Mudras

Mudras are a set of subtle physical movements that can change one's mood, attitude, or perspective. And which help to increase concentration and alertness. A mudra can be a simple hand position or it can encompass the entire body in a combination of Asana, Pranayama, Bandha, and visualisation methods. In ancient India, Mudras were used in martial art. The major purpose of application different Mudras was to generate and effectively use spiritual focus and power in fighting. Experts consider that Mudras have some magical explanations, which are often very difficult to understand. Moreover, Mudras were used in important rituals and rites of the old cultural traditions of Hinduism and Buddhism not only in India, but also in Tibet, Japan, China, Indonesia and other Asian countries. The images of Mudras were found in the cave paintings and sculptures of Ajanta and Ellora caves, which date back to the 2 and 1 centuries BC.

Besides, the earliest Hindu knowledge about Mudras was recorded in the “ancient documentations of Mantra Shastra, or “the book of incantations”, Upasana Shastra, or “the book of worship and prayers” and the Nritya Shastra, or “the book of classical dances” (Bansal). Some experts consider that the science of Mudras was originated from yoga practice as the exercises for relaxation.

In Sanskrit mudra is a gesture involving the whole body or a simple hand position. Breathing techniques in combination with mudra stimulates the prana flow in the body. Mudras at your fingertips generates a subtle connection with the brain patterns and controls the reflexes pertaining to the area to be affected like organs, glands, veins, etc.

• Chin mudra for concentration power
• Chinmaya mudra for digestion
• Adi mudra reduce snoring and relaxes nervous system
• Brahma mudra reduces tiredness
• Anjali mudra for positive thoughts
• Prana Mudra facilitates healing
• Varun mudra for clarity in communication
• Apan Vayu mudra for stress relief
• Ashwini mudra for constipation
• Hakini mudra for the mind "

According to Ayurveda, diseases are caused due to an imbalance in the body, which in turn is caused by lack or excess of any of the five elements. Our fingers have the characteristics of these elements, and each of these five elements serves a specific and important function within the body. The fingers are essentially electrical circuits. The use of mudras adjusts the flow of energy – affecting the balance of air, fire, water, earth, ether – and facilitate healing.