Mudra is a hand gesture that is believed to stimulate certain parts of the brain, improving involuntary reflexes and thereby stimulating better energy flow. These gestures are maintained in Pranayama and Yoga postures to attain better results. They also help in the attainment of enlightenment by deepening the experience of meditation. There are 8 traditional mudras
Yoga Mudra
Gyan mudra (Mudra of knowledge)
Touch your index finger with thumb while keeping other three fingers straight. This mudra helps to stimulate air element in the body and stimulates root chakra, helps with reducing tension and depression and improving concentration and resilience.
Varun mudra (Mudra of water)
Hold thumb and little finger together by applying some pressure while keeping other fingers straight. This mudra helps to improve water elements and supports hydration and fluidity, there by improving the skin, digestion, mental health, and general wellbeing.
Apana mudra (mudra of digestion)
Hold your middle finger, ring finger and thumb together while keeping other fingers straight. This mudra helps to improve digestion, elimination and reduces toxins.
Surya mudra (mudra of sun)
Fold your ring finger and hold it with the base of thumb. This mudra increases the fire element in the body and supports with metabolism, digestion, weight loss, depression, vision, awareness and circulation.
Vayu mudra (Mudra of air)
Fold your index finger and hold it with your thumb while keeping other fingers straight. This mudra helps to calm the air element and reduce restlessness, nervousness, aches and pains, and gassiness.
Sunya Mudra (Mudra of emptiness)
Practice this mudra also known as Mudra of heaven by folding your middle finger and holding it by the base of thumb while keeping other fingers straight. This mudra helps to reduce space element in the body, there by reduces the feeling of emptiness. It helps to open up heart chakra and supports bones, ears, heart and throat.
Prana mudra (Mudra of life)
Hold the little finger, ring finger, and thumb together while keeping the other fingers straight. This is the mudra of prana, the vital force of life. It helps to improve vitality and wellness.
Ling Mudra (mudra of heat)
Hold your palms together and keep your right thumb straight. Pointing upwards. This mudra helps to increase heat in the body there by supporting in respiratory and sinus problems, increased phlegm, and feeling cold.
Apart from these mudras there are other types of hand gestures like prayer gestures, lotus gesture,s and so on. Including the practice of mudra in the daily practice of Yoga can increase the benefits of the practice. Visit the experienced Yoga teachers in Liv Ayurveda to learn about Mudra.