Hand Postures

POSTURE OF KNOWLEDGE (GYANA

MUDRA):
Method: This mudra is achieved by joining
the tips of the index fingers with the tips of
the thumbs.
Benefits: By practicing this posture for 5 to
20 minutes for 15 days, it can increase
memory, intellectual power, calming your
anger, and give relief from headaches and
migraines.

GASTRIC CONTROL POSTURE (VAYU

VIJAY MUDRA):
Method: This posture is achieved by
bending the index finger to the root of the
thumb.
Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 15
minutes for 15 days, it can give relief from
gastric trouble, pain in the joints, paralysis,
trembling, diarrhea, constipation, bad
thoughts, acidity, ulcer and abdominal pain.

THE SUN POSTURE (SURYA-MUDRA):

Method: This posture is consummated by
bending the ring finger and pressing it by
the thumb with light pressure.
Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 15
minutes for 25 days, it reduces obesity,
evens the distributions of fat in the body,
increases brightness on the forehead, and
leads to weight reduction. It is also helpful
in curing diabetes and liver disorders.

VITAL ENERGY POSTURE (MAHAPRANAMUDRA):

Method: This Mudra is achieved by joining
the thumb with the tips of the ring and little
fingers.
Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 15
minutes for 15 days, it gives relief from
disorders of the eye, improves eyesight,
and increases vital energy and resistance
power. It is helpful in physical ability.

THE WATER POSTURE (VARUN MUDRA):

Method: This Mudra is achieved by joining
the tips of the thumbs and the little fingers.
Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 30
minutes for 30 days, it helps to cure skin
disease, excessive perspiration; it purifies
the blood and balances its circulation,
making the body flexible.

THE SOUND POSTURE (APAN-MUDRA):

Method: This Mudra is achieved by
pressing the middle and ring fingers under
the thumb.
Benefits: By practicing this posture 5 to 15
minutes for 7 days, it helps to cure heart,
kidney and throat problems. It also purifies
the body; ailments of the mouth, eyes, nose
and ears are cured. It gives immediate relief
in controlling drinking habits.

THE HEART POSTURE (APAAN VAYU

MUDRA):
Method: This Mudra is achieved by keeping
the index finger near the roots of the
thumbs (as in figure 2) and by pressing the
middle and ring fingers with the thumbs.
Benefits: By practicing 5 to 20 minutes for
10 days, it gives relief from high blood
pressure, heart trouble, heat emotions and
passions. It is also beneficial in cases of
sudden and massive heart attacks.

ENERGY POSTURE (SHIVA-LINGAMUDRA):

Method: this Mudra is achieved by
intertwining the fingers of the two hands
while raising the left thumb. Hands should
be kept close to the chest.
Benefits: By practicing for 1 to 5 minutes
for 7 days, it is beneficial in controlling
coughs, colds, asthma, paralysis, vibration,
sinuses, and low blood pressure.

GOOD NIGHT MUDRA (PARIVATAN

MUDRA):
Method: Lie down on your back. Clasp your
hand tightly, interlocking the fingers. Then
with the fingers of the left hand press on
the back of the right hand and vice versa.
Repeat 27 times.
Benefits: By practicing for 3 days, this
mudra cures insomnia and can lead to
sound sleep and no bad dreams. The body
will rest easily and comfortably.

PRASANNA MUDRA (Hair do Posture):

Method: Keep hand near the chest. Rub the
nails of the eight fingers against each other
for 5 to 10 minutes for 30 days. The thumbs
should be straight.
Benefits: This slows down hair loss, with
reduction of gray hair and split ends. It
makes hair lustrous and strong. while
improving disposition.

DHENU POSTURE:
Method: Crossing both hands, join the
index finger to the middle finger, ring finger
to the little fingers and keep thumb to the
other thumb. Point the fingers downward.
Close your eye and concentrate your
conscious mind on the mudra. While in this
position you will feel your mental problems
going in to the earth through your fingers.
Benefits: By practicing 1 to 5 minutes for 7
days, it is helpful in curing depression,
mental disturbance, despair, dissension
and stress.

Before you start practicing these mudras, there are certain things which you need to
keep in mind.

Consult with your physician in case you are suffering from any other ailment,
including cardiovascular diseases or breathing troubles.

Please avoid practicing the mudras after a heavy meal. However, make sure that
your body has sufficient glucose levels while you practice.

It is advisable to practice the mudras early in the morning, preferably before 8

am, for optimum results. However, you can practice these in the evening as well.

If you are new to yoga, then make sure that you practice the mudras under the
supervision of a qualified guru.
[ Read: Best Yoga Mat ]

Read on to get started right away!

The 5 yoga mudras for diabetes that every diabetic should know are:
1. Surya Mudra [Sun Mudra]:

Surya is a Sanskrit word that means Sun. This mudra is known to increase the fire
within the human body that in turn ensures a better metabolic rate. Diabetics, in general,
have poor metabolic rates which results in increased sugar levels and weight gain.
Regular practice of this mudra will help boost metabolic rates, thus ensuring loss of
weight and lowering of sugar levels. The mudra also helps easing indigestion and
associated problems.
Method:
1. Sit or stand straight.
2. Stretch your hands to your front.
3. Bend your ring finger of both hands so that it touches the mound of respective
thumbs.
4. Keep the other fingers spread out, apart from each other.
Practice for 45 minutes daily at a stretch or three times of 15 minutes each, depending
on your comfort level.

2. Pran Mudra:

Known as the Mudra of Life, it

helps in improving the vital force of life and activates your Mooladhara Chakra or root
chakra. Thus, it empowers you wholly within. The mudra, when practiced without fail,
helps in detoxifying your body. Practicing this mudra alongside Apan Mudra has been
proven to offer relief to those suffering from diabetes.
Method:
1. Sit down in a relaxing position, preferably, Padmasana [Lotus pose], with your eyes
closed. Those who are uncomfortable in this position can opt for performing the mudra
in Tadasana [Mountain Pose].
2. Concentrate on your breathing.
3. Keep your hands on your sides.
4. Bend your little finger and ring finger to touch the thumb.
5. Keep the index finger and middle finger straight.
Make sure that you perform this mudra with both the hands.

Practice for 45 minutes daily at a stretch or three times of 15 minutes each, depending
on your comfort level. This can be practiced, if possible, for a longer period for better
results.

3. Apan Mudra [Mudra of Digestion]:

The mudra, also called the

mudra of purification, is one of the easiest yoga mudras. It aids in striking a better
balance between the elements within the human body. Thus, it ensures that the
unwanted toxins are flushed out properly from your body. This mudra results in frequent
urination for eliminating the wastes, thus lowering the blood sugar levels.
Method:
1. Sit in Padmasana or Vajrasana. Those who have knee problems can opt for standing
in Tadasana.
2. Keep your hands stretched to your front.
3. Bend your thumb, middle finger, and ring finger in such a way that their tips come
together.

4. Keep the little finger and index finger straight.

Make sure that you perform this mudra with both the hands. Combine this mudra with
Vayu mudra and practice regularly for preventing and curing diabetes.
Practice for 45 minutes daily at a stretch or three times of 15 minutes each, depending
on your comfort level. This can be practiced, if possible, for a longer period for better
results.
4. Gyan Mudra [Mudra of Knowledge]:

Also known as Chin Mudra, it

can be practiced by the diabetics to enjoy deep relaxation. It helps in relaxing the body
and eliminating stress and other mind-related issues.
Method:
The mudra, in general, is practiced alongside meditation poses.

1. Choose a sitting position, such as Padmasana, Vajrasana or Sukhasana, depending

on your ease of doing so. You can even choose Tadasana, if you can concentrate
without any trouble. Those who find it difficult to follow any of the yoga asanas can opt
for sitting relaxingly on a chair. Keep your eyes closed.
2. Keep your back straight; head and chest should be held high. Concentrate on your
breathing.
3. Keep your palms on your knees. Palms should face upwards.
4. Bend the index finger to touch the thumbs tip, while the rest of the fingers are kept
straight.
5. Performing this Mudra while chanting will yield more effective outcomes.
5. Linga Mudra:

Lingam, in Sanskrit, means

phallus the male reproductive organ. This mudra is helpful for those who are suffering
from diabetes, but, indirectly. It helps in activating the fire element within the human
body, thus generating intense heat. This, in turn, causes an increase in metabolic levels.
The higher the metabolic levels, the more the chances of a person losing weight. This,
automatically, lowers blood sugar levels, offering relief from diabetes.
Method:
1. Sit down in Padmasana, Vajrasana or Sukhasana or choose to stand in Tadasana.
2. Clasp your hands stretched in front of the body while keeping the fingers intertwined.
3. The thumb of your left hand should point upward. Circle it with the right thumb and
right index finger.
4. Inhale and exhale normally and maintain the position for 15 minutes.

Nevertheless, yoga mudras for diabetes alone, do not offer the desired results.
Practicing mudras along with yoga asanas for diabetes and a strict diet will ensure
complete freedom from this medical condition.

Healing of Diseases by Mudras

People fold their fingers in various Mudras (Gestures). It is little known, however,
that Mudra Science is Tatva Yoga i.e. Yoga based on Science of Elements. And these
Mudras can help in curing many Diseases.
Tatva Yoga Mudra Vigyan is an independent Yoga, built upon the knowledge of the
five fingers of the human hand.
Detailed descriptions are available in Mantra Shastra (Books of incantation),
Upasana Shastra (Books on meditation), Nritya Shastra (Books on the art of Dances)
and the books on the art of sculpture.
Mudra is a very exact and scientific Yogic function by which one can develop and
even change one's internal and external disposition viz. Mental (anger, emotional
disturbance, intelligence etc.), Spiritual (concentration, meditation) or Physical (in
various diseases, illnesses). Mudras can bring miraculous Mental, Spiritual and
Physical changes and improvements in our body. They help in quickly balancing the
elements of the body.
Mudras effect changes in Veins, Tendons, Glands and Sense Organs.
Mudras need no prior preparation. They can be done (mostly but with exceptions) at
any time, anywhere and virtually under any circumstances.
Mudras are like literal remote control switches bringing quick and effective
changes.They help in bringing about permanent changes.
Mudras help in Kundalini Yoga to awaken the Cosmic Energy and to Unite
Consciousness of Inner Supreme Soul.
Constant practice of Mudras can stop or slow down the destructive changes in the
human body. It can help develop a virtuous, socially amiable, non-violent, pious and
courteous disposition.

Some of the Mudras can balance the elements of the body within 45 minutes; some
react within a few seconds on the human body.
The ancients believed there were 24 Diagnostic Elements, the Gayatri Mantra has 24
words, the Jains have 24 Tirthankaras, and Sanatan Dharma has 24 avatars. The 24
words of the Gayatri Mantra have a special relationship with 24 Mudras known as
GAYATRI MUDRAS. They have different names and formations.
The importance of Mudras is also clear from the grim qualifier to these: -

Etaa Mudraa na jaanaati, Gaayatri nishphalaa bhaveta

( To him who does not know Mudras, Gayatri becomes ineffectual.)
Mudras awaken the cosmic energy and help unite the Atma (Soul) with Paramatama
(Cosmic Soul).
Thus, the tension applied to the nerve/s and/or the neural or psycho- neural circuits
formed by the Mudras help in balancing the five basic Elements (or building
blocks).
The Thumb (Angusth)represents Fire (Agni), the Fore finger (Tarjani) Vayu
(Air), the Middle finger (Madhyama) Akash (Space), the Third finger
(Anamika) Prithvi (Earth) and the Fourth finger (Kanishika) Jal (Water).
This balancing of the tension and redirection of the internal energy effects the
changes in veins, tendons, glands and sensory organs to bring the body back to a
healthy state.
Mudras never generate an excess of energy, they simply seek an optimal balancing
of prana, much like a thermostat.
So next time you are Ailing, remember it may just be an instance of mal
adjusted prana and an innocuous sleight of hand could be the cure
Here are some mudras which are useful in therapy. As mentioned earlier there can be
no end to the gains that may be had from Mudras. While for most Mudras there are
no restrictions of posture and time, others should not be performed without full
knowledge. In some cases, practice for longer periods or while in a different posture

or at the wrong time could even prove harmful.

BASIC MUDRAS

For: Headache, Sleeplessness and Memory Loss.

GYAN MUDRA : Bend the thumb and the index finger and bring the tips together in gentle
contact, not pressing hard, while all other fingers are kept straight.
This Mudra is a Tranquilizer for Yogis and helps in Meditation. It sharpens the memory and
develops the concentration of mind. It removes Head Ache and Sleeplessness.
N.B. Do not intake tobacco or non-vegetarian food. Do not intake too cold or
too hot water and drinks.

For: Arthritis, Paralyses and Parkinson.

VAYU MUDRA : Bend the index finger and place it at the root of the thumb and press
gently with the thumb. Keep rest of the fingers straight.
This Mudra stops the problems from air arising in the body. It helps to stop Arthritis and
Paralyses. It stops the pain in the neck and the knee joint. It helps in Parkinson and Shatika
pain.
N.B. This Mudra is done till u get relief. Too much of this Mudra should not be
done.

For: Ear, Bones and Heart.

AKASH MUDRA : Bend the finger next to the index finger and place it on the tip of the
thumb.Press the finger with the thumb gently. Keep rest of the fingers straight.
This Mudra helps in removing Ear problems, Bone problems and even in Heart problems.
N.B. This Mudra should not be done while taking food and even when u are
moving.

For: Thyroid, Ear and Teeth.

SHUNYA MUDRA : Bend the finger next to index finger, place it at the root of the thumb
and press it with the thumb.Keep rest of fingers stright.
This Mudra helps in removing Ear and Teeth problems. It also helps in curing Throat
problems and helps to cure Thyroid.
N.B. Do not do this Mudra while standing.

For: Stomach and Life force.

PRITHVI MUDRA : Bend the finger next to little finger and press it gently against the tip
of the thumb.Keep rest of the fingers stright.
This mudra helps in developing the life force and regenerates the body. It is good in solving
Digestive and Stomach problems.
N.B. This Mudra should be done empty stomach.

For: Liver, Cholesterol and Blood sugar.

SURYA MUDRA : Bend the finger next to the little finger and place it at the root of the
thumb. Now press the finger with the thumb gently. Keep the rest of the fingers straight.
This mudra helps in Loosing Weight and removing Depression. It also decreases Cholesterol
and Blood Sugar. It is also good in removing Liver problems.
N.B. Week and unwell people should not do this exercise. Do not over do this
Mudra in hot weather.

For: Face, Skin and Blood.

VARUN MUDRA : Bend the little finger and place it at the tip of the thumb.Press the finger
against the thumb gently. Keep the rest of the fingers straight.
This Mudra removes Dehydration and Blood disorders. It is good for removing Pimples from
the face and is also good for removing Skin problems. It helps in maintaining Glowing Skin.
N.B. People ailing with kuff should not do this Mudra for long time.

For: Menstrual Cycles, Kidney, Diabetes and Piles.

APAN MUDRA : Bend the finger next to index finger and the finger next to little finger and
place them on the tip of the thumb. Keep rest of the fingers straight.
This Mudra is beneficial in Piles and Diabetes. It removes Urinary problems and is beneficial
in Menstrual cycles. This Mudra makes delivery of a child easy. It is also good for Kidney
and Stomach problems.
N.B. There is too much of urination. Good amount of water should be
consumed.

For: Heart and High blood pressure.

APAN VAYU MUDRA : Bend the index finger and place it at the root of the thumb. Place
the other two fingers at the tip of the thumb. Keep the little finger straight.
This Mudra is best for bringing down Heart problems and Blood Pressure. This is best for
people with Weak Heart. If done immediately after Heart Attack this Mudra does miracles. It
is good in removing Gastric problems and is good in removing Headache due to Gas
problem. It should be done few minutes before climbing the stair case.
N.B. It should be practiced under strict supervision of a known yogi or master
of this science.

For: Eyes and Life force.

PRAN MUDRA : Bend the little finger and the finger next to it and place them at the tip of
the thumb. Keep other two fingers straight.
This Mudra creates an Energy bank in the body. Good in keeping the Eye problems away and
heals the Eye Sight. Removes Fatigue. Keeps a person fresh during a Fast. It also makes the
Skin glow and Eyes shine. IT IS GOOD IN REMOVING SLEEPLESSNESS IF DONE
WITH GYAN MUDRA.
N.B. This Mudra should be done with concentration.

For: Cough & Cold, Asthma, Bronchitis, and Low Blood

Pressure.
LING MUDRA : Join both the palms and lock the facing fingers together, keeping left
thumb upright. The upright thumb must be encircled by the other thumb and the index
finger.Do as shown in the picture.
This Mudra generates heat in the body. It destroys Phlegm and helps in problems of Cold and
Cough. It is excellent when the body is cold due to shortage of cover in inimical weather. It is
a reliever in Asthma and Bronchitis.
N.B. This Mudra must be performed under supervision or with full knowledge.
Good amount of water, juice, milk, fruits and ghee should be consumed after
performing this mudra. Should not be done for a long time.

Apart from these mudras there are other mudras also:

SAHAJ SHANKH MUDRA : The fingers of both the hands are entangled with both palms
pressing each other and both the thumbs raised touching each other straight.
This Mudra corrects Speech defects such as Stammering or Stuttering, Indigestion, Loss of
Appetite. It also gives relief from Gastric troubles.
DHYAN MUDRA : This Mudra is very effective and powerful Mudra. By itself this Mudra
helps a Sadhak (an aspirant practitioner) to break any barriers which he may face when on
the thresh hold of Samadhi (the ultimate meditation).
In this Mudra the ethereal elements combine such as to magnify and multiply their powers
and produce powerful results on the body. Vayu (Wind symbolized by the first finger) meets
Aakash (Ether symbolized by the middle finger), to stabilize the Chakra (the circle) of the

universe. Again Prithvi (Earth symbolized by the ring finger) meets Jal (Water symbolized by
the small finger), to produce the generative power of the universe.
With constant practice, this Mudra helps to stabilize and bring in resonance the Nabhi Chakra
or the circle of the Navel, so essential for the ultimate elevation of the human mind and
body.