Hasta Mudras are ancient sacred seals, or gestures—are hand movements that have been used for thousands of years in many different traditions as a way of deepening one’s practice and awakening the power of the Divine. You must be familiar with mudras in Indian classical dance. And also seen such gestures in the deities in Hindu and Buddhist art forms. Every mudras has deeper significance and facilitates healing not just at physical level but at an energetic, emotional, mental and spiritual level all “5 Koshas detailed in Spiritual Anatomy“. According to Ayurveda, diseases are caused due to imbalances in the body. Imbalances are caused by lack or excess of any of the five basic elements in nature. The five elements or tattvas include air, fire, water, earth, and ether. Here are simple concepts sacred mudras that you should know that can help you bring balance to your body and mind.
Each finger represents a specific element.
- Thumb – Fire or Agni element
- Index finger – Air or Vata element
- Middle finger – Space (ether) or Akasha element
- Ring finger – Earth or Prithvi element
- Pinky finger – Water or Jala element
These hand mudras can help balance these elements, either by increasing or decreasing them. The use of mudras adjusts the flow of life force in a given area of the body and facilitates healing. There are more than 100 known mudras that have been developed over the centuries. Yoga practitioners also use the mudras in combination with yoga breathing exercises to deepen your practice with awareness. When you do a mudra, your fingertips create an energetic circuit that stimulates the elements or tattva of a given finger.
For example the thumb represents the fire element and
When the index finger ( air )touches the thumb, enhances the movement breath throughout the body;
When the middle finger (space) meets the thumb increases spaciousness; |
When the ring finger (earth)-thumb brings a sense of stability;
When the pinky finger (water) connects the thumb can improve circulation.
You can practice mudras anywhere anytime at least for a duration of 5min to maximum of 45 min until the problem is resolved and balance is achieved. The effect of a mudra can be immensely intensified with the breath. If you can introduce a hold between inhaling and after exhaling by few seconds would be great. Practicing the mudras, together with a healthy diet and adequate exercise will naturally lead to an optimal lifestyle.
Here are 10 basic Mudras for beginners:
- Gyan Mudra
Touch the tip of the index finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers. It Increases concentration, memory, creativity and reduces negativity, stress relief, alleviates depression, insomnia
- Vayu Mudra
Touch the tip of the index finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb. Extend the other 3 fingers. It Balances air in the body, relieving both flatulence and joint pain.
- Prithvi Mudra
Touch the tip of the ring finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers. It Strengthens the tissues of the body such as muscles, bones, tendons and nails.
- Varun Mudra
Touch the tip of the little finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers. It improves overall circulation and heals skin issues.
- Prana mudra
Touch the tip of the thumb with the tips of the ring and little fingers. Extend the other 2 fingers. It energises the body and improves eyesight.
- Apana mudra
Touch the tip of the thumb with the tips of the middle and ring fingers. Extend the other 2 fingers. It balances the body, stokes the metabolism and helps stimulate digestion.
- Shunya mudra
Touch the tip of the middle finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb. Extend the other 3 fingers. It improves all ear issues, vertigo or dizziness
- Surya mudra
Touch the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb. Extend the other 3 fingers. It improves metabolism and boosts immunity.
- Dhyana Mudra
Simply sit with your hands facing upward, right hand resting on top of your left palm. The Buddha is often pictured doing this gesture. It can help bring you tranquility and inner peace during your meditation.
- Linga Mudra
Interlock the palms but keeping the left thumb erect, pointing upwards. It protects against colds, coughs and infections and releases chills can increase metabolism or the rate at which the body burns energy and energizes and strengthens the immune system. Can be practiced for 10-15 min.
Please note hasta mudras can offer great healing, no mudra is a substitute for medication or medical attention.
Hope you found this information useful. Here are two book recommendations for Mudras in depth.
Watch the video below or on YouTube TLV TALKS
