory system and endocrine system just to name a few. A cornerstone doctrine of utilizing mudras for healing involves using different placements of the thumb to create balance.

As such, the thumb and corresponding finger are held together to increase the flow of the respective element. Whereas to decrease the flow of a particular element, the corresponding finger is bent at the base of the thumb, with the back of the finger pressed down by the thumb.. Mudras provoke healing within the span of 30 seconds, so it is highly recommended for a Mudra to be practiced any length from five minutes onward to facilitate effective healing.

Mudras may be practiced in numerous places of your convenience. They are especially handy for those individuals who travel often. In such cases, Mudras are a perfect tool to have handy in bringing some balance to life amidst the bustle of everyday operations. Please do not let the concern of openly practicing Mudras cloud the fact that this may influence a chain reaction of greater recognition to ancient healing techniques and its wealth of benefits.

Popular Mudras & Their Healing Benefits

Gyan Mudra – Mudra of Wisdom and Knowledge

It is quite obvious one of the most known mudra seals, often depicted and practiced among those who follow Buddhism, Hinduism and many yoga traditions. Gyan, translated in Sanskrit, means knowledge or wisdom and is revered as such.

This mudra, also called the chin mudra, stimulates general wellbeing by inducing relaxation. Thus, chin mudra is highly effective in relieving stress and bringing openness and tranquility to the practitioner. According to teachings, the chin or gyan seal is associated with the union of Self (divine self) and the Cosmos- where the index finger serves as the individual self and the thumb serves as the Supreme soul.

Gesture positioning

• With the back straight; head & chest should be held high, shoulders relaxed.
• Palms face upwards, place them on the knees
• Bring the tips of the index finger and thumb together
• Concentrate on your breathing and close eyes.
• Practice it with both hands, for 5 – 15 minutes daily for effective results

Benefits of Gyan Mudra

• Gyan is highly beneficial during meditation as it cultivates relaxation and focus
• It relieves stress and frees the mind from the hardships of this world
• Tension and depression is lessened by activating the root chakra
• It relates to expansion and knowledge.
• It is calming and promotes openness and ease in meditation.
• According to Ayurvedic teachings, it is associated with the air element, thus stimulating the brain, strengthening the mind, nervous system and pituitary gland.
• It works effectively to combat sleeping disorders whilst improving the practitioner’s concentration

Vayu Mudra- Mudra for Balancing Air Element

This mudra is translated from the Sanskrit word meaning air or wind. Naturally, it is a gesture that controls the element of air within the body. Vayu mudra promotes substantial healing from imbalances caused by excess or toxic “air” trapped in parts of the body. Those with unbalanced “air” distribution are known to have ailments such as: gas, bloating, constipation, joint discomfort, unstable appetite, irritable bowel syndrome, among others.

Gesture Positioning

• The thumb gently presses the tip of the index finger
• The other fingers are kept straight.
• It is recommended to practice for at least 15 minutes or until air imbalances subside
• It can be practiced daily to manage these symptoms of toxic air

Benefits OF Vayu Mudra

Being this mudra is responsible for managing the flow of air throughout the body, it is proven to aid in a wide range of air related ailments:

• Eases constipation, symptoms associated with flatulence and bloating
• Reduces knee pains and joint pains
• Adequately successful against symptoms related to Rheumatism, Sciatica, Arthritis, Gout
• Beneficial against anxiety and nervousness
• Boosts mental vitality and promotes restfulness
• Assists in balancing the endocrine system

Note: Since, this mudra helps to decrease gas/flatulence. It can be practiced to diminish these symptoms after a meal, so hold this posture for 5- 15 minutes to ease trapped air in your body!

Pran / Prana Mudra- Mudra For Energizing, Vitality

This hand gesture represents life force and vitality. The Pran Mudra increases vitality from the root up, being that it activates the root chakra. Thus, it increases the Earth element which is associated with the root chakra. This mudra is recommended to use when feeling fatigued, depressed or just as a pick me up to raise your vibration.

Also known as the pitta-naashak mudra or kapha kaarak mudra, it is widely referred to as the healing mudra. This gesture not only provides grounding energy but is proven to rejuvenate & improve sleep quality. Furthermore, pran mudra enhances eyesight. By utilizing this posture, prana mudra also enhances vision- life vision and productivity.

How to Perform Prana Mudra

• Palms facing upwards, rest the hands on the top of the thighs
• The tip of the thumb touches the ring and little finger on each hand
• The remaining fingers are kept straight
• Remember to breathe deeply while in this pose

Benefits of Prana Mudra

Our bodies are composed of considerable amounts of water & air.

While these three fingers make contact -ring, little and thumb (representing earth, water & fire respectively) the life force is stimulated.

• This mudra stimulates the immune system. Promoting vitality and strength
• Grounds the practitioner, providing a stable connection to the earth
• Useful in aiding the lungs and heart
• Helpful for fighting vitamin deficiencies
• Improves eyesight
• Useful during fasting by limiting hunger and thirst
• Encourages feelings of joy- lowering mental tension, anger and irritability
• Fights fatigue and poor circulation
• Can be used in conjunction with other healing mudras to optimize healing

 

All You Need To Know About Mudras