Importance of Mudras in yoga.
The hand mudras become effective instantly.
The hand by which these Mudras are made, the part of the body opposite to it starts showing signs of effect immediately. These Mudras can be performed in any way- while standing, sitting or walking. It is more beneficial to perform them sitting in Vajrasana, Padmasana or Sukhasana. Practicing these Mudras daily for 10 minutes in the beginning and later on doing them for 30–45 minutes will give complete benefit. If you cannot do them at a stretch then do them in 2–3 installments. While performing any Mudra, the fingers that are not being used, should be kept straight.
1. Gyan or Dhyana Mudra:
Benefits:
· It helps develop the stages of Dharna and meditation. Concentration improves and negative thoughts and get reduced.
· It increases the memory power, therefore, its regular practice makes the children become intelligent and bright.
· The brain nevers become strong. Headache, insomnia, and stress are removed. It destroys anger. For better results, perform prana mudra after this mudra.
2.vayu mudra:
Benefits:
· Regular practice of this mudra eliminates all vayu related problem — gout, arthritis, joints pain, paralysis, Parkinson, sciatica, knee pain and gas formation like diseases. Provides relief in the pain of the neck and spine. The disorders relating o blood circulation are removed.
3. Sunya mudra:
Benefits:
· This mudra cures secretion from the ears, ear pain, deafness and hearing impairment problem, etc. if practiced at least one hour daily, continuously over a long period. It cures weakness of bones and heart diseases. The gums become strong and benefit is obtained in throat diseases and thyroid problems.
Precaution: Do not do this mudra while eating and strolling.
4. Prithvi Mudra:
Benefits:
· Regular practice of this mudra cures weakness of the body , leanness (underweight), and obesity etc. This mudra improves digestive power, develops vitality and sattvic qualities, and removes the deficiency of vitamins. It makes the body active, bright and glowing.
5. Prana Mudra:
Benefits:
· This mudra enables awakening of prana shakti lying dormant and the body becomes active, healthy and energetic. It cures eye problems and improves the eyesight. It enhances body’s immunity to diseases, removes the deficiency of vitamins, and removes fatigue as also rejuvenates the body. Due to this there is no problem of hunger and thirst during long hours of fasting. In case of insomnia, it provides benefits if done in conjunction with Jnana mudra.
6. Apana Mudra:
Benefits:
· Any foreign matter in the body gets thrown out and the body is purified. Practicing this mudra cures constipation, piles, vata-dosa, diabetes, obstructions in passing urine, problems related to the kidneys, teeth troubles, etc. It is a beneficial mudra for the stomach. It helps in heart related problems and causes perspiration.
Precaution: This mudra is diuretic.
7. Apana vayu Mudra:
Benefits:
· It cures heart and vata dosa related problems and makes the body healthier. Those who are suffering from a weak heart should practice it daily. In the event of a heart attack, performing this mudra gives relief. It releases any gas accumulated in the stomach. It is beneficial in headache, asthma and high blood pressure. Performing this mudra 5–7 minutes before climbing up the stairs provides comfort.
8. Surya Mudra:
Benefits:
· This mudra balances the body, reduces weight and obesity and increases heat in the body , which helps in proper digestion. It reduces stress, enhancement in body strength, and reduction of cholesterol content in the blood. Practicing this mudra cures diabetes and liver problems.
Caution: This mudra should not be performed by a weak person. Do not perform it for longer periods during summer time.
9. Varuna Mudra:
Benefits:
· This mudra removes dryness of the body and makes the skin soft and shinning. It cures skin diseases, blood disorders, pimples, and diseases arising out of deficiency of the water element. It makes the face beautiful.
Caution: People having kapha- prakrti (constitution) should not practice it in excess.
10. Linga Mudra:
Benefits:
· This mudra increases heat in the body. It is beneficial in cold — catarrh, asthma- cough, sinusitis, paralysis, and low blood pressure. This dries the phlegm.
Precaution: While practicing it consume plenty of water, fruit, fruit juices, ghee and milk. Do not practice this for unduly long duration
11. Dharana sakti Mudra:
Benefits:
· More prana vayu is available by retaining the breath in the lungs for a longer time, blood and body will become stronger and the total amount of air breathed in and exhaled during the whole day can be reduced to a large extent, which increases longevity.
