Friday 3 February 2012

The Medicinal Facet Of Mudras

Very simply defined, a "mudra" is a certain position that you put your body into. And this position can influence the energies that flow through your body. Which in turn influences your physical and mental well being. A mudra can be as simple as the Indian greeting - Namaste. And it can go on to be more complex involving the use of several body parts.

Practitioners of yoga and meditation strongly recommend the practice of mudras as a fairly simple way of achieving control over the body and the mind. In fact, in a way it is a holistic approach to health care.

How to get optimum benefits from the practice of mudras?

- Practice the mudras regularly.

- Allocate a time duration of fifteen to twenty minutes for the practice of each mudra

- When making a mudra use both your hands

- Do not worry about the place and time when practicing a mudra. Don't let these factors come in the way of your practicing mudras. This can be done anytime, anywhere and the impact will be the same. In fact some mudras are so simple that they can be practiced with one's hands in one's pocket in a crowded mall!!

Here are some simple mudras that you could practice to gain body-mind balance.

The purna-gyana mudra - This mudra was propagated and practiced by the Buddha. It helps improve memory, gives clarity of thought and calms down the mind. To practice this, sit cross legged. Then put the tip of your forefinger against the tip of your thumb. Now put your left hand near your knee and right hand near your chest. Gently press them together. Remain in this position for fifteen to twenty minutes.

Gyana mudra- Practice of this mudra helps to create a state of joyfullness and calm. It also increases one's thinking capacity. It also helps to get rid of addictive habits.The tips of the thumb and index finger touch, other fingers are straight but relaxed. Hold the finger positions with both hands, for at least a couple of minutes.

Prana mudra- Prana refers to breath, which according to ancient philosophy is the life force. To practice this mudra take the little finger and the fore part of the ring finger and touch it to the tip of your thumb. This helps to rejuvenate the body, improve blood circulation and enhance eyesight.

Mritasanjeevani mudra - Regular practice of this mudra helps to strengthen the heart muscles and lower blood pressure. Fold your fore finger and touch it to the base of your thumb while touching the fore area of your thumb with your ring finger.

Prithvi mudra- Practice of this mudra helps you to be more patient and also improves overall equilibrium. Touch the fore part of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb.

Abhay mudra- looking for courage? Well then, this is for you. Put  your hands vertically up by the side of your head and position your fingers in the same way as you did for the gyan mudra.

There are several other mudras which will help  in sorting out several health issues without having any side effects and also without one having to go under the knife. But, it is advisable to consult an expert and train under him or her for a while before you go solo.

-Sangita Kanjilal
Source : blog.bharatmatrimony.com

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