The different types of Yoga Mudra aid a person to achieve better health and mental condition through proper and regular practice. Yoga Mudra is a gesture, often done with hands, to symbolise a closing up or a seal and are catalysts to utilize our energy for the better in a specific direction. Yoga Mudra has a tremendous effect on posture and thought process. It is an easy process of exhaling and inhaling and can be done sitting in Easy Pose or Sukasana, which is a comfortable cross legged sitting posture. Practicing the different types of mudras for health is considered good as it provides physical, mental, as well as spiritual benefits. Mudras, also known as hand yoga, typically involves placing the hands and fingers in certain positions as described in the Vedas.
There are many different yoga mudras and each of them has a different benefit. Below is the explanation to some of them.
Gyan Mudra: The first mudra in Yoga is known as Gyan Mudra or the Mudra of Knowledge:
As the name suggests, this mudra helps to increase concentration, increases brain powers and cures insomnia. It also help to heal all mental and psychological disorders like anger, stress, anxiety and even depression. Perfect time to do this mudra is early in the mornings with a fresh mind. Touch the tip of the index finger with the tip of the thumb.
Vayu Mudra: Vayu mudra balances the air element within the body, releasing excess wind from stomach and body thereby reducing rheumatic and chest pain. This mudra can be practiced any time of the day as per one’s convenience by folding the index finger and lightly pressing the second bone on the finger with the base of the thumb, leaving the other three fingers extended as much as possible. It is advisable to stop doing this mudra after the desired benefits have been achieved.
Varun Mudra:
Varun mudra balances the water content in our body, activating fluid circulation and keeping it moisturized. It adds a natural glow and lustre to the face, cures any sort of skin ailments and prevents the appearance of pimples. It also relieves any muscle pain one is suffering from, it is a very effective yoga posture for overall health. This mudra can be performed any time by lightly touching the tip of the little finger with the tip of the thumb, keeping rest of the fingers straight.
Prana Mudra:
This mudra activates the energy in one’s body, improves the immune system, reduces fatigue and tiredness, increases eye power and cures any sort of eye disease. This mudra can be performed at any time by bending the ring and little finger and touching the tip of these fingers with the tip of the thumb.
Prithvi Mudra:
This mudra improves blood circulation, increases concentration while meditating and increases patience and tolerance. It improves the skin complexion and gives a natural glow, also reduces dullness of mind, weakness and exhaustion. The best time to perform this mudra is in the morning by sitting in padmasana position. Keep the palms of both your hands on your knees with straight elbows, touch the tip of ring finger with the tip of the thumb and press them slightly while keeping the rest of the fingers extended out.
Agni Mudra:
This mudra helps in digestion, improves body strength, reduces stress and tension. It helps to control obesity and controls high cholesterol levels. Fold the ring finger and press the second phalanx with the base of the thumb. This mudra should be performed in sitting position during early mornings on an empty stomach and the pose should be maintained for at least 15 minutes every day. Avoid performing this mudra if you suffer from acidity or indigestion.
Surya Mudra:
This mudra helps in improving digestion, losing weight, controlling bad cholesterol and reducing anxiety. It can be performed any time by bending the ring finger and pressing the first phalanx with the thumb.
Shankh Mudra:
This mudra helps with respiratory system and the problems of the throat. It can be performed any time by encircling the left thumb with the four fingers of the right hand, right thumb raised to touch the extended middle finger of the left hand. Together the hand now resembles a conch shell and should be held in front of one’s sternum and Om chanted with it for 15 minutes.
Linga Mudra:
This mudra boosts the body’s immune system and loosens the mucous collected in the lungs, making the body resistant to colds and chest infections. It helps in reducing weight and creates body heat. Make sure to keep well hydrated when performing this mudra. Clasp the fingers of both hands together with one thumb remaining upright and encircled by the thumb and index finger of the other hand. Keep both hands in front of the chest. This mudra should be practiced for 15 minutes at a time.
It is suggested by experts that Yoga mudras should be practiced anywhere from 5 – 24 minutes at a time. For an optimal health, practice them every day.
