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Jul 9, 2018, 29 tweets

Mudras are specific hand positions used in Yogic tradition to facilitate smooth flow of various life energies through the human body. The word Mudra literally means ‘Seal’ (symbol) in Sanskrit. In Yoga each Mudra is a Seal of one specific life force.

#SanatanGyan
#YogaMudras

Universe is made of 5 elements, and each finger represents one of them. The thumb represents Fire (universal consciousness); the index finger Air (individual consciousness); the middle finger Akasha (connection); the ring finger Earth (life); the little finger Water (flow).

When the 5 elements in our body lose their mutual balance, not only do we lose spiritual and emotional equilibrium; on the physical plane too various ailments can arise as a result. Mudras can help us restore that balance and gain direct benefits in all 3 spheres.

The classical reference sources for Yogic Mudras are the Gheranda Samhita & the Hatha Yoga Pradipika. These books detail the use of Mudras in conjunction with Yoga and Pranayama to stimulate different areas of brain/consciousness n create a specific energy circuit in body.

Even tho there’re dozens of Mudras that can be practised; not all are used popularly. This thread discusses 8 most useful Mudras n their health benefits! Mudras can be practiced anytime anywhere but only when used along with Yoga/Pranayama can we see real long term progress

Gyan mudra, or Chin mudra, often used while meditating, is one of the most important mudras for physical n mental health.

To perform gyan mudra, bring tips of thumb n index finger together n form a circle. Keep the remaining three fingers stretched n the palm facing up.

Gyan mudra is used in meditation n with some breathing techniques like Nadi Shodhana n Ujjayi Pranayama.

It symbolizes Union of one's soul with supreme Soul. The thumb symbolizes the supreme Soul, the index finger the practitioner's soul. Union of two unleashes hidden knowledge

Practicing Gyan Mudra helps to eliminate negative thoughts n focus on attaining true knowledge.

Additional benefits:

>Proper flow of prana
>Improve focus
>Enhance memory
>Relieve/prevent stress/ anger
>Promote sense of balance
>Cure indigestion
>Alleviate sleeping disorders

Vayu Mudra helps regulate/reduce the air element within body. It is performed by placing tip of index finger inside base of thumb which in turn presses the tip of finger. Rest of fingers remain straight. Both hands simultaneously. Recommended for those suffering from Vat Vikara

Other benefits of Vaayu Mudra:

>Parkinson’s - reduce tremors
>Stress/anxiety - calm stressed nervous system/soothe the mind
>General pain - helpful in pain management
>Joint pain - soothe pain associated with rheumatism/sciatica/gout
>Endocrine system - support skin/cartilage

Prithvi Mudra is often used in Ayurveda & Yoga to promote healing and spiritual balance within the body. Tip of the ring finger is pressed to tip of the thumb while other fingers are kept straight. It increases the earth element within body which strengthens and heals the system.

Prithvi Mudra is very powerful n capable of healing many ailments:

>Chronic fatigue by strengthening tissues
>Osteoporosis by strengthening bones
>Malnutrition/paralysis by strengthening system
>Burning/tingling sensations in by strengthening nerves
>Strengthen nails, hair skin

When used in spiritual practice, Prithvi Mudra influences the Muladhara (root) Chakra, which governs our sense of stability n security, in addition to our instincts n primal nature.

Practice this Mudra in a quiet setting; while meditating n focusing on breath. 30 - 45 mins/day.

Agni (Surya) Mudra is also known as AgniVardhak Mudra (fire increasing) or PrithviShamak Mudra (earth decreasing). It is performed by placing the tip of ring finger on base of thumb n gently pressing thumb on top. Earth element in ring finger is subdued by Fire element in thumb.

Agni Mudra can be practiced 30-45 min/day, either all at once or 3 x day for 10-15 min; but overdoing can cause excessive heat in body.

Benefits of Agni Mudra:

>Increase heat in body
>Improve metabolism
>Pomote weight loss
>Helps in treating seasonal flu
>Strengthen eyes/vision

For a spiritual practitioner Agni Mudra pulls in energy of Fire/Sun. which brings down bluntness, dullness n stress; stimulating awareness n enlightenment. Psychological heaviness is eliminated n intellectual equanimity gained if practiced in conjunction with Pranayama n Dhyana.

Varuna Mudra is designed to balance Water element in body. For this mudra, the tip of little finger n the tip of thumb are lightly pressed together n other 3 stay straight. Name of this Mudra comes from Sanskrit Varun, God of water; it’s JalaVardhak (water enhancer) in effect.

Benefits Of Varun Mudra:
>Indigestion/constipation
>Skin disorders eg eczema/psoriasis
>Osteoarthritis
>Anemia, blood-related problems
>Disorders of bladder n kidneys
>Dehydration
>Dry eyes/mouth/skin
>Loss Of taste

People with water retention n sinus should avoid Varun Mudra

Shunya Mudra decreases Space element (akasha) in body. The tip of middle finger is placed at the base of thumb, n thumb presses gently on it just below the knuckle. The remaining fingers stretch straight.

Its name comes from Sanskrit word Shunya, meaning Nothing or Empty.

Benefits of Shunya Mudra:

>Motion sickness
>Vertigo
>Ear disorders such as acute pain, hearing loss, tinnitus
>Numbness anywhere in the body

In terms of Ayurveda, this mudra is beneficial to those with a dominant Vata Vikara associated with nervous system n waste elimination.

Shunya Mudra is more effective with Dhyana n Pranayama; tho it can be done in any symmetrical posture. Practice 3 x day for 5-15 min. Discontinue when benefits achieved.

Spiritually, Shunya Mudra provides direct access to higher Lokas by harnessing Fire & Ether energies together

Prana Mudra increases vitality n activates the Muladhara Chakra. Name comes from Sanskrit, Prana, meaning “life force”. To perform this mudra, Ring finger, Little finger n Thumb touch, rest 2 are straight. It is best practiced in Padmasana (lotus pose) with Dhyana n Pranayama.

Benefits of Prana Mudra:

>Reduce fatigue n nervousness
>Enhance focus n clarity
>Build self-confidence
>Improve circulation
>Benefit eyesight
>Therapeutic for rashes n vitamin deficiency
>Reduce insomnia
>Boost immune system

It’s also known as KaphaKarak or PittaNashak Mudra.

ApanVayu Mudra, also known as MritSanjeevani Mudra, is a very powerful mudra, which can save lives in case of heart attacks.

For this Mudra, index finger folds, its tip touches base of thumb. The tips of thumb, middle finger and ring finger touch, little finger remains straight.

Folding the index finger reduces Air element, which helps to relieve pain & relax body n mind. Connection of thumb, middle finger n ring finger increases Fire n Earth elements, which help to detoxify/cleanse body, supply more oxygen to heart arteries n increase power of heart.

ApanVayu Mudra, practice daily for 30-45 mins once or 3 x day for 10-15 mins. If suffering from chest pain, practice until pain is gone. People with kapha pl practice moderately.

Benefits:
>Reduce heart rate
>Alleviate pain
>Cardiac ailments
>Emergency treatment for heart attack

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