The Healing Power of Mudras

Mudras, Sanskrit for "seal", are hand gestures which accompany yoga asanas (postures). Mudras also are known as finger yoga. More than symbols, mudras are part of Hindu and Buddhist practice, worship and healing. Yoga practitioners and dancers use mudras to channel energy and tell sacred stories. Healing mudras resolve unbalanced chakras energy---the cause of illness.

History

According to V. N. Mittal, a certified Reiki master, the ancient Hindu scripture, the Atharva Veda teaches that hands and fingers have healing energy. Mudras focus the hands' healing power through different positions. The positions of hands are mudras. Mudras energize chakras and meridians.

Significance

Exotic India Art describes the deeper idea of mudras. Each finger is identified with five elements---sky, fire, water, wind, and the earth. When the fingers form different mudras and each finger touches another, the movements and forms symbolize how related elements come together. Aligned with the elements of reality, worshipers use mudras to invoke different deities.

Features

Buddhists and Hindus consider mudra positions and finger movements to be communication tools. The Buddhist Dharmachakra mudra, detailed on the website, Exotic India Art, exemplifies the types of features one finds in mudras. When the tips of the thumb and forefinger touch, the resulting circle symbolizes the Buddhist Dharma Wheel. Three extended fingers of the right and left hands represent the Buddha's teachings and Buddhism's Three Jewels, respectively. The features of mudras retain their value for the healing power of mudras.

Function

One strengthens the effectiveness of mudras by practicing the healing gestures. According to Mittal, hand gestures activate the body's meridians and and chakras. Many alternative healing practices, including Ayurveda and Reiki, teach the cause of illness is centered in the chakras and meridians. Mudras enable release blocked energy, allowing it to freely flow throughout the system of chakras and alleviating illness.

Types

Mittal lists healing mudras, which include, but are not limited to, the Gyana mudra and the Apaan mudra. To practice Gyana mudra, touch the tips of each index finger to the tips of each thumb. Stretch the three fingers of each hand with fingers together. The Gyana mudra heals psychological imbalances such as insomnia. The mudra also helps to clarify thought. Mittal explains that the Apaan mudra address blockages in the urinary tract, the bowels and detoxifies impurities. Tough the tip of the thumbs to the the tips of the middle and third fingers. Keep the remaining fingers straight. Mittal recommends practicing mudras daily. Sit comfortably in a yoga posture or in a chair. Use both hands. Practice for about a half hour daily.

References

• Mudras of the Great Buddha
• Healing Power of Mudras

Resources

• Atharva Veda