Significance of Yoga Mudras
Air, water, fire, earth and ether form the five basic elements (pancha tatva) of the world. These five elements are considered to have constituted for the creation of human body. An imbalance in the proportions of these elements in the human body makes it vulnerable to diseases as the immune system gets disturbed as a result. Yoga mudras also commonly known as hand yoga are very closely related to these five basic elements. This amazing science aid enormously in balancing these pancha tatvas in our body through very simple gestures confined to fingers. According to this concept each finger represents each of the five elements. Thumb represents the fire element while the index finger represents the air. The middle finger symbolises ether and ring finger signifies earth while the little finger represents the water element.
Yoga Mudras are generally practiced along with yoga asanas and meditation or pranayama. These mudras are capable of controlling the prana or flow of energy in human body. They help in cleansing the negative energies accumulated in the body and shielding it with positive energies. When each finger is brought into contact with the thumb, the element that is significant to that finger in particular gets balanced in the body. This contact made by the fingers with the thumb generates flow of electromagnetic energy in the body which forms the base cause for the balance of energies in the body. Yoga Faculty is famous for the yoga teacher training in Rishikesh among various institutes, as it includes special sessions on yoga mudras as a part of its training curriculum.
Mudras and their Benefits
Gyan Mudra: This mudra is observed by joining the tip of the thumb with that of the index finger while stretching the remaining three fingers. It is efficient in mental ailments, development of intellect, sharpening memory and imparting happiness.
Vayu Mudra: This mudra is practiced by pressing the tip of the index finger against the base of the thumb and by bringing the tip of the thumb over the index finger while stretching out the remaining fingers. This mudra is tremendously helpful for diseases like arthritis. This mudra gives best results when practiced after prana mudra.
Prithvi Mudra: This mudra can be observed by simply making the tip of your thumb touch the tip of your index finger. This mudra helps in activating the root chakra by releasing the vital energy. Eventually it strengthens the mind and body.
Varun Mudra: This also is as simple as prithvi mudra. It is observed by simply conjoining the tip of your thumb with the tip of your little finger. It helps in improving the quality of blood which could have been deteriorated due to lack of enough water. It brings in freshness to the body.
Prana Mudra: This mudra is practiced by conjoining the tips of the thumb, middle finger and the ring finger while stretching out the remaining two fingers. It helps in rejuvenating the life force (prana). It is effective in dealing with all kinds of diseases.
Surya Mudra: This mudra is observed by placing the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb while the thumb gently pressing the ring finger. It is greatly helpful in reducing the weight of the body.