The word Mudra is a Sanskrit word that means a gesture. In Yoga, a mudra could be a gesture of the hand or it may involve the complete body. Breathing exercises and Mudras have a profound effect on the Prana. Parana is the vital life force in the body of a living being, increased prana means more energy and health.
Chin Mudra or Gyan Mudra
This Mudra is the most common one, most of the Hindus know this Mudra since childhood. Let the tip of your thumb meet the tip of your index finger. Extend the remaining three fingers and do not put pressure on the thumb or the index finger. Let your palms face upwards, you can rest your hands on your thighs while sitting cross-legged or in such or padma asana.
This Mudra will improve the power of your concentration and help in enhancing your memory. Your sleeping patterns will improve, it will help in curing emotional stress and depression. The Mudra also helps in the reduction of pain in the lower back, if any.
Chinmaya Mudra
This Mudra is very similar to the Chin Mudra. Just like the Gyan Mudra the thumb and the index finger meet to form a ring. The difference here is that of the fingers. The remaining three fingers have to be folded. Rest your hands on your thighs, with the palms facing the sky.
This Mudra is known to improve digestion and the overall flow of energy in the body.
Prithvi Mudra
To make the Prithvi Mudra or the Mudra of the Earth touch the tip of your thumb to the tip of your ring finger. Stretch the remaining fingers straight, with your palms facing the sky keep your hands on the thighs.
The Prithvi Mudra helps weak people in increasing the body weight. The increase in energy circulation will make your skin radiant. The Mudra has a positive effect on the physical weaknesses.
Surya Mudra
The Surya Mudra or the Mudra of the sun is a powerful Mudra for the thyroid gland. Bend the ring finger with the thumb and stretch the remaining fingers straight. You can practice this Mudra for 10 to 15 minutes in a day.
The Surya Mudra aides in digestion and also helps in the reduction of cholesterol. By a regular practice, you can reduce some weight with this Mudra.
Adi Mudra
To make the Adi Mudra, fold your thumb and roll over the fingers of your hand over the thumb. Keeping the palms towards the sky, place your hands on your thighs and relax in the Mudra.
The Adi Mudra is a Mudra for the relaxation of the nervous system. The lung capacity increases and also the flow of oxygen to the brain is increased. The Adi Mudra has also benefited people who snore.
Prana Mudra
The Prana Mudra or the Mudra of life is especially beneficial for the eye related problems. Let your thumb touch the tip of your ring and little finger. Keep your other two fingers stretched straight. Practicing this Mudra for at least five minutes in a day will give you fast results.
The Prana Mudra helps in energizing the entire body with the vital life force. Regular practice improves vision and helps in a number of eye related diseases. With the increase of vital life force the body, the immunity of the body also enhances.
The body is said to have been formed by the five elements, fire, water, wind, air and ether. Each finger presents an element, and Mudras have an effect on the elements. We can bring these elements in balance and harmony with the help of Yoga Mudras.
