“Yoga gives special importance to mudras as developed forms of asanas. In asanas, senses are primary and prana is secondary, whereas in mudras, senses are secondary and prana is primary.”
Hand Mudras Control the Elements
The whole universe is created with five elements, and so is our body. The five fingers of our body denote the five elements. The thumb represents fire, index finger represents air, middle finger represents space/sky, ring finger represents earth and the little finger represents water.
The body remains healthy when there is a balance among the five elements and in adverse conditions, diseases are caused. The balanced action of these five elements controls the internal glands, body parts, and their functions, and the dormant powers of the body are awakened.
The effect of the mudras is immediate. They can be done while standing, sitting or walking, but it is more beneficial to sit in Vajrasana, Padmasana or Sukhasana and do the mudras. In the beginning, they can be practiced for ten minutes and later on practiced for up to 30 to 45 minutes to get complete benefit. While doing any action the finger that is not being used should be kept straight.
Gyan or Dhyan Mudra
Touch the thumb and index finger with each other and keep the remaining three fingers straight.
Benefits:
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- It develops concentration, increases attentiveness and removes negative thinking.
- It increases the memory power, therefore children become sharp minded with the regular practice of this mudra.
- The brain nerves become strong. It cures insomnia, headache and stress. It destroys anger.
For better results, perform Prana mudra after this mudra.
Vayu Mudra
Join the index finger to the tip of the thumb and put slight pressure with the thumb, then it becomes Vayu mudra. The remaining three fingers should be kept straight.
Benefits:
- Regular practice of this mudra eliminates all wind-related problems like arthritis, joint pain, gout, paralysis, vertigo, sciatica, knee pain, and gas formation stops.
- It also benefits neck and spine pain.
- It cures the impurities in blood circulation.
Shunya Mudra
The middle finger represents space/sky. Join this finger to the tip of the thumb and put slight pressure with the thumb. The remaining fingers should be kept straight.
Benefits:
- This mudra cures secretion from the ears, ear pain, deafness or hearing problems, if practiced for a long time or at least one hour daily.
- It cures heart problems.
- It cures weakness in the bones.
- The gums become strong.
- It also benefits in throat and thyroid problems.
Caution:
Do not do this mudra while eating and walking.
Prithvi Mudra
Join the tips of the ring finger and thumb and keep the remaining three fingers straight.
Benefits:
- Regular practice cures general weakness of the body, leanness, obesity and other diseases.
- This mudra improves digestion power, and helps develop a positive attitude.
- It cures vitamin deficiencies.
- It makes the body fit and active.
Prana Mudra
This mudra is formed by joining the tips of the little finger, ring finger and thumb. The remaining two fingers should be kept straight.
Benefits:
- The dormant power of life is awakened; develops health, activity and energy in the body. It cures eye problems and improves the eyesight.
- It enhances the immune system of the body, cures vitamin deficiencies, removes weakness and circulates new energy, thus rejuvenating the body.
- During long hours of fasting, one does not feel hungry and thirsty.
- For insomnia, it should be done along with Gyan mudra.
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. www.divyayoga.com
