Mudra is basically a symbolic ritual gesture in Buddhism and Hinduism. While some of these Mudras involve the gesture of the entire body, most of them are performed with the hands and fingers. In Sanskrit mudra means a spiritual gesture and seal of authenticity. Mudras are arm, body and hand postures used in traditional Hinduism and Buddhism. Lord Buddha knew the use of the Mudras and is often seen with the spiritual gestures.
There are about 108 Mudra are used in Tantric rituals. Several mudras are also used in Indian classical dance. There are over 250 gestures in Mohiniattam and about 200 in Bharatanatyam.
Let’s have a look at some of the mudras:
Gyan Mudra or knowledge mudra
Method
Touch the tip of your thumb with the tip of your index finger and stretch out your other three fingers.
Time Duration
There is no particular specified time duration to perform this mudra. You can practice this by sitting, standing or even when lying on the bed at whatever time you please.
Benefits
As understandable by the name, it is the mudra of knowledge. It enhances the knowledge. The tip of thumb is the center of the endocrine and pituitary glands. When pressed it helps in proper functioning of the two glands.
It helps in increasing memory power and sharpens your brain. It also helps in enhancing concentration and prevent insomnia. When practiced on a regular basis, it helps in curing psychological disorders like hysteria, mental illness, depression and anger.
Prithivi Mudra or earth mudra
Method
Keep the tip of your ring finger at the tip of your thumb with the other three fingers stretched out.
Time Duration
It doesn’t have any particular specified time duration. It can be practiced by any time you want.
Benefits
It helps in reducing physical weakness. It also helps in increasing weight in weak people. It also works on the complexion of the skin and helps in imparting the glow. It also helps in keeping the body active.
Varun Mudra or Water mudra
Method:
Allow the tip of your little finger to touch the tip of the thumb and stretch out other three fingers.
Time duration:
It doesn’t have any specific time duration, it can be practiced based on user preference.
Benefits
It helps in balancing the water content in the body and prevents disease related to water. It helps in cleansing your blood and prevent gastroenteritis and muscle shrinkage.
Vayu Mudra or Air Mudra
Method:
Try to keep the index finger on the base of the thumb and press your thumb a little. Keep all other fingers straight.
Time duration:
This mudra can be practiced for about 45 minutes. It shows a considerable reduction in the severity of the disease in just 12 to 24 hours. For better result it is advised to practice it for about 2 months.
Benefits:
It helps in preventing any disease that occurs due to air imbalance. It also helps in curing arthritis, rheumatism, gout, paralysis, cervical spondylitis and catching of the nerve.
It also helps in correcting gas disorders.
Shunya Mudra or Emptiness Mudra
Method:
Keep your middle finger on the mount of the Venus and put a little pressure with your thumb.
Time Duration:
It can be practiced for about 40 to 60 minutes every day.
Benefits
It helps in relieving headache quickly, it is also helpful for deaf and mentally challenged persons.
Surya Mudra or Sun Mudra
Method:
Bend your ring finger and press it a little with your thumb.
Time Duration:
It can be practiced for about 5 to 15 minutes daily.
Benefits:
It helps in sharpening the center of the thyroid gland. It also helps in reducing cholesterol and hence helps in weight reduction. It also helps in reducing anxiety and helps in correcting indigestion.
Prana Mudra or Mudra of life
Method:
Bend your ring finger and your little finger and touch the tip of the thumb with their tips and keep the other two fingers stretched.
Time duration:
It doesn’t have any specific time duration and can be practiced any time.
Benefits:
It is a special mudra and helps in improving the power of life. It also helps in providing internal strength and helps in reduction of the clamps in blood vessels. It also helps in making one active and improves immunity. It also helps in improving your vision and reduces eye related disorders.
Apana Mudara or Digestion Mudra
Method:
Allow the tip of your middle finger and the ring finger to touch the tip of the thumb while keeping other two fingers stretched out.
Time Duration:
Practicing it daily for about 45 minutes provides appropriate results.
Benefits:
It offers great health benefits and also helps in regulating excretory system. It also helps in controlling diabetes, constipation, piles and in regulating excretion.
Apana Vayu mudra or heart mudra
Method:
Keep the tip of your middle finger and ring finger so as to touch the tip of the thumb. While the index finger is in contact with the base of the thumb stretch your little finger.
Time duration:
It can be practiced for without any time restriction. People suffering from BP or heart disease should practice it for at least 15 minutes daily for best results.
Benefits:
It helps the heart function properly and reduces vata in the body. It also helps in strengthening the heart and regularizing palpitation. It also regulates the excretory system and helps in eliminating gastric trouble.
Linga Mudra or Heat and Energy mudra
Method:
Interlock fingers of both your hands, keep the thumb of your left hand vertically straight and use the other thumb to encircle it.
Time duration:
It can be practiced at any time according to the convenience. But don’t practice it a lot as it generates heat in the body. It may also cause sweating if you practice it for a longer time.
Benefits:
It generates heat inside our body. Practitioners are advised to take milk, ghee, fruits and more water while performing this mudra. It helps in stopping the production of phlegm and strengthens your lungs. It also helps in curing cold, bronchial infection and revitalizes the body.
2 replies on “Mudras and their benefits”
Please suggest me an efficient doctor who will explain me the side effects and caution of hand mudras. I’ve heard some specific mudra cannot be performed by some specific person.it is urgent please contact me as soon as possible.
Hand mudras sikhane ke liye koyi doctor chahie.