In yoga practice, mudras are very important. The scriptures have described the importance of mudras as well. Mudras can be categorized as following:
1. Hand mudras that regulate the elements – Fire, Air, Space, Earth and Water.
2. Mudras that help in awakening the kundalini and elevating the prana.
Hand mudras, when done regularly and performed correctly, show great results. They bring relief to a variety of ailments – from digestive to respiratory to cardiac issues.
Apan Mudra
This mudra is performed by joining the tips of the thumb, ring finger and middle finger. Keep the remaining two fingers straight.
Benefits
1. It removes the toxins from the body, and the body becomes pure.
2. Practicing this mudra helps in diabetes, kidney problems and tooth problems.
3. It is beneficial for the stomach, cures constipation and wind-related problems.
4. It helps in heart problems and brings perspiration.
This mudra will cause excess urination.
Apan Vayu Mudra
Performing Apan mudra and Vayu mudra* together, creates Apan Vayu mudra. The little finger remains straight.
Benefits:
1. It cures heart and wind-related problems and makes the body healthy.
2. Those who have a weak heart should practice this regularly.
3. In case of a heart attack, performing this mudra gives immediate relief.
4. It releases gas accumulated in the stomach.
5. It is beneficial for headaches, asthma and high blood pressure.
6. Performing this mudra 5 to 7 minutes before climbing the stairs is beneficial.
*Vayu mudra: Joining the index finger with the root of the thumb and putting slight pressure on it with the thumb results in Vayu mudra.
Surya Mudra
Keep the ring finger on the lower portion of the thumb and press it gently with the thumb.
Benefits:
1. This balances the body, reduces weight, reduces obesity and increases heat in the body which helps in proper digestion.
2. It reduces stress, develops strength and reduces cholesterol content in the blood.
3. Practicing this mudra helps cure diabetes and liver problems.
This should not be performed by a weak person. Do not perform it for longer periods during summer time.
Varun Mudra
Touch the little finger with the thumb. Keep the remaining fingers straight.
Benefits:
1. This mudra removes dryness of the body and makes the skin soft and smooth.
2. It cures skin disorders, pimples, acne and diseases which are caused due to deficiency of the water element.
3. It makes the face glow.
People with phlegm constitution should not practice this mudra in excess.
Dharana Shakti Mudra
This mudra stops the breath in the lungs for a longer time. When you do purak (inhaling), then press the first part (lower portion) of the thumb with the index finger, this helps in performing kumbhak (natural retention of the breath) for a longer time. If you press the middle portion of the thumb, then kumbhak can be done for an even longer time. In case the first part (upper portion) of the thumb is pressed, then kumbhak can be done for a very long time easily.
Benefits:
1. The prana air remains in the lungs for a longer time.
2. The lungs get more air, the body and the blood get more strength.
3. The breath taken in the whole day can be reduced, which increases longevity.
Ling Mudra
Interlock the fingers as shown in the picture and keep the thumb of the left hand straight, the other fingers should be interlocked tightly.
Benefits:
1. This mudra increases heat in the body.
2. It is beneficial in cold, asthma, cough, sinusitis, paralysis and lowblood pressure.
3. It dries the phlegm.
While practicing this mudra, consume adequate quantities of water, fruits, fruit juices, ghee (clarified butter) and
milk. Do not practice this mudra for a long time.
Swami Ramdevji is a world-renowned yoga guru and is well-versed in Sanskrit, Ayurveda and Vedic philosophy. His practical approach to yoga and research in the field of Ayurveda has won him millions of admirers. Swamiji, in association with Acharya Balkrishanji, a scholar and renowned Ayurvedic physician, established Divya Yog Mandir (Trust) in 1995 and Patanjali in 2006. His state-of-the-art medical facility at Hardwar, India treats more than 3000 people every day. divyayoga.com
