Mudra Shastra
The word Mudra is derived from the Samskrut root word Mud, which means to become happy. The ancient text ‘Sharadatilak’ describes it as “मुदमानंदं ददाति इति मुद्रा” – That action which gives joy is Mudra. Joy here does not mean just physical or mental happiness; but the implied meaning here is Atmanand (spiritual bliss) or Paramanand (highest joy). The texts of Gherand Samhita and Hatt Pradipika have described Mudras in detail from the point of view of Yog Shaastra. Mudra is not merely an action or an achievement, but is a part of Sadhana (spiritual practice). Guidance and actual training from a Guru is required for this.
According to Yog Shaastra, Hast Mudras (specific positions of fingers) are known to balance the Panchtatvas. The world of nature is made up of Panchtatvas (Jal, Agni, Vayu, Akash and Pruthvi) and the human body also comprises the same. The five fingers of the hand represent the Panchtatvas. Agni is represented by the thumb, Vayu by index finger, Akash by middle finger, Pruthvi by ring finger and Jal by little finger. The practice of Hast Mudras activates the organs and glands in the body associated with specific Tatvas.
From the point of view of physiology, the fingers are full of numerous nerves that absorb the stimuli and transmit the signals to the larger nervous system. Mudras can help gain health by regulating the functioning of various organs. Mudras enable transformation of one element into another, reduction of the excess element and creation of the element is in deficit. This enables to bring equilibrium in the Panchtatvas. Since Mudras impact the subtle channels in the body it is very important to relax while engaging in them.
Mudra Shastra
Dhyan
Method – Join the tips of the thumb and index finger with little pressure and let the other fingers remain straight. This Mudra should be performed for at least 15 minutes.
Thumb represents Agnitatva, while index finger represents Vayutatva. Unsteadiness of mind indicates Vayu. Thumb is considered to be the seat of the intellect. Therefore, when the tips of the thumb and index finger are joined, Vayutatva and Agnitatva merge, which enables peace of mind. This positively impacts the nervous system.
This neutralizes the stress and pacifies the anger. A feeling of happiness is generated. It enhances memory and concentration. The brain gets refreshed and nerves are strengthened. This has beneficial effects in diseases such as chorea, facial paralysis and paralysis. It establishes control over mind and emotions. The structure of hormone secreting glands is well regulated. The efficiency of pituitary and thyroid glands improves. This Mudra is beneficial in mental problems such as laziness, loss of memory, agitation, fear, low self-esteem and depression. This Mudra also helps in regaining sleep in the event of insomnia.
Akash Mudra
Method– Join the tips of the middle finger and thumb with little pressure and let the other fingers remain straight. This Mudra can be repeated any number of times.
This Mudra is beneficial in case of diseases associated with cavities in the body, which are caused by imbalance in Akashtatva, which is represented by the middle finger. This Mudra helps in Dhyan (meditation). It purifies emotions and thoughts.
It is beneficial in case of migraine and any pain in the head. It helps in curing the contagious diseases of the ears and chest. Bones are strengthened. It alleviates the pain associated with heart disease, regulates heartbeats and controls high blood pressure. However, people whose hearts have expanded should not perform this Mudra.
Pruthvi Mudra
Method -Join the tips of the ring finger and thumb with little pressure and let the other fingers remain straight.
The thumb represents Agnitatva, while ring finger represents Pruthvitatva. The latter primarily exists in bones, muscles, cartilages, skin and fat. This Mudra imparts strength to the body. It balances the above two Tatvas in the body. It is also known as Agnishamak Mudra.
This Mudra enhances the life energy. It imparts strength to weakened hands and feet and other organs weakened in diseases such as paralysis. It helps in strengthening worn out bones and helps in quickly fusing broken bones. It helps in the healing of wounds and gaining weight. It increases tolerance levels. Skin becomes healthy and glows. This Mudra is also beneficial in problems such as fair fall and premature graying. For this Pruthvi Mudra should be followed by Pran Mudra.
Varun Mudra
Method -Join the tips of the little finger and thumb with little pressure and let the other fingers gently remain straight. This Mudra represents Jaltatva. It aids in excretion by improving the functioning of the concerned organs. This Mudra can be performed anywhere, anytime and can be repeated.
This aids in curing any kind of skin disorders such as dry skin, cracks and burns. It reduces excess Pitta Dosha and regains the taste in the mouth. It enables proper urination. It cures the joint pain arising out of reduced lubrication and the wear and tear of bones. It is helpful in blood purification. It also helps in dry eyes, dry cough and dryness in the digestive tract. It is beneficial in diseases such as gastro.
Vayu Mudra
Method -Touch the base of the thumb lightly with the index finger and then gently rest the thumb on the latter. Let the other fingers remain straight.
When Vat get trapped in one part of the body it leads to severe pain. The trapped air element creates obstacles in blood circulation. Vayu Mudra removes the excess air element from the body. With this, blood circulation becomes smooth once again and the pain recedes. Regular practice of Vayu Mudra can help in overcoming ailments connected to Vat Dosh such as chorea, paralysis, cervical spondylitis, and pain the back, legs or knees. Arthritis can be treated with this Mudra. For this, Vayu Mudra should be followed by Varun Mudra and lastly Pran Mudra.
Shunya Mudra
Method -Touch the base of the thumb with the middle finger and then gently rest the thumb on the latter.
This Mudra removes the excess Akashtatva in the body. It helps in curing tinnitus, ear ache, deafness and dumbness. It is also beneficial in case of insomnia and in getting rid of numbness in the chest, head and belly. Practicing this Mudra also controls dizziness.
Surya Mudra (One that reduces obesity)
This Mudra generates heat in the body in line with the Sun’s nature. This reduces the Pruthvitatva in the body and increases the Agnitatva. This boosts the metabolism in the body.
Method – Touch the base of the thumb with the ring finger and then gently rest the thumb on the latter.
Surya Mudra reduces the excess Pruthvitatva in the body and increases Agnitatva. The latter is also connected with sight. Weak people should not perform this Mudra.
It balances the body temperature by controlling unwarranted chills and shivering. Disorders associated with cold such as cough, nose congestion, infection or water accumulation in the lungs and asthma. It cures problems such as loss of appetite, indigestion and constipation. Weight gain is regulated due to increased metabolism. It helps to reduce the cholesterol levels in the body. It is also helpful in case of cataract.
Ruksh Mudra (Jalodarnashak Mudra)
Method – Join the base of the thumb with the little finger and then gently rest the thumb on the latter.
The little finger represents Jaltatva. This Mudra regulates the excess water element in the stomach. It removes the excess Jaltatva from the body.
It helps in case of liver cirrhosis. In this disease, metabolism slows down since the functioning of the liver is affected. Excess water accumulates in the stomach. The Mudra brings relief in this disease. It also cures the problem of water accumulation in lungs and joints due to infection. It helps overcome inflammation in any part of the body. Elephantiasis is cured. This Mudra also brings relief in case of watery discharge from eyes or nose, dysentery and excessive urination. It regulates the excessive bleeding during menstruation.
Saman / Shant Mudra (To enable smooth functioning of all organs)
Method – Join the tips of all fingers of both hands and turn them towards the sky. This balances the Panchtatvas.
Among the Panchpran, Saman is active in the region of the heart and navel. It provides energy to liver, intestines, stomach and pancreas. Its main functions include regulation and activation of the digestion process, and absorption and distribution of nutrients to the body. This Mudra balances the Panchtatvas leading to overall wellness.
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