There are many type of yoga therapy available today, a few of which deal with the therapeutic effects over the mind, others which center on the physical fitness facets. Yet one more form, Yoga Mudra, is the art of the correct use of hands with the intention to channel the energy properly through the body. Normally Mudra is used along with asanas (poses) and pranayama (respiration techniques) from various types of yoga to create an entire session which is useful to the mind, body and spirit.
There are several sorts of mudras, all practiced with various techniques of contouring the hands with the intention to gain their maximum advantages. Essentially the most commonly practiced mudras include:
Apaan Mudra: The tip of the thumb is joined with the ideas of the ring and middle fingers while keeping the remaining two fingers straight. Apaan is useful for the body because it cleanses it by eliminating all waste products produced by the body. It is especially useful for people affected by problems related to urination and constipation.
Gyaan Mudra: Also referred to as the Om Mudra, it’s completed by joining the ideas of the thumb and index finger to make an “O” shape. Used together with meditation, gyaan could be very useful in gaining inner peace and tranquility. Therapeutically, it proves to be of great value for the treatment of psychological ailment because it promotes a way of happiness, hones the memory and develops the intellect of the yogi.
Ling Mudra: A fancy Mudra achieved by interlocking the hands, Ling is an important way of raising body heat, which in turn is therapeutically useful for relieving cold and flu symptoms from throughout the body, without using external medication.
Mukula Mudra: When performed it resembles a closed bud of lotus. Keeping the elbows next to the ribcage, the forearms are placed parallel to the bottom in front of the abdomen. The hands are held palms up with the fingers joined together, but pointing up. This Mudra is an important option to channel energy towards areas of the body where healing is required.
Prana Mudra: The ring finger and pinky finger are brought along with the thumb to achieve this Mudra, which is an advanced cycle practiced with a series of respiration techniques and meditation. This Mudra is especially useful for pumping the life force into the body and likewise provides a special power to the eyes.
Prithvi Mudra: A neater Mudra done by joining the ring finger and the thumb together, it promotes feelings of happiness and assists in giving power to all the body.
Shoonya Mudra: Also referred to as Shuni Mudra, it’s practiced by pressing the tip of the center finger into the bottom of the thumb and curving the thumb over the finger. The remaining three fingers are kept straight upright. This Mudra is the important thing for achieving patience, endurance and devotion. As well as, it also helps relieve health problems related to the ear.
Other famous mudras include Surya Mudra, Varun Mudra and Vayu Mudra, all of which have various advantages for the mind and body.