Mudras – the science of hand and finger postures

Mudras, the science of hand and finger postures, can help you to cure bodily ailments in a wonderful manner. It actually helps in balancing the five elements ( panch-tattvas ) in the human system to their optimal levels. The elements can even be increased or decreased to cure appropriate ailments. When the elements are completely balanced, the yoga (unison) of mind, body and soul with the Supreme Soul can be achieved





Some very effective and simple mudras


Some brilliant, very effective and simple mudras, which you can practice anytime and anywhere:


GYAN MUDRA - One of the most important mudras. Widely accepted in all yogic meditation practices. Join the tip of forefinger and tip of the thumb. Hold together gently for at least 15-30 minutes.


Advantages

Bestows intelligence and wisdom
Purifies the mind of the practitioner
Cures many mental ailments
Gives a feeling of joy
Cures intoxication and addictive habits


PURN GYAN MUDRA - The mudra of Lord Buddha. Sit cross-legged. Keep both hands in 'Gyan Mudra' Posture. Now keep right hand near chest region. Keep left hand near knee region.


Advantages

Clears the aura in the subtle astral body
Causes electrical changes in the electromagnetic activity of the brain leading to increased clarity and understanding
Improves memory to a great extent
Soothes irritable temperaments
Bestows intelligence and wisdom


ABHAYA MUDRA - This is normally practised after Gayatri Mantra recitation. Raise both your hands to the sides of your head. Touch the forefinger to tip of thumb (just as in Gyan Mudra). Hold the hand vertically straight by the sides.


Advantages

Mind becomes fearless
Gives a feeling of courage and strength


DHYAAN MUDRA - Sit cross-legged. Place hands in Gyan Mudra, on your lap. Right palm should be resting above left palm in Gyan mudra


Advantages

Gives tremendous peace and tranquility
Helps increase concentration powers
Cures depression and other mental ailments
Practitioner can achieve the final state of eternal yogic bliss


PRITHVI MUDRA - Touch fore part of third finger (ring finger) to tip of thumb.


Advantages

Helps balance the earth element in the body
Normalizes body equilibrium
Helps remove physical weakness
Increases tolerance and patience
Helps all who practice spiritual meditation


VARUN MUDRA - Touch the fore part of the smallest finger to the fore part of thumb.


Advantages

Regular practice balances water element in body
Enhances physical beauty
Decreases dryness in skin and body


VAYU MUDRA - Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the pad of thumb. Press the forefinger gently on the pad. Keep the other finger aloof.


Advantages

Helps in all nervous ailments
Improves balance of air element in body
Helpful in pains and aches
Specific mudra for patients of Cerebral Palsy and Parkinson's ailment


PRAN MUDRA - Touch fore part of third (ring) finger and tip of fourth (little) finger to fore part of thumb.


Advantages

Reduces body fatigue and energizes the whole body
Very good for eyes
Helps circulate the life current throughout the body optimally


LINGA MUDRA - Entwine (cross-link) all fingers of both hands keeping thumb straight.


Advantages

Increases fire element in the body
Very useful in cold, phlegm and cough ailments


MRITSANJIVINI MUDRA - Fold the index finger (fore finger) on the pad of thumb. Press the forefinger gently on the pad. Touch the fore part of third (longest) finger and fore part of fourth (ring) finger with the fore part of thumb.


Advantages

It strengthens the heart
Very useful in all heart ailments
Helps normalize blood pressure
Increases self-confidence


SURYA MUDRA - Touch the third (ring) finger to the pad of thumb. Press the thumb gently over this third (ring) finger. Keep the other fingers aloof.


Advantages

Decreases Earth element in body
Cures mental heaviness
Reduces body fat
Good for weight loss

I just did a bit of Vitarka Mudra, streched my hands a bit, but that was about it

Isn't this reflexology with a different name ?