Yog Mudras

Mudras are yogic short-cuts to health. There are severalmudras directed at specific health issues, emotional upsets and spiritual goals. But most of them also come with a caveat: not all may be casually used. Most mudras are linked to your ayurvedic dosha or personality type and may be prescribed only based on awareness of whether it will aggravate or soothe your condition or your element. But there are some powerful mudraswhich are cure-all, life-transformative and general-purpose ones. The following are suchmudras that may be used by most people without fear of too many contradictions. Regular practice of them will help you gain overall health. In the following pages Shameem Akthar, yoga acharya trained with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, shows you five powerful mudras for general health and emotional well-being. Sukri mudra (Cure-all hand gesture) Sit up straight. Shut your eyes. Touch the tip of all four fingers to tip of your thumb. Do the same for each hand. Place your hands on your thighs. Hold it for three to five minutes. Benefits: It balances all the three doshas, thus removing sluggishness, anxiety and anger. This works on all the major systems, restoring and healing. Is also a preventive in most physical and emotional ailments. Surabhi mudra(Wish full-fillingmudra) Touch the tip of your ring finger to the tip of your little finger. Do the same for each hand. Similarly, touch the tip of your index finger to the tip of your middle finger. Touch the insides of each thumb lightly. Hold for as long as is comfortable. Increase the time up to 15 minutes, for overall health. Benefits: Is regarded a cure-all, wish-fulling, spiritual uplifting hand gesture. Sahaj shankha mudra (Simple conch hand gesture) Clasp your hands so the fingers are interlocked as shown and the thumbs are lightly touching on the inside. Benefits: It is a holistic health provider. Reduces inflammatory conditions of the skin, body and throat. Boosts vitality. Pushan mudra For the right hand, touch the tips of your index finger and middle finger to the tip of the thumb. For the left hand, touch the tips of your middle finger and ring finger to the tip of your thumb. Hold for a minimum of fifteen minutes for impact. Hold for longer if suffering from low vitality and sluggish metabolism or toxic conditions. Benefits: Improves the earth and air element in the body, boosting strength and energy. Detoxifies powerfully, while boosting your mood. Apan Vayu mudra(Heart mudra) This is also called the Hridaya mudraand Amritsanjeevani mudra (Mudra for immortality) . To do this, press your index finger to the base of your thumb. Touch the tip of your thumb to the tips of your middle and ring fingers. The little finger should be stretched out. Do the same for each hand. This may be done anytime, but is ideal during the kaphaperiod of 6 am to 10 am. Avoid: If you have excess congestion. Benefits: This is the most powerful mudra for all circulatory and heart problems. Regular practice is said to have near-miraculous impact on the heart. It is calming and helps control high blood pressure.