More deeply, "closed electrical circuits" of the subtle channels in physical and etheric bodies are also known as 'Mudras'.
Some Western writers have defined 'Mudra' as mystic hand gestures used to focus subtle energy, transmit teachings through symbols and confer psychic protection.
Because the Mudras work on the nerves, they are a NEURAL SCIENCE.
People fold their fingers in various Mudras (Gestures). It is little known, however, that mudra Science is Tatva Yoga i.e. Yoga based on science of Elements. And these Mudras can help in curing many Diseases. Tatva Yoga Mudra Vigyan is an independent Yoga, built upon the knowledge of the five fingers of the human hand.
Mudra is a very exact and scientific Yogic function by which one can develop and even change one's internal and external disposition viz. Mental (anger, emotional disturbance, intelligence etc.), Spiritual (concentration, meditation) or Physical (in various diseases, illnesses). Mudras can bring miraculous Mental, Spiritual and Physical changes and improvements in our body. They help in quickly balancing the elements of the body. Mudras effect changes in Veins, Tendons, Gl ands and Sense Organs. Mudras need no prior preparation. They can be done (mostly but with exceptions) at any time, anywhere and virtually under any circumstances. Mudras are like literal remote control switches bringing quick and effective changes. They help in bringing about permanent changes.
Mudras awaken the cosmic energy and help unite the Atma (Soul) with Paramatama (Cosmic Soul). Thus, the tension applied to the nerve/s and/or the neural or psycho- neural circuits formed by the Mudras help in balancing the five basic Elements (or building blocks).
The Thumb (Angusth)represents Fire (Agni),
the Fore finger (Tarjani) Vayu (Air),
the Middle finger (Madhyama) Akash (Space),
the Third finger (Anamika) Prithvi (Earth) and
the Fourth finger (Kanishika) Jal (Water).
This balancing of the tension and redirection of the internal energy effects the changes in veins, tendons, glands and sensory organs to bring the body back to a healthy state. Mudras never generate an excess of energy, they simply seek an optimal balancing of prana, much like a thermostat. So next time you are Ailing, remember it may just be an instance of mal adjusted prana and an innocuous sleight of hand could be the cure Here are some mudras which are useful in therapy. As mentioned earlier there can be no end to the gains that may be had from Mudras. While for most Mudras there are no restrictions of posture and time, others should not be performed without full knowledge. In some cases, practice for longer periods or while in a different posture or at the wrong time could even prove harmful.
1.Hakini Mudra :
Can be practiced anywhere anytime. Good for Brain. Helps Memory.
*People should sit down in contemplation with both the hands in front & the finger touching at the tips as though in deep thought.
* The finger tips of both the hands should be placed together.
* The eyes should be directed upward with the tip of the tongue placed on the gums while inhaling.
* Make the tongue fall again while exhaling and then take a deep breath.
2.Pran Mudra :
The Pran mudra activates the root chakra and increases vitality. This can be done up to half an hour a day or three times a day for 15 min
* Get the tips of the thumb, ring finger and little finger together while the index finger and the middle finger remain extended.
* This mudra can be done with both the hands.
For: Eyes and Life force.
PRAN MUDRA : Bend the little finger and the finger next to it and place them at the tip of the thumb. Keep other two fingers straight.This Mudra creates an Energy bank in the body.Good in keeping the Eye problems away and heals the Eye Sight. Removes Fatigue. Keeps a person fresh during a Fast. It also makes the Skin glow and Eyes shine. IT IS GOOD IN REMOVING SLEEPLESSNESS IF DONE WITH GYAN MUDRA.
N.B. This Mudra should be done with concentration.
3.Linga Mudra :
This Mundra boosts the body’s immune system and loosens the mucous that has been collected in the lungs and it is believed to make the body more resistant to colds and chest infections. Those who are habitually suffer from bad colds and incurable chest infections are advised to practice this mudra. This mudra is useful for weight reducing also. However because of the heat it generates, the mudra can be taxing and can result in the feeling of lethargy.Weight-watchers who practice it must ensure that they consume ‘cooling’ foods like fruits or drink as much as water they can – at least glass a day.
* Place both palms together and clasp your fingers.
* One thumb remains upright and encircled by the thumb and index finger of the other hand.Keep both hands infront of the chest
* This mudra can be practicing three times a day for 15 mins
For: Cough & Cold, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Low Blood Pressure.
LING MUDRA : Join both the palms and lock the facing fingers together, keeping left thumb upright. The upright thumb must be encircled by the other thumb and the index finger.Do as shown in the picture. This Mudra generates heat in the body.
It destroys Phlegm and helps in problems of Cold and Cough. It is excellent when the body is cold due to shortage of cover in inimical weather. It is a reliever in Asthma and Bronchitis.
N.B. This Mudra must be performed under supervision or with full knowledge. Good amount of water, juice, milk, fruits and ghee should be consumed after performing this mudra. Should not be done for a long time.
4.Apan Mudra :
This is called the energy mudra.This mudra helps in removing toxins from the body.This mudra also has a balancing effect on the mind and helps develop inner balance and confidence.
* Place the thumb, middle finger and ring finger together but the index finger and the little finger are extended.
* This can be done for fourty five mins or three times day for 15 mins.
For: Menstrual Cycles, Kidney, Diabetes and Piles.
APAN MUDRA : Bend the finger next to index finger and the finger next to little finger and place them on the tip of the thumb. Keep rest of the fingers straight. This Mudra is beneficial in Piles and Diabetes. It removes Urinary problems and is beneficial in Menstrual cycles. This Mudra makes delivery of a child easy. It is also good for Kidney and Stomach problems.
N.B. There is too much of urination. Good amount of water should be consumed.
5.Apan Vayu Mudra :
This is called the life saver and is first aid for heart attacks. Every conceivable problem has a mudra, which enables a cure. A person who has developed heart trouble can check it by reducing the vayu tatva and apan vayu of his body. He can do this with the vayu and apan mudras. This mudra is supposed to have immediate effect in an emergency. It can also be used over a period of time to strengthen the heart. However, the mudras are not substitute for medication.
* Bring the index finger is brought down on the mound of the thumb, and the tips of the third and the fourth finger join the thumb.
* The little finger should be relaxed and extended. This can done with each hand
* This mudra can be done 3 times a day for 15 mins or until effect is felt
For: Heart and High blood pressure.
APAN VAYU MUDRA : Bend the index finger and place it at the root of the thumb. Place the other two fingers at the tip of the thumb. Keep the little finger straight.
This Mudra is best for bringing down Heart problems and Blood Pressure. This is best for people with Weak Heart. If done immediately after Heart Attack this Mudra does miracles. It is good in removing Gastric problems and is good in removing Headache due to Gas problem. It should be done few minutes before climbing the stair case.
N.B. It should be practiced under strict supervision of a known yogi or master of this science.
6.Bhudi Mudra / Varun Mudra :
The bhudi mudra helps maintain the fluid balance in the body.
The tip of the thumb should be placed on the little finger while the other fingers relaxed and extended.
Do this with each hand, This can be done three times a day for 15 mins.
For: Face, Skin and Blood.
VARUN MUDRA : Bend the little finger and place it at the tip of the thumb.Press the finger against the thumb gently. Keep the rest of the fingers straight. This Mudra removes Dehydration and Blood disorders. It is good for removing Pimples from the face and is also good for removing Skin problems. It helps in maintaining Glowing Skin.
N.B. People ailing with kuff should not do this Mudra for long time.
7.Back Mudra :
This is an excellent Mudra for backache. There are many reasons for backache. Stress is one of the prime causes.This mudra is done with both the hands.
* The thumb, middle finger and the little finger of the right hand should touch the index finger and the ring finger should be relaxed and extended.
* In the left place the thumb joint on the nail of the index finger
* This can be done 4 times a day for 4 mins
8.Gyan Mudra :
For: Headache, sleeplessness and memory loss.
* Bend the the thumb and the index finger and bring the the tips together in gentle contact, not pressing hard, while all other fingers are kept straight
This Mudra is a Tranquilizer for Yogis and helps in Meditation. It sharpens the memory and develops the concentration of mind. It removes Head Ache and Sleeplessness.
9.Surya Mudra :
For: Liver, Cholesterol and Blood sugar.
SURYA MUDRA : Bend the finger next to the little finger and place it at the root of the thumb. Now press the finger with the thumb gently. Keep the rest of the fingers straight. This mudra helps in Loosing Weight and removing Depression. It also decreases Cholesterol and Blood Sugar. It is also good in removing Liver problems.
N.B. Week and unwell people should not do this exercise. Do not over do this Mudra in hot weather.
10.Bronchial & Asthma Mudra :
* Place the little finger at the base of the thumb, the ring finger on the upper thumb joint and the middle finger on the top soft portion of the thumb. The index finger should be extended. This can be done few mins every day.
* It can be done along with the asthma mudra wich is also done with both hands.Press together the fingernails of the middle fingers while keeping the other fingers extended. This is effective for asthma attack.
