Yoga has become a very popular discipline throughout the world. People practice it because it makes them feel better and balanced.
However, it is important to state why is that so. Western medical science claims that regular yoga practice increases the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system, the one responsible for digestion and balance of the body.
First of all, practicing yoga will make you feel more relaxed because it reduces stress, especially work-related stress.
If compared to other types of exercises, yoga is far more superior than a traditional physical exercise in diseased and healthy people. This is because yoga effectively fights depression and anxiety and concentrates on mental well-being, memory, and concentration.
The list of yoga benefits is far greater than this one.
Just bear in mind that yoga is not just an exercise. It is a discipline that focuses on meditation, gestures, and breath.
This article will provide 8 important hand mudras, that are part of powerful therapy. A great part of them can be performed at any time of the day even when you don’t have much time to spend on exercises.
Before we describe the 8 mudras, let us explain what mudras are in fact.
You have probably heard that your health is in your hands. In fact, it is. Mudras are ritual gestures, usually depicted in Buddhist and Hindu images. They are hand positions we adopt in the process of meditation or pranayama (breathing exercises). Although hand positions, mudras can involve the whole body.
The yogic tradition indicates that they guide energy flow in the body and reflect certain parts of the brain. They improve the overall health and fight different diseases. The esoteric context correlates each finger to one natural element or water, air, fire, earth, and space (ether).
8 Yoga Mudras for Better Health
1. The Mudra of Knowledge – Gyan Mudra
This mudra as the name indicates improves knowledge, concentration, and memory. It stimulates the endocrine and pituitary glands as well as treats insomnia.
Description: The is one of the most present mudras in almost every meditation. It involves touching the tip of your thumb against the tip of your index finger. The other three fingers are stretched out or slightly bent in whatever way you feel more comfortable.
Although present at any time of the day, the most beneficial time for this mudra is the morning. You should practice it sitting, lying down, or sitting.
2.The Mudra of Air – Vayu Mudra
This mudra is especially important for those people who suffer from gout, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, chronic rheumatic conditions, cervical spondylitis, and paralysis.
Description: Each finger has three fingers called phalanges, except the thumb that has only two. Bend your index finger and place your thumb against the bone close to the tip of the finger (distal phalanx). You will feel some slight pressure because the thumb covers the index finger. Keep the other three fingers as stretched as possible.
You can practice this mudra at any time of the day, on an empty or full stomach. Practice this mudra regularly, for about 45 minutes in order to release the pain. When you achieve the needed results, stop practicing it because it can cause an additional imbalance in the body.
3.The Mudra of Earth – Prithvi Mudra
Practice this mudra if you feel stressed out or exhausted because it will provide great benefits for your body. It will reduce the weakness, improve the process of blood circulation and digestion.
Description: Touch the tip of the thumb with the tip of the ring finger. Press them slightly while the other three fingers remain stretched.
You can perform this mudra at any time of the day but it is more preferable in the morning.
4. The Mudra of Fire – Agni Mudra
This mudra is also named a Surya Mudra, a mudra of the sun. It treats anxiety, weight problems, and digestion as well as stimulates the thyroid gland.
Description: Fold your ring finger and press the base of your thumb with the second phalanx of the ring finger. Stretch out the other three fingers.
Practice this mudra only in the mornings, in a sitting position, and on an empty stomach. Hold it like that for 5-15 minutes, twice a day. Avoid this posture if you feel weak or if it is hot.
5. The Mudra of Water – Varun Mudra
This mudra is especially useful for the skin and it helps in the regulation of body fluids. It moisturizes your skin and makes it glow.
Description: Touch the tips of the thumb and the little finger but lightly while the rest of the fingers remain stretched out.
Be careful not to press the nail of the little finger because it can cause dehydration. People who suffer from asthma and respiratory issues should avoid this posture. You should perform it at any time of the day in a sitting position.
6.The Mudra of Emptiness – Shunya Mudra
This mudra is beneficial for people with hearing problems because it treats earache.
Description: Fold your middle finger. Place your thumb over it and place the base of the thumb on the distal phalanx of the middle finger. The rest of the fingers should be as extended as possible.
You should fully concentrate if treating an earache. When you get the needed results, stop practicing it.
7.The Mudra of Life – Prana Mudra
It is one of the most important mudras because it balances the body’s energy. It significantly improves the immune system and revitalizes the body. It is used for treating eyesight problems, hunger pangs, and insomnia.
Description: Touch the tip of your thumb with the tips of the ring and little finger. The other two fingers should be stretched out.
It can be practiced at any time of the day. With a regular performance, you will feel more active.
8.The Mudra of the Heart – Apanu Vaya Mudra
This mudra is especially beneficial for those who have suffered a heart attack because it strengthens the heart. It should be performed every day.
Description: Touch the tip of the thumb with the tips of the ring and middle finger. Stretch out the little finger while the index finger touches the base of the thumb with some light pressure.
You can practice this mudra as often as you can. For heart problems, practice 15 minutes at least.
Relax and enjoy these mudras.
Via Steemit
