Thousands of years ago our sages shared Yoga as just an exercise but a form of spiritual practice to unlock the mystical power of our physical, mental and spiritual being.

Other than twisting and curling your body into different shapes and poses, the practice of yoga involves specific MUDRAS posed during meditations. Mudras mean gestures adopted during pranayams and meditations that directs the flow of energy into our body. Yogic tantras say that these mudra yoga techniques stimulate different areas of the brain and enable Mind-body-spirit of accomplishing the purpose of life.

There are many different yoga mudras and each of them has a different benefit. Below is the explanation to each:

1. Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge)

This is the first yoga mudra pose known as Gyan Mudra or the Mudra of Knowledge.

How to do?

Practice this mudra during meditation. Early morning is the perfect time for this mudra. With a fresh mind touch the tip of your index finger with the tip of your thumb. The other three fingers, you may keep it straight or just keep it free, doesn’t matter even if they are slightly bent. This is a very commonly used mudra when practicing meditations.

Benefits:

• As the name suggests, this mudra is meant to increase your concentration and memory power.

• This mudra sharpens your brain power.

• It has the ability to cure insomnia.

• Practice this mudra regularly for 15 minutes to heal yourself from all mental and psychological disorders like anger, stress, anxiety or even depression.

2. Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air)How to do? Practice this mudra can be in standing, sitting or lying down posture. It’s easy to do. Fold your index finger. As you fold your fingers you can see two bones. These are called phalanx bones. When you have folded your index finger the second bone that you see, you have to press it with the base of your thumb just as shown in the above picture. The rest of the three fingers should be kept extended as much as possible. Do this at any time of the day as per your convenience for not more than 10-15 mins. There is also no compulsion of doing this on an empty stomach. You may also practice this mudra with a full stomach. Once you achieve the benefits from this mudra, stop doing it else after a certain time, it may cause the imbalance within your system. Benefits:As the name suggests Vaayu Mudra, it balances the air element within your body. This mudra releases excess wind from stomach and body thereby reducing rheumatic and chest pain.
3.  Agni Mudra (Mudra of Fire)How to do? Fold your ring finger and press the second phalanx with the base of your thumb. Keep the rest of the fingers straight. This mudra should be practiced only in sitting position early in the morning with an empty stomach. Maintain this mudra for at least 15 minutes every day.

Caution:

If you suffer from acidity or indigestion, avoid this mudra.

Benefits:

• It helps to dissolve the extra fat boosting metabolism and controls obesity.
• Quickens digestion.
• Improves body strength.
• Reduces stress and tension.
• Controls high cholesterol levels.

4. Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth)

How to do?

Touch the tip of your ring finger with the tip of your thumb. Pressing the tips of these two fingers, keep the rest of the fingers extended out.

It is preferable that you perform this mudra in the morning. However you may even do it at any time of the day and for any duration. Sit in a padmasana keeping the palms of both your hands on your knees with straight elbows. Perform this asana when you feel stressed out and exhausted. Padmasana accompanied by this mudra will immediately perk you up.

Caution:

Perform this mudra freely.

Benefits:

• It improves blood circulation throughout the body.

• Increases patience and tolerance.

• Increases concentration while meditating.

• Helps strengthen weak and lean bones. Also increases the weight of people suffering from the low weight.

• It reduces weakness, exhaustion, and dullness of mind.

• This mudra makes you more beautiful by improving your complexion and giving a natural glow to your skin.

5. Varun Mudra (Mudra of Water): This is the best yogic mudra for your outer beauty. It has a positive effect on your skin and keeps it away from all problems. A very effective yoga asana for your overall health let us learn to do this mudra with perfection. How to do? Lightly touch the tip of your little finger with the tip of your thumb. The rest of the fingers should be kept straight. There is no specific time to perform this mudra. You may do it at any time of the day and in any position, but sitting cross-legged when doing this mudra is preferable.

Caution:

Take care not to press the tip of the little finger near the nail. That will cause dehydration instead of balancing the water level in your body.

Benefits:

A number of benefits can be achieved by doing this mudra:

• Varun Mudra balances the water content in our body.

• It activates fluid circulation within the body keeping it moisturized always.

• It cures all skin issues like dryness, skin diseases, and skin infections. Moreover, it also prevents the appearance of pimples for a longer time.

• It adds a natural glow and luster to your face.

Varun Mudra also relieves and prevents any muscle pains that you may suffer from

6. Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness)How to do it? Press the first phalanx of your middle finger with the thumb.

Benefits:

• Practicing this mudra with full concentration will cure an ear ache within 5-10 minutes at the most.

• It is also very helpful if someone is deaf or mentally challenged. But those who are handicapped inborn won’t benefit from this mudra.

Cautions:

After you are cured of these diseases, stop practicing this mudra.

6. Surya Mudra  (Mudra of the Sun)How to do it? Press your ring finger and press it with the thumb just as shown in the picture.

Benefits:

It is quite beneficial when it comes to reducing bad cholesterol.

Want to lose weight? This mudra comes handy.

Reduces anxiety.

Also improves your digestion.

6. Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life)This is a very important mudra as it activates the energy in your body. How to do it?This yoga mudra pose should be accompanied along with padmasana.      Bend your ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of both these fingers with the tip of your thumb.There is no specific time to perform this asana. Any time of the day will be suitable.Benefits:
   • This mudra improves your immune system.
   • It also increases your eye power and also cures any sort if eye diseases.
   • It reduces fatigue and tiredness.

   Practicing these mudras will enhance overall health and wellness and keep our body ailment free.

About the Author

Dr. Amitabh Singh is the founder of AadyantaLife and  Bio-Energetic & Crystal Healer and Wellness Coach. He provides Alternative and Complementary Healing therapies to difficult ailments including Cancer. He specializes in Mindfulness Meditation Coaching for Corporate and Business Leaders. His thought-provoking Enlightening Lectures.