Introduction about
Mudras:
The human body can be
compared to miniature form of the universe. It represents the universe and just
like the universe it is made up of the fusion of five elements - Fire, Air,
Earth, Water and Space. The science of mudra is based on the principle that the
root cause of disease is the imbalance and Improper coordination between these
elements and the proper balance between these elements is the secret of good
health.
Our body is self-dependent
for proper health.
Human body is an
accumulation of numerous mysteries. The Creator has made it completely
self-dependent. Our body has the power of remaining immune to diseases, as well
as curing them. The human brain is even more efficient than the most modem
computers, which can be guessed from the fact that even a research of thousands
of years could not yet reveal all the mysteries of the brain. Not only are the
brain, the eyes and the hands, the feet also not less than a wonder.
According to the Science
of Mudra, the secret of good health lies in the hands, fingers and Mudras which
can be performed with the help of fingers.
Human being is the best
creation of Nature and hands are very important organs of the human being. A particular
kind of energy or Electro-Magnetic waves or the electricity of the body (aura),
is continuously emitted from our hands. In touch therapy, rubbing our palms on
each other, to generate heat, combined with Touch, along with the power of mind,
various parts of our body can be beautified and molded in an ideal shape and it
also has a mystery five elements on the fingers reusability to cure all
diseases. Acupressure Therapy is based on the fact that the key to our health
lies in our hands, or in the various points of the palms of our hands. Our
hands work as our body's Health Control Department.
Origin
of Mudras:-
In India, mudras are an
established component of all religious activities.
The various mudras and hastas (arm poses) are
significant in the depiction of Hindu gods. In addition to body postures and
attributes, they also represent the distinguishing characteristics of various
deities. The person at prayer sees a special power, capability, and strength of
character in these mystical hand poses. The best-known mudras belong to Brahma
(Creator), Vishnu (Preserver), and Shiva (Destroyer).
The mudras are just as familiar
in Indian & Balinese dance.
"The hands are the bearers
of important symbols, which are still universally understood in the East today.
With his or her hands, the Indian dancer expresses the life of the universe.
Through its variety of interpretive possibilities, the rich symbolism of the
dance's language of gestures gains a greater significance for the mind than
words could express. . . . The spiritual meaning of the mudras found its perfect
expression in Indian art. The gestures of the deities depicted in Hindu and
Buddhist art . . . symbolize their functions or evoke specific mythological
occurrences.
Mudras are also practiced in
Tantric rituals. They play a large role in Buddhism, where six mudras are very
familiar in the pictorial depictions of Gautama Buddha. These are very closely
related to his teachings and his life. Hatha Yoga also expresses the many
states of mind, such as mourning, joy, anger, and serenity, through gestures
and body positions. They realize that the reverse also applies—certain gestures
can positively influence the psyche.
Mudras are not only found in
Asia, but they are also used throughout the entire world. In their rituals, our
European ancestors certainly were familiar with specific gestures, which they
used to underline and seal what they thought and wanted to say. During the
Christianization of the Nordic peoples, many gestures were initially
prohibited, such as invoking the gods with raised arms. Later, these gestures
were partially integrated into the Christian teachings.
Does
and doesn’t:-
·
Wash your hands with
water.
·
Then rub your hands
against each other about 10 times and hold hands before your Navel Chakra (this
will help energy to flow in your hands).
·
When fingers touch
the pressure exerted should always be very light and the hands should be
relaxed.
·
Mudras can be done in
any position. One can be seated, standing, lying down and even walking.
·
The body should be
loose and relaxed and cantered. It is important not to be tense because that
will hinder the flow of energy.
·
After preparing for
the practicing session, there are the following ways to practice the same:
·
If you are seated,
sit with your back straight, either with legs crossed or on a straight-backed
chair.
·
Put your fingers
together as described in each Mudra. Just exert that much pressure to feel the
flow of energy.
·
Go slow with the
Mudras. You should not rush into them but try a few with patience.
·
Breathe in an even, slow, flowing, and gentle way.
·
Never end the meditation suddenly. Always vigorously stretch your arms and legs.
MUDRAS
FOR HEALTH
1
Gyan Mudra
2.
Vayu Mudra
3
Akash Mudra
4.
Shunya Mudra
5.
Prithvi Mudra
6.
Surya Mudra
7.
Varun Mudra
8.
Jalodarnshak Mudra
9.
Pran Mudra
10.
Apan Mudra
11.
Apan Vayu Mudra
12.
Linga Mudra
13.
Shankh Mudra
14.
Sahaj Shankh Mudra
15.
Dhyan Mudra
Common
rules to be followed while doing the mudras:
1.
The mudras mentioned above are very important in maintaining health. Men women,
children, old people, anybody can perform these mudras at any time. There are
no strict rules of posture or direction to be faced etc. We can perform them
any time anywhere, while travelling, while watching T.V., doing any work, while
walking, sitting etc.
2.
Mudras are to be performed with both the hands. Benefits can also be obtained
by doing mudras with one hand, like the Gyan Mudra. The left part of the body
is benefitted by performing mudras by the right hand.
3.
We should perform mudras with ease and light pressure on fingers.
If
remaining fingers are to be kept straight, they should also be kept straight with
ease. Touching of fingers to each other is very important in mudras. Remaining
fingers may be kept in any comfortable position.
4.
Time limit - Any mudra should be practiced on both the hands for
At
least 45 minutes every day. A desirable change in the body elements can be seen
only after 45 minutes. Thus the minimum duration of 45 minutes at daily, is
especially essential for a Sadhak.
Beginners should start practicing with ten
minutes in the beginning extending up to one hour at the most.
Simple
way to learn mudra is to practice mudra for 15 minutes in the morning and for
15 minutes in the evening regularly. If someone finds it difficult to remain in
a single mudra for 45 minutes then he should try the above mentioned way. This practice
also gives favorable results, though it may take more time than usual. Sadhak
should be practiced mudra sincerely with faith. Diseased can be cured and the
healthy can keep still better health. If
you are suffering from any disease, you can practice the mudra related to the
disease, a patient should practice the corresponding mudra for 45 to 50 minutes.
But according to patients needs or Capacity, one "can increase or decrease
the time limit. Chronicle diseases may take more time to get cured, but any
mudra performed even for 1 second, can help to create vibrations in the
important Yogic chakras and in the remotest muscle centers of our body, which
prove beneficial.
Mudras
like Shunya mudra or Vayu mudra are to be performed only till the curing of the
disease. When the disease is cured then one should not practice these mudras
for a long time, as it may be harmful. Mudras like Pran mudra, Gyan mudra, Apan
mudra, Prithvi mudra can be practiced for as much time as one wish to.
5.
Effect of Mudra - Mudras like Shunya mudra and Apan mudra show their effect
immediately, while some mudras need considerable practice to show their
effects. Gyan, Apan, Prithvi and Pran mudra are of such type that more you
practice them; better results can be obtained. Diseased or healthy, anyone can
practice Pran mudra at his own wish and can get better results. If a person is
healthy and wants to maintain his health, then he should at least practice Pran
mudra or Gyan mudra for some time every day.
6.
Mudras can be practiced along with other treatment - Mudra Therapy never
hinders doctor's treatment given to diseased. It in fact helps the diseased
person to get cured quickly. Mudra therapy can also be practiced along with
other medicinal treatment and still it shows good results.
Practicing
mudra, works out to give favorable results even if you do not conceptually
believe in the method.
By
practicing mudras, it is possible to carry out minute changes in our body,
which are practically impossible for our present science because the minute
pulse centers and the switch-board of the Bio-Eclectically is in our two palms,
which gets affected by pressing our hands. For example, in case of a sudden
heart-attack, if a person does not have effective medicine then the person
should immediately perform Apan Vayu mudra with both the hands, which shows
quick effects. It works like the Allopathic tablet 'Sorbitol. In a few seconds
the gas in our body which gives pressure on our heart is released and the
victim can be saved from death even before the arrival of Doctor.
Method
of performing the Mudras
Gyan Mudra
(Mudra of Knowledge):
Method:
Touch
the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, with the other three
fingers stretched out.
As
it is a mudra of knowledge, it enhances the knowledge. The tip of thumb has
centers of pituitary and endocrine glands. When we press these centers by index
finger the two glands work actively.
Time
duration:
There
is no particular time duration for this mudra. You can practice by sitting,
standing or lying on bed whenever and wherever you have time.
Benefits:
Gyan mudra is a boost for students. It
helps to increase the memory and sharpens is Intelligence.
Sleeplessness can be cured by the regular
practice of this mudra. Mental tensions, working pressure etc. results badly on
the health of bur brain arid we suffer from sleeplessness. It works like a
sleeping pill in such cases.
This mudra helps In Increasing brain power
and removes the ill effects caused due to mental tension. Regular practice of
Gyan mudra cures all the mental disorders and diseases like madness, hysteria,
crackness, anger, laziness, depression. Mind becomes quiet and spiritual Joy
reflects on our face. This mudra is remarkable to be be free from problems of
anger, excitement and mental tensions.
It
increases memory power and sharpens the brain.
Enhances
concentration and prevents Insomnia
If we practice it regularly, it
will cure all psychological disorders like Mental, Hysteria, Anger and
Depression
Vayu Mudra
(Mudra of Air):
Method:
Keep
the index finger on the base of the thumb and presses with thumb keeping the
other three fingers are straight.
Specialty:
It
prevents all the diseases that occur due to the imbalance of the air.
Time
Duration:
The
practice of this mudra for 45 minutes reduces the severity of the disease in 12
to 24 hours. For better results practice it for two months.
Benefits:
It
cures Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gout, Parkinson's disease and paralysis without
any medicine
It
is useful for Cervical Spondylitis, paralysis to face and catching of nerve in
neck
It corrects the disorder of gas
in the stomach
This mudra helps in getting rid of defects
in the
Saturn mount and the Saturn line, according to palmistry.
Akash Mudra (Mudra of Sky):
Method:
The tip of the middle finger is to be
touched to the tip of the thumb in this mudra. Remaining fingers are to be kept
straight but at ease.
Specialty:
1. Practice of this mudra increases Akash
or Space element in our body. So the diseases caused by the deficiency of this
element can be cured within a few days’ practice.
Middle finger is specially related to our
heart, so this mudra is beneficial to our heart. Thus the middle finger is
mostly used while chanting of beads.
2. Chanting of beads - If chanting of beads
is for worldly pleasures like for wealth or peace and happiness in family life
or desire' for a son, then the chanting is done with the thumb and middle
finger. (Those who want moksha, they use their ring finger and thumb. If a
person wants to end enimity or suffering then he uses index finger). When we
are chanting beads the Mala should be in the right hand thumb and touching our heart.
While chanting beads our nails should not touch the beads and should not pass
the Meru or the Centre bead, otherwise we do not get desired results. Mala
should be with 108 beads and beautiful meru or center bead. If auspicious or good
desires are to be fulfilled, then use white mala, to get rid of suffering use
red mala. Like Mala, there is a specific way of touching the feet of the elders.
We should cross our hands and touch the feet of the person to whom we want to
show respect, may be our Guru, so that our right hand touches his right foot
and the left hand touches his left foot. When one touches the feet in this
manner then the negative and positive current of electricity coming from his
body (the guru's) prove beneficial to the student.
Time
Duration:
This mudra is to be practiced when needed
only or a limited time.
Benefits:
It helps to develop noble & elevated thoughts.
To develop intuition and extra sensory powers (ESP)
To detoxify the body by the elimination of metabolic wastes (through exhaled
air, sweat, urine and stools)
To overcome a feeling of fullness / heaviness in the body or body parts.
To overcome discomfort caused by over-eating.
To relieve congestion (and pain) in the head (due to migraine or sinusitis),
ear/s (due to infection), chest (due to infection / asthma)
High blood pressure
Irregular heart-beats
Angina pectoris
According to palmistry diseases related to
Shani Griha (Saturn) can be cured when Shani (Saturn) is passive in his
horoscope.
Shunya Mudra
(Mudra of Emptiness):
Method:
Keep
the middle finger at the mount of Venus and press it with thumb.
Specialty:
It
reduces the dullness in our body.
Time
Duration:
One
can practice it for 40 to 60 minutes daily until to be cured from the disease.
Benefits:
It
relieves an earache within 4 or 5 minutes
It is useful for the deaf and
mentally challenged, but not for inborn ones.
Prithvi
Mudra (Mudra of Earth):
Method:
Tip
of the ring finger touches the tip of the thumb, with the other three fingers
stretched out.
Specialty:
It
reduces all physical weaknesses.
Time
Duration:
It
has no particular time duration. You can practice it any time you want.
Benefits:
It
helps to increase the weight for weak people
It
improves the complexion of skin and makes the skin to glow
It makes the body active by
keeping it healthy
Surya Mudra
(Mudra of Sun):
Method:
Bend
the ring finger and press it with thumb.
Specialty:
It
sharpens the center in thyroid gland.
Time
Duration:
Practice
it daily twice for 5 to 15 minutes.
Benefits:
It
reduces cholesterol in body and helps in reducing weight
It
reduces anxiety
It corrects indigestion
problems
Varuna Mudra
(Mudra of Water):
Method:
Tip
of little finger touches the tip of thumb, with the other three fingers
stretched out.
Specialty:
It
balances the water content and prevents all diseases which come due to lack of
water.
Time
Duration:
It
has no specific time duration and one can practice it according to their time.
Benefits:
It
retains clarity in blood by balancing water content in the body
Prevents the pains of
Gastroenteritis and Muscle Shrinkage
Prana Mudra
(Mudra of Life):
Method:
Bend
ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of thumb with their tips
keeping the remaining two fingers stretched.
Specialty:
As
it is the mudra of life, it improves the power of life. Weak people become
strong. It reduces the clamps in blood vessels. If we practice it regularly, we
will become active.
Time
Duration:
No
specific time duration. One can practice it any time.
Benefits:
It
improves immunity
Improves
the power of eyes and reduces eye related diseases
It removes the vitamin
deficiency and fatigue
Apana Mudra
(Mudra of Digestion):
Method:
The
tips of middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb while the other
two fingers are stretched out.
Specialty:
It
plays an important role in our health as it regulates the excretory system.
Time
Duration:
Practice
it daily for 45 minutes, but practice for longer time yields more benefits.
Benefits:
It
regulates diabetes
It
cures constipation and piles
It helps excreting the normal
waste regularly
Apana Vayu
Mudra (Mudra of Heart):
Method:
The
tips of the middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb, while the
index finger touches the base of thumb and little finger stretched out.
Specialty:
It
benefits the heart. It works like injection in the reduction of heart attack.
It reduces the gas content in body.
Time
Duration:
Practice
it as many times as you can. Heart patients and BP patients can practice it for
15 minutes daily twice for better results.
Benefits:
It
strengthens the heart and regularizes palpitation
It
regulates excretory system
It redeems gastric trouble
Linga Mudra
(Mudra of Heat):
Method:
Interlock
the fingers of both the hands and keep the thumb of the left hand vertically
straight and encircle it with the thumb and the index finger of the right hand.
Specialty:
It
generates heat in our body. Take milk, ghee, more water and fruit juices in
addition to practice of this mudra for much benefits.
Time
Duration:
Practice
it any time you want. But don't practice it a lot as it produces heat in the
body. It can cause sweating even in winter if you practice it longer.
Benefits:
It
stops production of phlegm and gives power to lungs
It
cures severe cold and bronchial infection
It invigorates the body
Shankha Mudra (Mudra of Conch):
Method:
The left
thumb should be held in the right fist and then the left index finger should
touch the right thumb.
Three remaining fingers of left hand, together should give light pressure on
fingers of the closed first of the right hand. This mudra should be alternately
done, switching the right and the left hands.
Specialty:
In this mudra the thumb presses the palm
and the three fingers of closed inside first press mount of shukra. Ultimately
the pressure comes on the centers of Navel and Thyroid glands (according to Acupressure
therapy). Thus diseases connected or related to the navel and thyroid glands
can be cured by this mudra. 2. This mudra is used for prayers also.
Time
Duration:
It
can be practiced for a long time.
Benefits:
Long practice of shankha mudra cures any
vocal defects. It benefits thyroid glands and throat, helping to make your
voice sweet and enhances its quality. Shankh mudra specially affects the nabhi
chakra and benefits 72.000 blood vessels and also the muscular system. It
benefits the digestive system. As digestion is improved, diet is also improved.
Diseases of abdomen and intestines can be cured by the practice of this mudra.
It helps in better digestion
Thyroid Glands
Throat
Enhances quality of voice
Jalodarnshak Mudra:
Method:
This
mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the little finger on the base of
the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This
amounts to suppression of element water (residing in the little finger) by
element fire (residing in the thumb).
Specialty:
It brings about a reduction of the Jal (water)
element within the body.
Time Duration:
It
can be done only 15 to 30 Minutes.
Benefits:
Edema
(water-retention)
Dropsy Excessive salivation Watery eyes
Running nose
Hyperacidity, Diarrhea (loose motions)
Pleural effusion (pleurisy)
Effusion in a joint
Excess of hormones
Excessive menses (menorrhagia)
Hydrocele
Hydrocephalous
Cold and clammy body / hands/feet Disorders of Vaata deficiency
Collected by Anantbodh Chaitanya
