One of the most intriguing power lies in your motion. Human Body is such a fascinating creation filled with energy which can be activated through certain motions. These motions are activated by taking up certain positions called “Mudra” and we will discuss some simple Mudras for good health in this article.
Mudras Have been an integral part of many Ancient Practices in Buddhism, Taoism and Hinduism. These Mudras are quite prominent in the Eastern Martial Arts Practices like in Karate. They have been an integral part of Yoga Practice.
Yogic Meditation is complete only when specific Mudras are held. The full benefit is attained with manifestation of energy or subjugation of it via Mudra.
There are numerous health benefits specially related to that of mind by practicing proper Mudra. There are a number of named Mudras imparting specific benefits to one’s well-being.
This relatively unknown aspect in the areas of health, fitness and well-being will be discussed in this article.
This article is only for enhancing your knowledge of such practices and not a recommendation from a medical practitioner. One must consult a medical practitioner to take up such practices.
What are the 5 Mudras?
The different poses of body parts are called Mudra and the five Mudras are:
1. Hasta Mudra or the Hand Poses
2. Kaya Mudra or the Body Poses
3. Mana Mudra or the Head Poses
4. Bandha Mudra or the Lock Poses
5. Adhara Mudra or the Perineal Poses
Each of the five categories above have various different poses. A total of 399 different Mudras are in practice for various health and wellness benefits.
Hand Mudras are most simple yet effective to practice and we discuss some of them as simple Mudras for good health.
What are the 8 Hand Mudras?
People who know Yoga are aware of the importance of hand poses or the Hand Mudras. Each finger represents one element of Nature. An interaction of these elements results in a Mudra and thereby it’s effects.
The eight most important Hand Mudras are:
1. Gyan Mudra or the Knowledge Pose
2. Vayu Mudra or the Air Pose
3. Agni Mudra or the Fire Pose
4. Prithvi Mudra or the Earth Pose
5. Varun Mudra or the Water Pose
6. Shunya Mudra or the Pose of Nothingness
7. Surya Mudra or the Sun Pose
8. Prana Mudra or the Pose of Life Force
Each of these Mudras is attained by the touch of fingers where the fingers represent:
– Thumb represents Fire
– Index Finger represents Air
– Middle Finger represents Space
– Ring Finger represents Earth
– Little Finger represents Water
The five elements of Nature have a profound effect on our body. The three anomalies or Doshas arise out of imbalance of these elements as per Ayurveda. My other article, Ayurved for Everyone discusses the Body Types categorized as per predominance of these elements.
Mudras should be practiced with both hands though practicing it with one hand also works. The poses by left-hand effects right part of the body while poses by right-hand effects the left part.
Mudras are a way of controlling or correcting this imbalance in our body. Hence, Mudras are closely related to both Yoga and Ayurveda.
Who Invented Mudras?
Mudras are hand gestures and are as ancient as the human beings! The relation of the hand Mudras to various activation or effects on our body was deciphered much later. Bandhs, which are a complicated form of Hand Mudras is mentioned in Sage Payanjali’s Yoga Strotam.
The Mudras seem to be deciphered rather than coming from Texts. The basic premises of Ayurveda and Yoga have been built upon to formulate the Mudras and their effects have been captured into texts only in recent days.
Therefore, the scientific basis of the Mudras are still open to research and validation by modern medical practices. Keep this in mind when attempting to practice the Mudras on your own. Always trust an experienced practitioner when practicing more comically forms of Mudra like the Bandhs.
Can Mudras Cure Diseases?
Mudras are formulated to balance the Doshas and thereby cure diseases in the long run. To illustrate by an example, Mudra can enhance your hearing power but cannot restore it if it is lost since birth!
The curing effect of Mudras is always long term. There is no significant change observed in short term.
Many diseases related to the Brain as controlling center are said to be treated via regular performance of Mudras. Insomnia, tiredness, lack of concentration, anxiety are some lifestyle issues which can be improved by performing Mudras.
Parallels can be drawn from the practice of Acupressure. Acupressure relieves body pain by pressing identifies pressure points. Mudras are subtler and activates regions in brain controlling the body part.
Out of all the known healing practices, Mudra seems to the answer for accessing regions in brain cajoling it to work body parts as we intend them to work!
Do Mudras Have Side Effects?
Mudras are formulated to effect your internal organs. Hence, if practiced incorrectly, it can have side effects too!
However, these hand poses have a long term consequences if practiced regularly. That also limits the Side Effects in short hauls.
Practicing Mudras under experienced practitioners takes the risks of side-effects away. Also, be doubly sure of who your guide is specially when you are practicing complicated Mudras like Bandhs.
Anyway, be aware of your hand gestures henceforth as that might damage lot of things internally!
How Many Mudras Can be Done in a Day?
One should practice the eight simple Mudras every day to see any significant changes in your well-being. Besides, any special Mudra must be practiced one at a time else the effects might not be evident.
Practicing eight to ten Mudras in a Day is only an indicative number. You can practice more if you so like. However, concentrate on a few to see the effect yourself.
In Fact, you unknowingly practice a number of hand Mudras every day. There is no control over it as you go about living a normal life.
This knowledge of Mudras should help you to limit unnecessary Hand Mudras every day which might be the first step in enhancing your well-being!
How Long do you Hold a Mudra?
A Mudra takes about 30 seconds to set. Holding it for 30 to 45 minutes is recommended. It can also be divided into three to four sessions of 10 to 15 minutes each.
Mudras are best practiced in sitting position with the back erect. This is the recommended position when practicing meditation or Pranayam for Well-Being.
However, Mudras can be performed in any position- standing, walking or lying down. It can also be practiced at any time of the day- morning, afternoon or night. One can practice Mudras well after having dinners giving a relief to working professionals who are always short of time for well-being activities.
Conclusion
Mudras are hand gestures which are formulated to activate energy center’s in our brain.
Some simple Mudras for Good Health and Mental Well- Being are:-
– Gyan Mudra or the Knowledge Pose
– Vayu Mudra or the Air Pose
– Agni Mudra or the Fire Pose
– Prithvi Mudra or the Earth Pose
– Varun Mudra or the Water Pose
– Shunya Mudra or the Pose of Nothingness
– Surya Mudra or the Sun Pose
– Prana Mudra or the Pose of Life Force
These Hand Mudras are performed by touching one finger with other. The fingers represent the five elements of nature- Fire, Air, Space, Earth and Water. Mudras achieves an interaction of these elements to control and balance them in our body.
Mudras are formulated to cure diseases and diseases like insomnia, anxiety, lack of concentration etc are cured by regular practice of Mudras.
Mudras Can have side-effects and one needs to practice under supervision of experienced practitioners only specially the complicated Mudras like the Bandhs.
Up to 10 Mudras is recommended to be done in a day but this is only a guidance.
Mudras should be held between 30 to 45 minutes in either single sitting or between 10 to 15 minutes in three to four sittings during the day.
I am including here a video link of the visual Learn Simple 10 Mudras for Healing Your Body. I am sure this will complete your understanding of Mudras.
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