What is a Mudra?

Mudra is a hand gesture that guides the energy flow to specific areas of the brain. There are
many types of Mudras designed for different needs. They are done in conjunction with breathing
to increase the flow of Prana in the body. By practicing it regularly, the patterns in the brain that
influence the body will change for the better. Below are several examples of Mudras that you can
practice daily.

Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air)

This particular Mudra reduces the air element in the body which controls restlessness,
nervousness, and calms an uneasy mind. It controls the Vata dosha and helps with arthritis, wind,
sciatica, gout, knee pain or bloated stomach. It also relaxes the muscles, overactive endocrine
glands and soothes strained throats.

How to do it:

Press your index finger and your thumb together while keeping the other fingers straight.
Perform this pose for 45 minutes straight every day, or for 10 to 15 minutes three times a day. It
can be done anytime and at anywhere.
Prana Mudra (Mudra of life)

Prana Mudra symbolises energy or the spirit of life. It improves eyesight, increases the body
resistance to diseases, reduces deficiency of vitamins, and removes tiredness. Additionally, it
reduces hunger pangs during fasting and gives you a good night's sleep. It also stimulates the
entire human body by energising it.

How to do it:

Touch the tip of the thumb with the ring finger and the little finger together, while keeping the
other two fingers straight. Take a breath in gently and exhale gently for a few seconds. You can
also say the So-Hum mantra during this time. As you inhale, silently repeat the word "So" and as
you exhale, silently repeat the word "Hum". 30 to 40 minutes every day is enough to see results.
Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness)

This is a Mudra of emptiness or heaven, which reduces the space element in the body. One hour
of this Mudra, if done regularly, can reduce any ear pain and watering of the eyes. It improves
hearing, strengthens the bones, reduces heart diseases and throat problems. It heals thyroid
diseases and fortifies the gums. It also opens the heart chakra and helps in meditation.

How to do it:

Sit comfortably and bend the middle finger in a way that it is kept at the base of the thumb. Then
press the first phalanx bone of the middle finger with the tip of the thumb so that pressure is
exerted, while the other three fingers are kept straight and stretched. You can practice this Mudra
for fifteen minutes, three times a day to get good results.
Apan Mudra (Mudra of Digestion)

This Mudra gives relief from constipation, piles, diabetes, kidney defects and the dental
problems. It is best for stomach and heart disease. Not all that we eat is digested and this can
cause a toxin build up in the body. It is very important to detoxify the body and the Apna Mudra
helps with this.

How to do it:

To do this Mudra, bend the ring and middle fingers and touch the tip of the thumb, while keeping
the other two fingers straight.
Surya Mudra (Mudra of the Sun)

This Mudra helps to control weight and obesity. It increases the fire element in the body that
helps to maintain the temperature and improve the vision. Surya Mudra can help cure many other
problems like loss of appetite, indigestion, shivering, cold, digestive problems, and coldness of
body limbs, hands or feet.

How to do it:

With the tip of the ring finger, touch the base of the thumb and apply pressure on it. Keep the
other fingers straight or relaxed. 30 minutes of this practice at early hours of the morning is
sufficient for getting the results.