Yoga is the ancient science of India. The great yoga gurus of India have created this science with thousands of years of experience and difficult penance. This great tradition of yoga includes great ascetics like Gautama Buddha and Lord Mahavira.
Have you ever looked closely at Mahatma Buddha? The hands of Lord Buddha sitting in meditation are always in a special position. This position of hands is called mudra/hand pose in Yoga Science. In English, these are called Mudras or Hand Gestures.
This sign language usage is not only called in yoga but also in meditation. Postures are also used extensively in Indian dance traditions such as North Indian Kathak or South Indian Kathakali, Mohiniattam, Bharatanatyam or Kuchipudi, Gotipua dance, etc.
Yoga and Hand Gestures
The whole world has now accepted the importance of yoga. Perhaps this is the reason why, like acupressure and acupuncture, it is being included in the alternative medicine system.
However, there is still no scientific evidence of the benefits of yoga. There is a similar situation for yoga postures, there is no concrete evidence regarding their effect on the body.
But Indian yogis have been claiming these benefits for thousands of years. Perhaps, science still needs to investigate the effect of yoga posture on the body with more studies or modern instruments.
However, scientists accept the fact that there are special points in certain parts of the body. Science believes that, if mild pressure is applied to these particular points, problems such as restlessness, nervousness, hormone imbalance can be relieved. Therapies such as acupressure and acupuncture are based on this scientific belief.
Variation Of Yoga Mudra
In yoga, there are basically two types of postures. Various fingertips are touched by the thumb in the construction of the mudra. The yoga pose created by the touch of different fingers has different effects on the body. While some yoga postures are also made by bending the wrist.
Some yoga postures also symbolize certain five elements in the body. In ancient belief, it is said that the creation of the body from the Panchbhut. Yoga postures activate not only the body but also the mind by activating those special elements.
1. Gyan Mudra
Purpose: To attain enlightenment, its posture should also be practiced by those yogis who want to separate themselves from this material world.
English Name: Gesture of Knowledge
Hand posture: Make the index finger of the hand touch with the thumb.
Benefits of Gyan Mudra:
- Increases air content in the body.
- Promotes passion, courage, and creative thinking.
- The subconscious mind enhances thought ability and memory.
- It is very effective in dealing with fatigue, laziness, and mental complications.
When to do it? : Anytime.
2. Vayu Mudra
Purpose: To find peace.
English Name: Air Gesture
Hand posture: Put the first tip of the index finger in the last tip of the thumb. The thumb will be above the index finger.
Benefits of Vayu Mudra:
- Reduces the air element in the body.
- Reduces anxiety in the body.
- Reduces hyperactivity of hormones and nervous system
- Good for angry, hyperactive, and low concentration.
When to do it? : Anytime
3.Aakash Mudra
English Name: Gesture of View
English Name: Gesture of View
Hand pose: Touch the tip of the middle finger with the thumb. Try to practice for 30 minutes only but not more than that.
Benefits Of Aakash Mudra:
- The sky increases the element in the body.
- Relieves bad thoughts coming to mind.
- Regulates feelings of fear, sorrow, and anger.
- Detoxes impurities present in the body.
- Particularly beneficial for people with constipation and digestive problems.
- Also beneficial in ear and chest problems.
When to do it? : At any time, practice 2-6 Am / Pm for the best result.
4. Shunya Mudra
Purpose: To get relief from pain.
English Name:Gesture Of Emptiness.
Hand pose: Place the first tip of the middle finger on the base of the thumb and the thumb will be above the finger. Do not practice zero posture if you experience any kind of discomfort or pain.
Benefits Of Shunya Mudra:
- Minimizes the space element in the body.
- Ear pain, hearing problem, reduces travel fatigue.
- Reduces mild pain in many parts of the body, such as the head and chest.
- Extremely beneficial for people with Vata nature.
When to do it? : At any time, practice 2-6 Am / Pm for the best result.
5. Prithvi Mudra
Purpose: To increase strength.
English Name: Gesture of Earth.
Hand pose: Touch the ring finger with the thumb.
Benefits Of Prithvi Mudra:
- Increases growth of new tissue.
- Speeds up the process of making and healing muscles.
- Relieves fatigue.
- Strengthens weak bones, hair, and nails.
- Communicates strength, consciousness, and strength in the body.
- Metabolic or digestive processes and regulates body temperature.
- Eliminates the problem of dry skin.
- Fever, burning sensation, or ulcer problem is overcome in people with a lean body.
When to do it? : Anytime
6. Surya Mudra
Purpose: Weight Loss
English Name: Gesture of Sun
Hand pose: Place the ring finger on the tip of the thumb and the thumb above the finger. Do this asana for 30 minutes only.
Benefits of Surya Mudra:
- Raises body temperature.
- Relieves cold, shivering.
- Best for people with low thyroid problems.
- Weight loss relieves the problem of indigestion, constipation, or loss of appetite.
- Beneficial for people with sweat problems and weak eyesight.
When to do it? : Anytime
7. Varun Mudra
Purpose: To moisture
English Name: Gesture of Rain
Hand pose: Touch the junior finger with the first tip of the thumb. People with the problem of excessive sweating should not practice this mudra.
Benefits of Varun Mudra:
- Helps to promote the water element in the body.
- Helps in joint pain, arthritis, body odor, and taste loss.
- Relieves when there is a deficiency of hormones or problems of dehydration.
- Dry skin, hair, eyes, eczema, removes all problems of the digestive system.
- Beneficial for people with sweat problems and weak eyesight.
When to do it? : Anytime
8. Garuda Mudra
Purpose: For Balance
English Name: Eagle Seal
Hand pose: This yogic hand gesture is performed by using both hands and can be practiced anywhere at anytime preferably in Tadasana.
Benefits of Garuda Mudra:
- Helps to balance wind elements of the body.
- Improves blood circulation.
- Benefits in stomach related complaints.
- Calms down the mind by reducing stress
When to do it? : Anytime
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