MUDRAS – ANCIENT SECRETS TO BETTER HEALTH – 1

MUDRAS  literally translated means ‘signs’ or graceful gestures . Also described as a gesture or positions, usually of the hands that locks and than guides energy flow and reflexes to the brain .These gestures or signs have amazing powers that will allow you to overcome obstacles and even attract things towards you that you desire .Various Kung Fu forms contain positions identical to these mudras – it is all about directing the flow of energy  in your body .Most healing and spiritual masters use the power of mudras to tap into the healing energies .

According to ancient Chinese / Indian traditions gestures by hand ( like raising them or bringing them together in front of the chest ) has been a part of a prayer/greeting and healing .Most early representations of Lord Jesus show his hands raised in blessings . As Christianity spread , missionaries encountered other  cultures that used similar symbols/gestures for their Gods – realizing that these symbols/gestures of the hands were not mere positions but signified something profound .In fact every major religion has used hands and fingers as symbols !

You can practice them in any position , sitting , standing , moving , upside hand , down side hand – any way that makes you feel comfortable .

There are 24 basic positions although over 250 positions are known  and a lot of them are used in Indian classical dances and advanced yoga .

There are specific finger/hand positions which would bring rapid change into one’s life . Mudra knowledge is an essential part of yoga and is known as TATVA YOGA .

It is believed that there is a tremendous flow of energy in our hands and that the five fingers represent the five elements .

• Thumb – Fire
• Forefinger – Air
• Middle finger – Ether
• Ring finger – Earth
• Little finger – Water

The physical body is made up of these five elements and an imbalance of these elements disrupts the immune system and causes disorders resulting in diseases and other problems

These gestures are very easy to follow and no ritual is required except your concentration.

 GYAN MUDRA – AIR / KNOWLEDGE

Bring the thumb and the index finger together in gentle contact , not pressing very hard whilst all other fingers are held upright . Hold for five minutes whilst breathing gently with  eyes shut and a calm mind .The thumb has centers of pituitary and endrocrine glands and when we press the thumb with the index finger , these glands are activated .

The practice  of this ensures mental peace and will sharpen your concentration which will in turn improve your memory .

The practice of this mudra is recommended to cure insomnia and mental agitation . After a few sessions you will notice that all your tension and depression tendencies have dissipated and your mind will be calmer.

PRITHVI MUDRA

PRITHVI MUDRA – EARTH

 Bring the tip of your thumb in contact with the tip of your ring finger with the other fingers outstreched . Apply gentle pressure .

This mudra will enhance both your mental and physical strengh.This mudra will also be very useful for thin/weak persons as it will help you in buiding muscles and increase weight thus reducing physical weakness.It also helps in improving skin complexion and will make it healthy and glowing .

VARUNA MUDRA  -  WATER

This position is sometimes refered to as PRAN mudra ( life enhancer ) .

 Bring the tip of your little finger in contact with the tip of your little finger , leaving the other three fingers straight. Apply gentle pressure . You can practice this position for five minutes or as long as you want , there is no specific time limit . This position helps to balance the water contents of your body which in turn helps lessen muscle shrinkage .It will also help in keeping your blood healthy .Your eyesight will be helped and this position is particularly useful for someone who feels tired all the time as it will reviatalise your energy .

More postions in post 2.