What are mudras and how do they work: benefits, significance, practice

The harmony and integrity of a person's life depend on how active, energetic, and healthy they are. Quality food, clean water, and air are all necessary to sustain life in the body. However, lately, modern people increasingly complain about a lack of energy and vitality. How else can we support our energy levels, and where does our life force come from?

This life energy (chi, prana) circulates through special channels (meridians), supporting the functioning of all systems in our body. However, due to various circumstances, some meridians may experience disruptions, leading to health problems.

The energy channels in the human body are interconnected with all internal organs, and certain points located on the palms are projections of these subtle connections. This is why Eastern doctors understood and described in detail the healing properties of the hands.

Various finger "constructs" allow for easy and calm direction, redistribution, and harmonization of energy in the body, healing painful areas and preventing future ailments.

Mudras are a kind of yoga for the fingers, through which one can influence the entire body. According to ancient legend, mudras were gifted to people by the god Shiva (the originator of yoga and the patron of yogis) during one of his mystical dances. This practice is widely used in the medicine of China, Tibet, Japan, Iran, and other countries, and is also applied in Ayurveda — the ancient Indian science of healing.

Gestures of blessing, prayers, crossing fingers (for luck), and handshakes did not arise by chance. We often use them in our daily lives, not always understanding the meaning and power of their impact on our energy. Perhaps it is just an ancient tradition? Or a great natural gift for self-regulation and self-healing? We invite you to delve into the theory and practice of mudras presented in this article.

The translation of the word "mudra" from Sanskrit has several meanings: 'seal, gesture, sign, or lock.'

Another meaning of the concept of "mudra" translates as 'giver of joy' ("mud" — 'joy', "ra" — 'to give'). Sanskrit and the Russian language are quite similar, which helps us understand the etymology of the word, as "mudra" is similar to the Russian word "mudrost" (wisdom, deep understanding of something, higher spiritual-practical knowledge).

Such higher knowledge found its expression in special combinations of fingers, which helped people not only communicate with each other but also manage their inner energy.

Mudras allow the development of the ability to feel the circulation of energy (prana) in energy channels (nadis) and consciously manage it. This skill will help improve spiritual practices.

The practice of mudras is a painstaking task that requires the development of concentration, attention, and awareness. To achieve visible results, it is important to have the desire, time, patience, and self-confidence. However, mudra therapy has no contraindications and negative side effects unlike medical drugs, making it a completely safe and eco-friendly health procedure among all possible options.

By performing certain mudras, we open the channels for the flow of energy. The wider the channel, the better the circulation of energy, and therefore, the risk of stagnation disappears. If the channels are narrow or if a block has already formed in them, a person may experience dissatisfaction, fear, depression, and illnesses.

Initially, mudras were part of communication or religious dance, rituals, but over time, their beneficial influence on well-being was noticed, and they began to be used for therapeutic purposes.

The following positive effects of mudras on a person's physical health are noted:

• Improvement of blood circulation in the body's vessels and the brain;
• Support for the functioning of internal organs (heart, lungs, the entire digestive system, etc.);
• Pain relief;
• Enhancement of the body's immune properties;
• Relief from stagnation and muscle tension.

The positive influence of mudras on mental and emotional states:

• Harmonization of the mind and thought flow;
• Increased concentration;
• Elimination of the consequences of anxiety and stress;
• Improvement of overall tone and mood.

Spiritual aspect of mudras:

• development of meditation skills;
• concentration and the emergence of unity with the higher "Self."

The attitude with which mudras are performed is of great importance. It is essential to keep the mind calm, focused only on the positive outcome. However, one should not expect an instant miracle. Healing through gestures requires desire, time, and persistence, as we also acquire our ailments over the years. If the illness has progressed to a chronic stage, improvements should be expected after several weeks or even months of regular practice.

The practice of mudras is quite universal and easily fits into everyday life. Finger gestures can be performed during yoga sessions, during meditation hours. It is equally beneficial to practice before sleep and in the morning hours. Some mudras can be applied while moving, for example, during a walk or run.

There are simple rules that will make the practice of mudras more effective and conscious.

1. Place of practice and environment. To achieve maximum effect, it is best to perform the exercises in a secluded and calm environment at home or in nature.
2. Body position. It can be any position, but it should be comfortable. Mandatory conditions: straight back, absence of pain (if sitting with a straight back is not possible, place a cushion under the buttocks or lean against the back of a chair). If there are no additional instructions, it is better to perform mudras with both hands. The distance from the body should be 2–3 centimeters.
3. Breathing and concentration. Before starting the practice, take a few deep breaths and exhale all the air from your lungs to free your body from carbon dioxide and depleted energy. Then breathe calmly and moderately.
4. Duration of exercises and their number. Mudra therapy has a cumulative effect. Irregular practice will not yield stable results. The duration is determined through experience. The effects of some mudras can be felt instantly (calmness, tranquility, and clarity of mind), however, treating complex conditions may require several weeks or months of daily practice. Increase the duration of each mudra to 10–15 minutes as your practical skills deepen.
5. Number and combinations of mudras. One session can include several types of finger locks if necessary. A maximum of three mudras can be performed in one practice. It is important to take a two-minute break between mudras, rinse your hands with cool water, and dry them with a towel.
6. Maintaining relaxation. At first, some mudras may be difficult to perform: fingers may tense, not bend, not reach the desired position, or get tired. Regularity and patience are required for achieving sustainable results. If any mudra is completely unsuccessful, move on to another one with a similar effect. Avoid overexertion. If your fingers are tired, relax and rest. Progress in practice gradually, do not rush the process.
7. End of exercises. It is advisable to finish the practice smoothly, without sudden movements. Gently straighten your fingers, rub your hands against each other. Clench your palms into fists, and then release them, stretching them out.

When performing mudras, the leading hand for men is the right one, and for women, it is the left. Therefore, it is best to start the exercises with the leading hand if it is performed with both hands, or only with the leading hand if the exercise uses only one hand.

Below are examples of the most common mudras and their meanings.

• Knowledge mudra (Jnana-mudra, Gyan-mudra)
  • Effect of the mudra: increases the quantity and quality of internal energy, improves well-being during mental strain. Helps with insomnia or excessive drowsiness, enhances metabolic processes, improves blood circulation, normalizes blood pressure. Improves condition in anxiety disorders, alleviates feelings of sadness and melancholy. It is advisable to use it for any ailment.
  • Orientation: facing east.
  • Hand position: closer to the center of the chest, palms facing the body.
  • Impact on chakra: sahasrara.
  Technique: lightly connect the tips of the index and thumb fingers. Straighten the other three fingers, but do not tense them.
• “Shell” mudra
  • Effect of the mudra: restores the functioning of the respiratory organs, strengthens the larynx, vocal cords, enhances the voice, and belief in one's abilities. Recommended for execution by leaders, teachers, hosts, as well as during preparation for important negotiations.
  • Orientation: facing east.
  • Hand position: at the level of the throat and chin.
  • Effect on chakra: vishuddha.
  Technique: with four fingers of the right hand, gently squeeze the thumb of the left hand. Connect the pads of the right thumb and the middle finger of the left hand. The free three fingers of the left hand gently embrace the right ones.
• Mudra "Floating Lotus"
  • Effect of the mudra: normalizes sexual function in men and women. Harmonizes the work of the root chakra, allows one to feel safety, trust in the surrounding world, and confidence in one's abilities. Gives faith that every person deserves love.
  • Orientation: facing east.
  • Hand position: at the level of the hips.
  • Effect on chakra: muladhara.
  Technique: connect the tips of the thumbs of both hands. Straighten the index and middle fingers, connecting them at the tips. Cross the ring fingers with each other and do the same with the little fingers.
• Energy mudra (Apan-mudra)
  • Effect of the mudra: supports the coordination and circulation of prana, relieves pain, promotes detoxification, removes toxins; effective for food poisoning and in cases of urinary system disorders, treats spinal diseases.
  • Orientation: facing east.
  • Hand position: at the level of the solar plexus.
  • Effect on chakra: manipura.
  Technique: connect the pads of the middle and ring fingers with the pad of the thumb. Keep the little finger and index finger straight, but do not tense them too much.
• Ganesha-mudra (overcoming all circumstances)
  • Effect of the mudra: strengthens the cardiovascular system, chest muscles, activates blood circulation, opens the lungs, imparts courage, fearlessness, and firmness of spirit.
  • Orientation: facing east.
  • Hand position: at chest level.
  • Effect on chakra: anahata.
  Technique: place the left hand in front of the chest with the palm facing away from you and bend the fingers. Interlock the fingers of the left and right hands at heart level so that the palm of the right hand is facing the chest. On an exhale, energetically stretch the arms in different directions without uncoupling the fingers. You should feel the muscles of the upper arms and chest working. Relax on the inhale. Do not hold your breath. Repeat six times. Place your palms on your chest and calmly observe your sensations, breathing evenly. Change the position of the hands: now the palm of the left hand is facing the chest, and the palm of the right hand is facing away from it. Repeat the exercise six times on this side. It is sufficient to perform it once a day.

As is known, the foundation of physical health is healthy sleep, clean nutrition and water, as well as active exercise. However, our soul and the energy system of our body also need training. All of this is important for spiritual and personal growth, as well as for maintaining health for many years. Unfortunately, more often than not, a modern person turns to a doctor and begins treatment only when the illness has already developed quite seriously.

The practice of mudras is an excellent preventive measure and support for health and well-being. Moreover, it does not take much time and fits well into the life of a person of any profession.

Equally important, thanks to mudra therapy, not only does the body begin to heal, but important inner qualities also start to form: endurance, concentration, attention, and awareness.

It is important to note that the practice of mudras does not replace primary treatment. If you have a disease, follow the instructions of your treating physician and use mudras in conjunction with the necessary medication.

Currently, there are about 150 types of different mudras known, and each of them has a special effect on the functioning of the body. The healing power of gestures is justified by the connection between the energy channels that run through our hands and the internal organs of the body.

The fingers of the hands are a subtle tool that allows you to manage the energy flows of the body, helping to achieve inner peace and balance.

You can always find more detailed information about mudras on the website https://en.pranayama.study/basics/mudras/ in the "Mudras" section.

Stay healthy!