Thumb and forefinger are the same as Chin Mudrā. The rest of the fingers are
folded into a fist. The non-folded part of the forefinger and the middle finger
should still be touching. Like in Chin Mudrā, the hands are placed palms-down
on the thighs while sitting in Vajrasana. This mudrā activates the ribs, making
them expand sideways on inhalation. Slow rhythmic breathing in a 5-2-4-2 rhythm
(5 being the exhalation, and 4 is the inhalation) makes prana flow in the
torso and in the throat.
Thumb is folded into the palm, touching the base of the small finger. The
rest of the fingers are folded over the thumb, to create a fist. Like in Chin Mudrā,
the hands are placed palms-down on the thighs while sitting in Vajrasana. This mudrā activates the pectoral muscles, making the chest expand
forward on inhalation. Slow rhythmic breathing in a 5-2-4-2 rhythm (5 being the
exhalation, and 4 is the inhalation) makes prana flow in the
throat and in the head.
Palms are in Adi Mudrā, but the inside of the palms face upwards and are
located at the level of the navel, with the left and right knuckles and first
finger joints touching. This is done while sitting in Vajrasana. Breathing becomes full: in inhalation,
the diaphragm descends, the ribs then expand, and
then the pectoral muscles move forward. Exhalation
works in the same order, which creates a "wave" or ripple effect. Slow
rhythmic breathing in a 5-2-4-2 rhythm (5 being the exhalation, and 4 is the
inhalation) makes prana
flow in the entire body.
A complicated Mudrā combining hand gestures, synchronized movement from
gesture to gesture within the breath cycle, and meditation. The mudrā is
practiced sitting in Siddhasana. Even a single breath cycle of this Mudrā can
significantly stimulate the body. It is described in the book, Theories of the
Chakras, by Hiroshi Motoyama.
This gesture calls upon the earth to witness Shakyamuni Buddha's
enlightenment at Bodh Gaya. A seated figure's right hand reaches toward
the ground, palm inward.
Prithvi-shaamak or Surya mudra
Popularly
known as Surya mudra this mudra increases the Agni(fire) elemnt within
the body. It can, therofre, be called Agni-vardhak mudra, too. At the
same time, this mudra decreases the Prithvi(earth) element with in the
body.
Method: This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the
ring finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure
of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element
earth (residing in the ring finger) by element fire (residing in the
thumb). The earth element thus suppressed, fire is able to rage
unopposed.
Effect: Prithvi-shaamak or Agni-vardhak mudra
increases th eAgni(fire) element within the body but subdues the
Prithvi(earth) element.
The element Agni (fire) is associated with
body temperature an dmatbolism. Practice of Pritvi-shaamak or Surya
mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the metabolism
going.
The elemnt agni is also connected with vision. Hence, regular
practice of surya mudra helps to strengthen weak eyes and improve
vision.
Agni is also a component of bodily humor Pitta. Ptactice
of Prithvi-shaamak or Surya mudra increases the Pitta humor with n the
body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders caused by
Pitta deficiency. However, it should be used only in moderation by
people having an excess of Pitta.
Prithvi-shaamak mudra decreases the
element Prithvi(earth) who in the body. It is, therofre, excellent for
people having an excess of element Prithvi on their bodies .
The
element earth is also a component of bodily humor kapha. Therefore ,
Prithvi-shaamak mudra is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced
kapha constitution. They can regularly practice this mudra even to
prevent illness.
Benfits: Prtivi-shaamak (Agni-vardhak; Surya) mudra can be used to treat the following disorders:
1.Abnormally low body-temperature,
2,Coldness of skin, body, limbs, hands, feet, etc.
3. Intolerance to cold, shivering,
4. Under activity of the thyroid gland causing slow metabolism,
5.Obesity, progressive weight-gain,
6.Loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation,
7.absence of sweating,
8. Ceratin vison/eye problems, especially cataract.
Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day).
Ideal
time: though Prithvi-vardhak mudra can be performed at anytime of the
day, practicing it at any time 6.00 to 10,00 am/pm gives better results.
Precaution: over performance of this mudra may cause undue heating of the body.
Prithvi-vardhak or prithvi mudra
Popularly
known as Prithvi mudra, this mudra increases the Prithvi(earth0 element
with in the body. At the same time, it decrease the Agni(fire) element.
Therfore, it can also be called Agni-shaamak mudra.
Method: This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the ring finger and the thumb.
Effects : Prithvi-vardhak mudra increase the Prithvi(earth) element within the body but decrease the Agni(fire) element within the body.
The
element earth is a vital component of bodily tissues like bones,
cartilagemskinm hair, nails, flesh, muscles, tendons, internal organs,
etc, Practice of Prithvi-vardhak mudra builds and invigorates these
tissues. In other words, this mudra increases the kapha humor within the
body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders caused by
kapha deficiency. However, it should be practiced in moderation by
people who already have and excess of kapha in their bodies.
The
element Agni(fire) is concerned with body temperature and metabolism.
Since Prithvi-vaardhak(+Agni-shaamak)_ mudra reduces fire, it can be
used to pacify an overactive Agni and overcome disorders of Agni-excess
like emaciation, fever, inflammation, etc.
The element fire is also a component of bodily humor Pitta.
There fore, Prithvi-vardhak(+Agni-shaamak) mudra is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced Pitta constitution. They can regularly use this mudra even to avoid illness.
Benefits: Prithvi-vardhak mudra can be used to treat the following disorders:
1.Cronic fatigue, general debility, convalescence,
2.Lack of Stamina or endurance,
3. Inexplicable, weight-loss, emaciation,
4.osteoporosis osteomalacia(diminished bone-density, rickets,)
5. Fracture(to expedite union),
6. Degeneration of articular cartilage(Osteo –Arthritis),
7.Weak, atrophied muscles myopahties,
8.Paresis, paralysis, poliomyelitis,
9.dry,cracked, burning ,mature skin,
20.Brittle nails,
!2.hair-los, premature graying of hair,
13.Burning in eyes, stomach(acidity), urine, anus, hands, feet, head,
14.Aphthous ulcers in the mouth,
15.Ulcers in the stomach, intestines,
16. Inflammatory diseases (disease whose names end with ‘it is’),
17 . Jaundice,
18. Fever,
19. Hperthyroidism.
Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day).
However, people with kapha deficiency can do it even for longer periods.
Ideal time: though
Prithvi-vardhak mudra can be perfomed at anytime of the day, practicing
it at any time 6.00 to 10,00 am/pm gives better results.
Precaution : People with a pronounced kapha constitution should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all.
Aakaash-vardhak or Aakash mudra
Popularly known as Aakaash mudra this mudra increases the (inactive) Aakaash(ehter or space) element with in the body.
Method: This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and middle finger.
Effects: Aakaash-vardhak
mudra increases the aakash(space0 element with in the body. Since the
space within the body is a part of the outer space (aakaash or cosmos),
practise of the mudra enables the individual(aatmaa) to reunite with the
collective consciousness(Paramaatmaa or God). Negative emotions like
fear, anger,sorrow, etc. are replaced by positive emotions and thoughts.
The above- mentioned increase in internal space is effected by the
elimination of metabolic wastes from the body. Thus Aakaash-vardhak
mudra is a detoxifying mudra.
The increased internal
space enables the rest of the four bodily elements:vaayu(air),
agni(fire), jal(water) and prtihvi (earth) to increase , affording them a
room to act. Thus , Aakaash-vardhak mudra can be beneficially combined
wiht mudras that increase the other four elements(i.e, Vaayu-vardhak
mudra, Prithvi vardhak mudra, Agni-vardhak mudra and jal-vardhak mudra).
In
general, Aakaash-vardhak mudra is an excellent mudra that stimulates
noble thoughts and helps the practioner to take rapid strides along the
path to moksha(salvation).It also helps a person who wishes to scale
great heigths in the art of meditation.
The
element Aakaash is also a component of bodily humor Vaata. Therfore,
Aakaash-vardhak mudra reinforces the Vaata humor of the body. It should
be djone in moderation by people of Vaata constitution.
Benfits: Practice of Aakaash-vardhak mudra helps -
to develop noble, elevated thoughts,
to develop intuiton and extra sensory powers(ESP),
to detoxify the body by the elimination of metabolic wastes(thorugh exhaled air, Sweat, urine and stools),
to overcome a feeling of fullness/heaviness in the body or body-parts,
to overcome discomfort caused by over-eating
to
relieve congestion (and pain) in the head (due to migraine or
sinusitis), ear/s (due to infection) , chest (due to infection/asthma),
etc.
Hight blood pressure, irregular heart-beats, angina pectoris, etc.
Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts(i.e for 15 minutes, thrice a day)
Ideal time:
Though Aakaash-vardhak or gyaan mudra can be performed at any time of
the day, practising it at any time between 2.00 to 6.00 am/pm gives
better results.
Precaution: People with a pronounced Vaata prakruti(constitution) should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all.
VAAY-VARDHAK OR GYAN/DNYAAN MUDRA
Popularly known as Gyaan mudra this mudra increases the vaayu(air) element within the body.
Mehtod: This mudra is formed by joining together, the tip of the index finger with the tip of the thumb
Effects: Vaayu-vardhak mudra increase the vaayu (air) element with in the body. thus reinforced the air
empowers the mind , causing a positive effect on emotions and leading to enlightenment,
empowers the nervous system(including the brain)
facilitates movements of electrical impluses alnog nerves,
empowers the pituitary gland and thereby, the entire system of endocrine glands,
empowers muscles, both voluntary and involuntary,
empowers the vocal cords and the voice,
empowers the heart, increasing its efficiencey,
renders the skin and mucous membranes dry,
renders the joins and articular cartilage dry.
The
elemnet Air is also a component of bodily humor Vaata. The increase of
air in the body due to Vaayu-vardhak mudra reinforces the Vaata humor.
therefore, this mudra is an excellent mudra to overcome
vaata-deficiency. How ever, it should be practised in moderation by
people who already have a Vaata constitution(i.e, and excess of vaata in
their bodies).
Benifits :
Vaay-vardhak mudra can be used to treat the following disorders:
Dullness of mind, lack of enthusiasm-inititaive creativity, recklessness, loss of memory,
Drosiness, lethargy, mental retardation,
Disorders
of the nervous system like cerebral palsy, neuritis, neuropathies,
Alzheimer's disease, Tabes dorsalis, multiple sclerosis, motor neurone
disease, Ataxias, Dementias, Syringomyelia, etc,
Degeneration of the retina, optic atropy,
endrocine
(hormonal) disorders like hypopituitarism (causing dwarfism, Simmond's
disease. Frohlick's syndrome), Hypothyroidism(causing cretinism,
Myxoedema), Hypoparathyroidism, Hypoadrenalism(causing Addison's
disease), diabetes, hypogonadism, etc.
Muscular
disorders like myopathies, myesthenia gravis, paresis, paralysis(viz
paralytic squint, ptosis, facail palsy, vocal paralysis, respiratory
paralysis, monoplegia, paraplegia, hemiplegia, quadriplegia, etc.)
Lost or feeble voice,
Bradycardia(Slow heart beats), weakness or gradual failure of the heart,
formation of excessive mucous in repiratory and or digestive tracts,
effusion in joints.
Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts(i.e for 15 minutes, thrice a day)
Ideal time: Though
Vaayu-vardhak or gyaan mudra can be performed at any time of the day,
practising it at any time between 2.00 to 6.00 am/pm gives better
results.
Precaution : People with a pronounced Vaata prakruti (constitution) should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all.
Apaan mudra
Apaan mudra
The
Apaan mudra is an extremely important and useful mudra that first
detoxifies (and, therefore, purifies) the body and the energizes it.
Method: Appan mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger.
Effects:
Appaan mudra is a combination of the Aakaash-vardhak(Aakaash) and the
Prithvi-vardhak(pritvi) mudras. Apart from an increase of elements
space and earth, appan mudra brings about an increase of Vaaata and
Kapha humors and therofre a decrease of Pitta humor.
Benefits: the Apaan mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders:
1. Anuria (absence/obstruction of urine)
2. Constipation, flatulence (gas), pile,
3. Absence of sweat,
4. Delayed delivery of a child,
5. Burning in the body/body-parts,
6. Ailments caused by a deficiency of element space and humor Vaata,
7. Ailments caused by a deficiency of element earth and humor kapha,
8. Ailments caused by and excess of elemnt fire and humor Pitta.
Duration: Minimum 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts(i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day)
Precaution : People with a Vaata+kapha mix constitution should perform this mudra in moderation.
Jal-shaamak mudra
Jal-shaamak mudra brings about a reduction of the jal(water) element with in the body.
Method:
this mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the little finger on
the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb
upon this finger, this amounts to suppression of element water(residing
in the little finger) by element fire( residing in the thumb).
Effects:
Jal-shaamak mudra reduces the water-content of the body by suitable
affecting the water-metabolism. It can, therefore , be used to overcome
water-loggging with in the body.
Water is also a component of
the two bodily humors: Pittta and Kapha. Practice of jal-shaamak mudra
brings about a reduction of these humors. People with a pronounce Pitta+
Kapha constitution can immensely benefit by the practice of this mudra.
Such people can regularly practice this mudra even to prevent illness.
Benefits: Jal-shaamk mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders:
1.Oedema(water-retention),
2. Ascitis, dropsy,
3. Excessive salivation,
4. Watery eyes
5. Running nose,
6. Hyperacidity,
7. Diarrhoea (loose motions),
8. Pleural effusion
9. Excess of hormones,
10. Excessive Effusion a joint,
!!. Excessive menses(menorrhagia),
12 .Hydrocele,
13. hydrocephalous,
14. Hydronephrosis,
15. Cold and clamy body/hands /feet,
16. Disorders of Vaata deficiency (see Vaayu-vardhak mudra).
Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts(i.e, for 15 minutes , thrice a day).
Ideal time: None
Precautions:
Experienced doctors say that the practice of this mudra should be
discontinued as soon as the disease has been overcome.