Mudras

Mudras are positions of the body that have some kind of influence on the energies of the body, or your mood. Mudra is a Sanskrit word. ‘Mud’ means joy and ‘Ra’ means produce. Thus, the word Mudra means an action or activity done for producing delight. Originally mudras were used by the Hindus for rituals. Each ritual has its own significance and scientific denotation. Mudra helps relaxation and deep meditation. Therefore, we see all Hindu Gods and Goddesses sitting in some form of mudras.

Mudras are a silent language of self-expression. Practicing mudra is very easy; in fact, and do not call for any restrictions. They are postures or gestures with fingers during meditation to open, release, or close the flow of internal energy according to your requirement. Because of its psycho-energetic effects, they are powerful for sending messages to the nerve endings in our hands to the brain. In Mudra practice, the body communicates with the mind; because mind and body are interconnected in a vital unity. It is estimated that around 399 different mudras are accessible, 36 being the most practiced ones.

Mostly the hands and fingers are held in some position, but the whole body may be part of the mudra as well. All diseases are curable by performing different kinds of mudras. The body lacks immunity and that can be achieved by performing Mudras. One should keep faith in whatever one is doing. Faith is the source of energy and when it is applied along with practices of mudras, it can bring miraculous cure in any diseases. Mudras have natural healing process. To use a mudra, keep it for at least a couple of minutes. It is usually more effective to do them a while longer, like 15 minutes or so. You might spread that time over the day, but you could also make it part of meditation. Hold the finger-positions with both hands, at the same time. This will have a more powerful effect than doing a mudra with just one hand. Some mudras are simple enough so that you can even do them with your hands in your pockets, like the set of four mudras. You can do these anywhere when you feel you need them, without attracting attention.

Mudras are credited for therapeutic or curative powers of the mind and body. They help to link the brain to the body, soothe pain, stimulating the endorphin system, change the mood and increase our vitality. However, their degree of effectiveness depends not only on the frequency or regularity of practice, but also, among other factors, the quality of the diet, eating habits and life in general. These practices are performed by people of all religions, cast and creed for relaxation and advancement in meditation. These techniques are 100% compatible with any philosophy, ideology or belief, as the main purpose of these gestures is to reach a body-mind energy connection.

Its practice is not difficult; you only need to stay focused on gestures. To practice the Mudras one does not require great skills, it requires regularity, few minutes a day. For beginners, it is advisable to choose a quiet place where no one interrupts us, away from noise and preferably alone and in silence. Once you have mastered the art, the practice can be performed elsewhere.

Mudras can be practiced as per our own needs. We can make a specific Mudra to relieve uneasiness or help cure a particular disease. A daily practice of Mudras contributes to improving and strengthening of our physical, emotional, mental and spiritual achievement. There are a few Mudras to overcome any ailments. They are as follows:

Precautions:

Even though yoga mudras are the great source of healing, they must be practiced in the manner and for the duration they are meant to be. Do not try to violate the rules. It is advisable to practise under the guidance of a yoga trainer.

1. Little Finger – Water

2. Ring Finger – Earth

3. Middle Finger – Ether

4. Index Finger – Air

5. Thumb – Fire