A mudra is a symbolic or hand ritual gesture in Hinduism, Buddhism and Yoga. We primarily use hand and fingers for most of the mudras, though some do involve the entire body. A mudra is a spiritual gesture which has influence on the energies of our body. Mudras are arm, hand and body positions used in various traditions. The great Buddha knew the use of mudras and is often depicted using these ritual gestures. Various Kung Fu forms contain positions identical to these mudras.
There are 108 mudras used in regular Tantric rituals. Around 200 mudras in Bharatnatyam and over 250 in Mohiniattam.
As a healing modality, the fingers are understood as electrical circuits, re-directing the free flow of energy (prana) that is present in these discharge points. When focused back into the body with intention, specific results can be obtained to achieve balance within.
Each finger is characteristic of an element: the thumb is fire (agni), the index finger is air (vayu), the middle finger is the sky (akash), the ring finger earth (prithvi), and the little finger is water (jal). In accordance with the oldest healing science of Ayurveda, life (ayus)+ knowledge (veda), we are composed of these elements or building blocks. All disease is due to an imbalance in the body caused by lack or excess of any of these elements, and once balanced the body can then heal itself.
Modern science has confirmed that there are concentrations of free electrons surrounding the tips of every finger. When tension is applied to the fingers and parts of the palms, the energy is directed through the body along specified nerve conduit channels (nadis), radiates from central nerve locations (chakras), and flows back up to the brain. This balancing and re-direction of the internal energy causes change to occur in the veins, tendons, glands and sensory organs, allowing the body to be returned to a state of wellness. Mudra Vigyan, therefore, is also a neural science as it relates directly to the nerves.
Mudras are an art and science perfected through wisdom; they imbue tranquility, balance, and serenity for you. Even our Indian namaste where we join our hands and hold it our heart is a mudra which puts one in a mood of respect.
Mudras and their effect
This is a simple way of balancing your energy that you can do almost anywhere, while sitting, standing, walking even lying down. These are used in a sequence. Alternately touch the tips of each finger with a tip of your thumb.
Keep each connected for a few seconds or longer and do for few minutes total.
Do this with both hands simultaneously. The overall effect is that you get calmer, more relaxed and concentrated. The separate mudras have the following effects:
Thumb touches tip of index finger: Opens the root chakra, and moves more energy to the legs and lower body. Makes you calmer and more concentrated.
Thumb touches tip of middle finger:
Creates more room for patience.
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Thumb touches tip of ring finger: Energy, stability and self-confidence.
Thumb touches tip of pinky finger: Intuition and feeling.
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