Hasta Mudra

Hasta Mudra

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Mudra is a Sanskrit word for gesture, symbol, or expression. A Mudra in yoga is usually made by the positioning of our fingers and thumb. This creates certain neuronal connecti connections, ons, to impact impact the flow flow of subtle energie energiess and balance balance out out the elements elements within within us.

Mudra

Mudras are easy to perform anytime, although sitting in the lotus position and focusing on the healing can be an advantage. Although mudras can be used for healing certain ailments, regular regular practise of mudras mudras will contribute contribute to your overall overall good health and and can be used as a preventive measure. Continuous practice of the mudras will create minute changes in your body using pulse centres on parts of your hands, which trigger certain healing processes within the corresponding body part.

Hasta Mudra (hand gestures/hand yoga) Hasta Mudra is meant to ensure that health “remains in our hands”. A hands”. A hasta mudra is

a hand gesture used in yoga and Indian religions that can be symbolic, ritualistic and/or therapeutic. The term comes from the Sanskrit word Hasta means hand and Mudra means "seal", "mark", or "gesture”. The physical body is made up of five elements namely, Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Sky. A mudra is a gesture or positioning of the hands intended to direct energy flow and to connect parts parts of the body to the brain as life force energy flows through through the body. Certain yoga mudras are believed to instigate particular energy flows and stimulate different emotions, spiritual reactions and reactions in the body. By pressing together, curling, touching or pointing different different fingers or parts of the hands hands in different ways, you can stimulate reflexes from the hand to the brain. Minute pressure on the pulse centers of different parts of our hands, triggers multiple healing processes within the body part associated with it. The Hasta Mudra channelizes Pranic Energy in our body just like the the waves of the ocean generates generates tidal energy energy or like a short circuit that is used to boost electrical impulses. Nadis and chakras radiate Pranic energy. Mudras help the practitioner to redirect energy within themselves and also create barriers to prevent prevent the escape of of Prana. Prana. Hasta Mudra Mudrass stimulate stimulate the the brain brain stem and influence unconscious reflexes to tap the potential of our mind, body, and prana. Hasta mudras can be practiced seated, prone, standing or even walking, as long as the posture is symmetrical and the body is relaxed. These mudras are often used to focus the mind in meditation and to control the flow of energy during asana practice.















Mudra Therapy Believe it or not, your health is in your hands! Our hands are particularly blessed with virtues virtues of wellness. wellness. The four four fingers fingers and the thumb thumb represen representt the fivfff major major building building blocks or the ‘Panchamahabhootas’ of which the entire universe is made viz. Sky (Ether), Air, Fire, Water and Earth. According to natural sciences, disease is nothing but a limitation that emerges in the continuity and balance of these five elements. The human hand contains about 100,000 nerves and each fingertip has about 3,000 nerve receptors, receptors, just under the the surface of the skin. In the brain the hand hand takes up a very large proportion of the brain's cortex, and each area of the hand is linked to a different part of the brain. When we apply pressure to the fingers and hands, we stimulate related brain areas. So we use hasta mudras to activate pressure points, give messages to the body-mind energy system and change brain patterns.

The 5 fingers represant 5 elements (tatvas)

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ThumbThumb- Fire (Agni) (Agni) Index Index FingerFinger- Air(Vay Air(Vayu) u) Middle Finger- Ether/Sky (Akasha) Ring Finger: Finger: Earth Earth (Prithvi) (Prithvi) Small Small FingerFinger- Water Water (Jala)

The physical body (and the universe) consists of 5 elements- Fire, Air, Sky, Earth, and Water. Water. A Mudra connects the brain to the body and as a consequence, life force















limitations in the balance of the 5 elements. The four fingers and the thumb correspond to each of these elements: Fire element element is is the importa important nt one and when when fire element element goes goes weak, weak, various various ailments ailments come to the the body and death death sets in when the fire element dies. dies. Joining the fire element (thumb) with other elements (other fingers) vitalises the other elements also. The body body is is made made up of 5 eleme elements nts – Earth, Earth, Water, Water, Fire, Fire, Air Air and Space. Space. When When these 5 elements are not in balance we get various physical and psychological ailments. The energy from the the body radiates out mainly through the the tip of the nose, lips, finger tips and toes. When the thumb gets in contact with the other fingers, energy is directed back to vitalize various parts of our body. This is called as circuit bypass. Mudras and Bandas go hand in hand. Banda help in locking the energy energy whereas mudras help help in redirecting redirecting the energy. In our puranas, we see our Gods and Goddesses expressing in different Mudra. Mudras are the expression of our inner feeling. In the Tantra shastra Mudra is defined as the one which gives happiness. happiness. Mudras Mudras are part of Yoga Yoga and it is also called as Yoga Mudra. Mudra. Mudras done using hands are called Hasta Mudra (Hand Gesture)

Types of Mudras Gyan Gyan Mudr Mudra, a, Akasha Akasha Mud Mudra, ra, Pritv Pritvii Mudra Mudra,, Varuna Varuna Mudr Mudra, a, Vyana Vyana Mudr Mudra, a, Apana Apana Mudra, Prana Mudra, Yoni Mudra, Vayu Mudra, Surya Mudra, Jalodara Nashaka Mudra, Linga Mudra, Mudra, Shanka Mudra, Mudra, Sahaja Sanka Mudra, Mudra, Sunya Mudra, Mudra, Apan Vayu Mudra, Anjali Mudra, Aditi Mudra, Ashirvada Mudra

How to practice hand mudras and precautions You know different types of mudras already but have you ever asked what exactly mudra does to your body? Does it really help? What are the general practices you should remember when doing hand mudras and what are the precautions you need to make note of? Here are some of the things that you should definitely remember if you are to start doing hand mudras.

General guidelines Each finger actually has their own function and meaning: in Chinese interpretation the meaning of each finger are as follows: the thumb represents the planet Saturn and is responsible for the spleen, stomach, and mouth, the index finger corresponds to the liver, gall gall bladder, and eyes, the middle finger is responsible for the heart, the small intestine, and the tongue, the ring finger is responsible for lungs, large intestine, and the nose while the little finger corresponds to the ears, kidneys and bladders. Once you have chosen the mudra you want to try out, you have to hold it out firmly with both hands, but not too tight that you might drain the blood off of your fingers. Then, aim ai m to keep your hands in that position all throughout t hroughout your your whole meditation session. ses sion.















If you want to do them while walking, try keeping a rhythmic phase. If not, then you should sit, pull your chin in a bit and let your neck relax. Breathe evenl y, slow, flowing and gentle.

Benefits of hand mudra There are a lot of benefits that you can get from practicing hand mudras daily, some of them are: to help concentrate especially when when you are meditating, for students to have better grades and improve improve their intelligence, alleviates a headache, hypertension, insomnia and reduces anger. It can even reduce watering of the eyes and hardness in hearing. It also helps the bones become stronger and strengthens the gums. It is also beneficial to people with heart diseases. It helps in the digesting process and helps in preventing the lack of vitamins. It gives energy to the body. It even reduces stress and helps in maintaining good good health especially those who have liver problems. It is useful to fight fight off skin diseases, acne, and other blood defects. It also helps in colds, asthma, and other respiratory diseases.

Precautions There are few precautions that should be taken note of in doing hand mudras. You should have a healthy diet, including eating a lot of fruit and vegetables and you must take note of the hand mudras that you can only do in a certain position like sitting or standing. As much as mudras as good for the body, there are certain things you still have to keep in mind in doing them. Precautions are like warning signs to help you save your body from being hurt. Now that you know them, you can enjoy hand mudras and get the benefits you want from them. Have fun practicing your newly found ideas! ideas!















Gyan Mudra

Gyan Mudra is one one of the most commonly commonly and widely practiced practiced mudras. mudras. Gyan mudra mudra corresponds corresponds to the word wisdom which is “Gyan” “ Gyan” in Sanskrit. It is popularly used in yogic poses such as Pranayama and is believed to help attain spiritual enlightenment. This is the Mudra of wisdom and knowledge. The individual consciousness (microcosm or Atman) is represented by the first finger, while the thumb symbolizes higher consciousness (macrocosm/Brahman). (macrocosm/Brahman) . The ultimate goal of a practitioner, the union of the self with the cosmic supreme supreme being, is embodied in this mudra. mudra.

How to Perform Gyan Mudra • • • • •

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Touch the tip of of the thumb to the index or first first finger only The other three fingers should be straight There There are two ways to perfo perform rm this MudraMudra- active active and passive passive In the passive version, version, the tips of the thumb thumb and index finger finger touch together together In the active variation, the index finger is folded under the thumb such that the fingernail is on on the second second joint of the thumb thumb Place each hand on the knees with palms of both hands facing either upwards (Chin Mudra) or downwards (Gyan Mudra)

Benefits Benefits of Gyan Mudra Mudra It helps in meditation, improves concentration Lowers Lowers negativity negativity of the mind mind Enhances memory Relieves Relieves us from headache headache,, hypertensio hypertension, n, insomnia, insomnia, and anger Diminishes stress and anxiety Prevents insomnia Treats mental disorders like depression Develops telepathic and clairvoyant abilities and Extrasensory Perception (ESP) For better results, it is advisable to do the Prana Mudra after doing the Gyan Mudra. Mudra. • • • • • • • •

















P ithvi Mudra

In our body, muscles, bones, hair hair,, vain vains, s, skin skin cart cartil ilag age, e, nail nails, s, tend tend ns, internal organs, etc. etc. are are made made of of Earth Earth eleme elemen nt. Sabda (sound), Rupa (form), Rasa (Taste), Ganda (smell), Sparsha (touch) are from the earth earth elem element ent.. This This mud mudra ra harmon harmonise ises all the jnanedriyas (organs of knowledge). This udra udra help helpss in prop proper er bood bood circu circulat latio io . Practice of Prithvi mudr mudra a bui build ldss and and invi invigo gora ratt s these tissues and strengthens the bones. It produces stability, confidence and strength. It is pref prefer erab able le that that yo you u perf perfo o m this this mudr mudra a in the the mo morn rnin ing. g. Howe Howeve ver you may even do it at any any tim time e of of the the day and and f r any duration. Sit in a padmasana eeping the palms of both both yo your ur hand handss on on your your kne knees with straight elbows. Perform this asana when you feel stressed out and exhausted. Padmasana accompanied by this mu ra will will immed immediat iately ely perk you up. This is also ama ing mudra yoga for glowing skin.

How to Pe Perform Prithv Mudra • •

The The tips tips of of the the thum thumb and the ring finger touch each other The other fingers re ain straight

Benefits of Prithvi Mu ra •

Balan alancces th the dif diffe fere rent elements inside of the body

















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Body weight becomes proportional proportional to height height Mind becomes clam and peaceful. Removes the letharginess Excreation becomes normal

Duration of Prithvi Mudra This, if done 30-45 minutes minutes every day (together (together or in 3 parts parts during the day).

















V runa Mudra

This balances the water ele ent in the body. It also prevents diseases due to lack of water. water. This is the the best yogic yogic udra for your outer beauty. It has a positive effect on your skin and keeps it away off ll problem problems. s. It has no no specific specific time time uration and can be practiced as per your conveni ence. Bu But th those wi with as asthma or or respiratory disease should do this mudra only for a short while.

How to to Perform Perform Varun Varun Mudra • •

The The tip tip of the the lit littl tle e fin fing ger should touch the tip of the thumb The other three fingers should be stretched stretched out straight

Take care not to press the tip of the little finger near the n il. il. That That will will caus cause e dehyd hydratio ation n in inste stead of ba balanc lanc ng the water level in your body.

Bene Benefi fits ts of Varun Mudra • • • • • • • • •

Retains Retains good good viscosi viscosity ty of bloo blood d by bala balanc ncin ing g wate waterr cont conten entt in the body It activates fluid circul tion within the body keeping it moisturized always Prevents Prevents gastroent gastroenterit eritiis related stomach pain Stops muscle shrinkag Rem Remov oves es imp impur urit itie iess fro from the blood Restor Restores es moist moisture ure to to the skin and prevents dryness Prevents painful cramps Good for combating dia rhea, constipation or indigestion indigesti on Varun Mudra Mudra also relieves and preve prevents nts any muscl muscle e pains pains that you may suffer from

















ayu Mudra

This This mudr mudra a can be pra practi ctice ced d n a standing, sitting or lying down po ture. It’s easy to do. Also known as Vayu shaamak mudr mudra, a, Vay Vayu u mud mudra ra help helpss in in reg regul ulat atii g the air element element in the body. You can extract a azin azing g hea healt lth h ben benef efit itss with with the the bal balan ance of air element in your body. Th Through the practice tice of of this this Mudr Mudra, a, air-r air-rela elated ted diseas diseases like Sciatica and Gout are eliminated.

How to Perf Perform orm Vayu Vayu • •

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Touc Touch h the the tip tip of the the ind index or first finger to the base of the thu b Press the folded thumb gently on the bent index finger Keep the other three fi gers straight but not tight

Bene Benefi fits ts of Vayu Vayu Mud Mudrr • •

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Sciat iatica, ica, lum lumbago ago, ga gast ic pain, paralysis, stomach pain Entire body pain, Arthritis, Rheumatism, Gout, knee & joint pains, pain in the spine Neck pain can be reduced, cholera, parkinson’s disease Reduces gastritis, gas problem, flatulence, indigestion It cures the impurities f the blood & controls the heart diseases

Durat Duration ion of Vayu Vayu M dra

















Sh onya Mudra

How to Perform Shoonya Mudra • • •

Tip of the middle finger is placed at the base of the thumb The thumb comes over the finger, exerting slight pressure The other other three three fingers fingers are kept straight

Bene Benefi fits ts of Shoo Shoony nya a M dra • • • •

Regular practice of this Mudra helps in reducing ear pain and watering of the ears If this this Mudr Mudra a is done done for 1 hour daily it it can benef benefit it in hardn hardnes ess of hearing Strengthens bones and gums and is beneficial beneficial in heart disease It str stren engt gthe hens ns gum gums and is help helpfu full in throat oat proble oblem ms and and thyroid disease

Shoony Shoonya a Mudra Mudra Preca Preca tions • •

This This hand hand post postur ure e sho shou uld never be done while eating or walki g Avoid this mudra mudra while walking & eating After you are cured cured of these diseases, practicing this mud



















S rya Mudra

The fire element is associated with with body body-t -tem empe pera ratu ture re and and me meta tabo boli lissm. Practice of Surya mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the met bolism going. It is a very powerful mudra with si nificant nificant healing healing capaci capacity. ty. It increas increase e the fire element in the body body and and redu reduces ces the the eart earth element. It is advised that this mudra hould ould be practi acticced only only in a sit sitting ing position and on an empty stomach every day

How to to Perform Perform Surya Surya Mudra • • • • •

Touch the tip of the rin finger to the base of the thumb Now exert pressure on he finger with the thumb You can sit in Sukhasa Sukhasa a or Padmasana for this Ensure your palms are laying laying on your knees knees and are facing facing th sky You may also do this mudra udra while while stand standing ing or even even walk walking ing.. But for best results,



















Dura Durati tion on of Sury Surya a Mud Mudra ra •

You can practice practice Surya Mudra Mudra every day for for 30 minutes. The best time is early early morning

Surya Surya Mudr Mudra a Precauti Precautions ons •

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Weak persons should not perform this hand posture and DO NOT do this hand posture posture for a long time time in hot weat weather her But if you you are suffering from from acidity acidity or indigestion, indigestion, avoid avoid this mudra



















P ana Mudra

What is Prana Mudr This is is on one of of th the most beneficial cial yoga yoga mud mudras ras as it it has has innum innumer erab ab e benefits for health and wellness. As the name suggests, uggests, Prana Prana Mudra Mudra is the source source of vital life force and energy. This yoga mudra incr ases the earth element and the water element element in the body. body. It reduces the fire element in the the bod body. Thus, Pran Prana a Mud Mudrra is a Ka Kapha Karak and pitta Nashak Mudra. Prana mudra can be used whenev enever er yo you u fee feell dra drain ined ed or tire tired, d, and and need an extra boost of energy. This mudra cleanses our our aura aura due due to to its its inna innate te abil abilit ity y to control the subtle



















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Fatigue Stress and mental tension High blood pressure Acidity and ulcers ulcers Rheumatoid Arthritis Joint pain Inflammatory disorders Various other health health issues or disorders disorders that may occur occur due to deficiency deficiency of water and earth elements

Duration of Prana Mudra You can practice Prana Mudra every day for 30 to 45 minutes. Morning time is considered best for this mudra. In the beginning, if you are not able to do it continuously for 30 to 45 minutes, you may may do it for 10 to 12 minutes, minutes, 3 times a day or 15 minutes minutes 2 times a day. Then, gradually you can increase the time of practice. practice.

Prana Mudra Precautions If Kapha is in excess in your body then you should practice this mudra in moderation.



















ing Mudra

This Mud Mud ra can be be practic practiced ed for 20-30 minutes daily. This Mudra increases bodily heat as it reinforces fire element. Raise Raise your intake intake of milk, milk, water, water, frui fruit and fruit juices as well as clarified butter if perf rming rming this Hasta Mudra Mudra regularly. regularly.

How How to to Perfo erform rm Ling Ling Mudra • • • • •

Interlock the fingers of both the hands together. Keep the left thumb up encircle encircled d by the right right thumb thumb and inde finger The left thumb should e ve vertically st straight and right th thumb should be around it Put a little pressure on the left thumb. Practice during early morning hours or cool nights. Pract Practice ice minimu minimum m 16 t maximum 48 minutes.





















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Regulates the flow of the menstrual cycle. Give better results when performed together with Surya Mudra- both 15 minutes minutes each, each, one after after the other. When Navel centre is shifted from its original place, comes back to its place by this Mudra. Special Note: This Mudra increases heat in the body so this Mudra is to be performed only for 15 minutes or less. But when there is congestion and cold continue this Mudra for 30 minutes twice a day followed by Prana Mudra for 10 minutes. Since this Mudra generated heat one must consume lots of fluids like water, milk etc. Any once suffering from acidity, fever and stomach ulcers should not perform this Mudra. This Mudra is to be performed only till the problem persists and then it should be discontinued.

Ling Mudra Mudra Precauti Precautions ons •

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When doing this Mudra please increase intake of water, fruit, fruit juices, clarified butter (Ghee) and milk. Persons with abdomen abdomen tumor kindly kindly avoid this practice. practice. Persons who have high blood pressure kindly avoid.



















Apan Mudra Mudra

Apana Apana Mudra Mudra – detox detoxif ify y your your body body Apana governs the pelvis and abdomen and controls the eliminative functions of the body. The body eliminates the toxins through various methods. The release of carbon dioxide from lungs, cough and mucous from organs of respiration, perspiration from skin, excretion through intestine, urination through kidneys and menstruation menstruation through



















Duration Duration of Apan Apan Mudra Mudra •

Upto 40 minutes both morning & evening. Excess sweating as well as excess urination may happen.

Apan Mudra Mudra Precaut Precautions ions •

People suffering from diarrhea, dysentery or cholera should never attempt this mudra. Old people with weak weak stomach and liver should do it for maximum maximum of 10 minutes.



















Apan Vayu Mudra Mudra

Diverts the flow of prana from the hands to the heart center, Strengthens and improving the vitality of the physical heart.

How How to to Perfo erform rm Apan Apan Vayu Vayu Mud Mudra



















Yoni Mudra Mudra

How to Perf erform orm Yoni oni Mudra •

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Lock all fingers of both both hands together together except index index fingers and thumb. Press the index fingers together.





















Garuda Mudra



















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This yoga hand mudra refreshes the organs, plus poise energy on equal sides of the body. Whether Whether in the pelvic otherwise chest chest area, it invigorates invigorates as well as excites This Mudra is extremely extremely influential mudra.This mudra.This mudra trigger blood flow moreover circulation It calm down as well as alleviate pain associated to menstrual objection, stomach disturb, plus respiratory complexity It moreover helps people people contract contract by exhaustion plus mood fluctuations fluctuations It balances the energy on together sides of the body. Whether in the pelvic otherwise chest area, it invigorates plus motivate



















Chin Mudra (Mudra for Consciousness)



















Vishnu Vishnu Mudra



















Anjali Mudra Mudra







































Akash Mudra Mudra



















G nesh Mudra



















Kali Mudra



















Jalodara Nashaka Mudra























































































































































Hasta Mudra

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