Mudra means “seal,” “mark,” or “gesture.” Mudras are psychic gestures that create energetic shifts in the physical, mental, and energetic body through guiding the energetic flow and reflexes to the brain. Mudras include specific eye positions, body postures, and breathing techniques. However, most mudras involve the hands and if therefore often referred to as finger yoga.
The Elements and the Hands
All the five elements and other characteristics are represented in our hands. By curling, crossing, stretching, and touching the fingers and hands, we access areas of the body and mind, bringing deep healing and balance to the entire being. Mudras act as preventative medicine.
The thumb represents the element of Fire. It is our Cosmic Consciousness (transcendental nature), Solar Plexus chakra, lungs and it is considered the initiator.
The index finger represents the element of Air. It is our individual consciousness (jiva, atma), heart chakra, Jupiter, digestion, mind and large intestine.
The middle finger represents the element of Ether. It is our throat chakra, Saturn, circulation and pericardium.
The ring finger represent the element of Earth. It is also associated with the root chakra, Sun and triple-burner.
The pinky finger represents the element of Water. It is associated with the Sacral chakra, Moon and Mercury.
The Placement and Position of Fingers
The placement and position of fingers and thumbs is very important. By practicing mudras the elements can be increased, decreased, balanced and brought to their most optimal levels:
To increase an element: bring the tip of the thumb to the base or side of any finger.
To decrease an element: bend the finger on the pad of the thumb and touching the base of the thumb with the tip of the finger.
To stabilize an element: bring the tip of the finger to the tip of the thumb.
Hundreds of mudras are available to be practiced, each with unique healing properties. They can be practiced sitting, lying down, standing or walking, at any time and place. The pressure of the fingers should be very light and fine, and your hands should be relaxed.
The effect of the mudras will be expressed on many different levels (physical, mental, energetic levels). Some mudras show immediate effect, and yet most mudras take time to work and are most beneficial when practiced for 30-45 minutes over an extended period of time (for example, can be spread throughout the day). The effect of the mudras is intensified with the breath which should be slow, calm, deep, rhythmic, flowing, and fine. Or in some cases, as with Linga mudra, the breath should be intense and activating.
All mudras yield magical effects if they are done on a regular basis. It is recommended to practice mudras with both hands for greater benefit.
You can learn more about the sacred science of yoga and the practice of various mudras in the 200 and 300 hours Yoga Teacher Training at the Sattva Yoga (www.sattvayogaacademy.com). We will also be launching a Mudra Series with Saraswati in the fall, so stay tuned!
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