MUDRAS - Types of Mudras & Their Meaning, How to Practice, Benefits

Mudras

Mudra is the science of hand and finger postures. It can help to cure bodily ailments in a wonderful manner. It affects the body’s energetic system and flow of Prana (life energy) within it. It actually helps in balancing the five elements (panch tattva) in the human system to their optimum level. If the mudras are practiced regularly, definite health benefits will be manifested. Anyone can do this practice anytime, anyplace –min the bus, train, car, office or at home.

There are many types of mudra used in Indian classical dance; over 200 mudras in Bharatnatyam, over 250 in Mohiniattam. Mudras are also used in spiritual practices.

1)GYAN MUDRA (Mudra of Knowledge)
This mudra is considered to bestow Intelligence and wisdom.
Procedure:	Touch the tip of the index finger, with the other fingers extended.
Effect:	Enhances knowledge. The tip of thumb has centres of pituitary and endocrine glands. When these centres are pressed by the index finger the two glands are stimulated.
Duration:	There is no particular time duration for this mudra. Practice by sitting or lying in bed whenever possible.
Benefits :	Increase memory power and sharpens the brain, enhances concentration and prevents insomnia. If it is practiced regularly, it will cure psychological disorders, such as hysteria, anger, depression. Cures intoxication and addictive habits.
2) PRITHVI MUDRA (Mudra of Earth)
This mudra helps to balance the earth element in our body.
Procedure:	Tip of the third finger touches the tip of thumb, with the other three fingers extended.
Effect:	It reduces all physical weakness.
Time duration:	No particular duration, practice it anytime.
Benefits:	Helps to increase the weight of weak people, improves complexion of skin and makes the skin glow. Increase tolerance and patience, also helps who practice spiritual meditation.
3) VARUNA MUDRA (Mudra of Water)
Balances the water element in body.
Procedure:	Touch the fore part of the smallest finger to the fore part of thumb
Effect:	It balances the water content and all diseases which comes due to lack of water.
Duration:	No time duration.
Benefits:	Retains clarity in blood by balancing water content in our body, prevents the pains of gastroenteritis and muscle shrinkage. Beneficial in controlling cough, cold, asthma, paralysis, vibration, sinus and low blood pressure.
4) VAYU MUDRA (Mudra of Air)
This mudra helps to balance the air element in body.
Procedure:	Keep the index finger on the base of the thumb and press with thumb keeping the other three fingers extended.
Effect:	It prevents all the diseases that occur due to imbalance of air as well as Vata dosha.
Duration:	Practice this mudra for 45 minutes in 12 to 24 hours to reduce severity of roga's. For best result practice it for two months.
Benefits:	It cures rheumatism, arthritis, parkinson’s disease, facial paralysis (cerebral palsy), cervical spondylosis, pinched nerves in neck. Also effective for the disorders of stomach.
5) SHUNYA MUDRA (Mudra of Emptyness)
Shunya means Sky that is connected with the highest forces - with the 'Upper Person' - with head.
Procedure:	Keep the middle finger at the mount of Venus and press it with thumb.
Duration:	45 minutes to 1 hour daily at a stretch for optimum results.
Benefits:	It relieves an earache within 4-5 minutes. Useful for deaf/impaired hearing & mentally challenged (not for inborn ones). Also helps in nausea, vertigo & travel sickness.
6) SURYA MUDRA (Mudra of Sun)
Surya(sun) is the source of energy. Virtue of its energy is present in all living beings. Surya mudra attracts energy of sun.
Procedure:	Bend the finger and press it with thumb third
Effect:	It sharpens the centre in thyroid gland.
Duration:	45 minutes daily or 15 minutes X 3 times (there should gap of 2 hours from taking meal). Avoid it during fever.
Benefits:	Reduces cholesterol in body, helps in weight reduction, reduce anxiety. Useful to correct digestive disorders. This mudra decreases Earth element in body.
7) PRANA MUDRA (Mudra of Life)
Procedure:	Bend the third finger and touch the tip of thumb with the finger tips, keeping the remaining two fingers (index and middle) extended.
Effect:	It improves power of life who are weak. Reduces clamps in blood vessels. By practicing this mudra regularly, the individual will become active.
Duration:	No particular time duration.
Benefits:	Improves immunity, the power of eye & eye related disease. It also removes fatigue.
8) APANA MUDRA (Mudra of Digestion)
Procedure:	The tips of the middle and third touch the tip of thumb while the other two fingers (index and little) are extended.
Effect:	This mudra plays an important role in general health as it regulates the excretory system.
Duration:	45 minutes; however longer practice times may yield greater benefits. Benefits: Regulates diabetes, cures constipation and hemorrhoids, helps excreting the normal waste regularly.
9) APANA VAYU MUDRA (Mudra of Heart)
Procedure:	The tips of the middle finger & the third finger touch the tip of thumb, while the index finger touches the base of thumb and the little finger is extended.
Effect:	It benefits the heart; reduce the possibility of angina and heart attack. Also balance vata content in body.
Duration:	Practice this mudra as many timed as possible. Heart patients and hypertensive patients should practise it at least 15 minutes X 3 times daily for best results.
Benefits:	It strengthens heart and regularizes palpitation. Also regulates excretory system. It redeems gastric troubles.
10) LINGA MUDRA (Mudra of Heat)
Linga or Angustha means 'Phallus'. Thumb is a symbol of masculinity. Procedure: Inter lock the fingers of both hands and keep the thumb of the left hand vertically straight and encircle it with the thumb & the index finger of the right hand.
Effect:	It generates heat in body. For added benefit take cow’s milk(godugdha), ghee (traditional Indian clarified butter used for cooking), more spring water and fruit juice(swaras).
Duration:	Should moderately practised, if excessive practised, this mudra cause sweating, even in winter.
Benefits:	Burns away accumulated phlegm in the chest; it also makes the body resilient to the cold, cures severe cold and bronchial infection. It invigorates the body, increase dynamism in a person. Burns unwanted calories in body, helps to reduce obesity. Person with bilious temperament should practice this mudra under the guidance of expert and experienced person.