According to the ancient oriental teachings, the physical body is composed of five elements of nature: air, water, fire, earth and aakash – intercellular spaces found within the human body. The imbalance of these elements could interrupt the optimal functioning of the immune system, and therefore, cause a series of diseases.
The deficiencies of these elements can be regulated by connecting one part of the body with another through the mudras. For the Eastern worldview, when one of the fingers (which represents an element of nature) comes into contact with another, a balance of the elements is created. Consequently, the disease caused by the imbalance is cured. The mudras work through the body’s electromagnetic energy, creating a balance of the elements that constitute bodily health. In other words, joining the fingers has an effect on the human body, mainly because each finger represents the five elements:
Thumb – fire Index finger – air Middle finger – aakash
Ring finger – earth Little finger – water There are a series of mudras that allow the optimal balance of both the body and the mind-body relationship. These basic exercises are easy to perform, as they can be done at home, work, or on the go. Each posture has to be practiced for 45 minutes, which can be divided into periods of 10 to 15 minutes.
Shankh mudra. It is the mudra of the shell, which is used in some rituals to announce the opening of the doors of the temples. This mudra produces an improvement in the problems of the larynx; even, its regular practice is capable of improving the voice while it is pronounced by singing the syllable OM in a low voice. The position is as follows:
Surabhi mudra. The cow mudra is effective for rheumatism and arthritis. The position is as follows:
shunya mudra. The celestial mudra is a special exercise for problems and discomfort derived from the ear. Quickly alleviates ear pain, curing almost all associated diseases. The position is as follows:
Varuna Mudra. The mudra of the God of Water should be practiced whenever there is an excess of the water element in the stomach or lungs – excess mucus and secretions. It is capable of curing or improving liver problems. The position is as follows:
Apanvayu Mudra. The saving mudra can work as a first aid method when applied after the first symptoms of a heart attack. Regulates many cardiac dysfunctions. The position is as follows:
Gyan Mudra. It is known as the gesture of wisdom. This posture can help to eradicate a whole series of problems, mainly associated with tension, spiritual disorder, memory and concentration. It relaxes the state of mind and helps to overcome discomforts such as insomnia, drowsiness, depression and hypertension. Practicing this mudra also intensifies the effects of the other mudras. The position is as follows:
Apan Mudra. This energetic mudra produces improvements in urinary tract problems, reducing labor pains. It helps to eliminate toxic substances from the body and purify the whole organism. The position is as follows:
Prithvi Mudra. The earth mudra helps to compensate for a lack of earth energy in the body, which can lead to physical fatigue and decreased vitality. When you feel light and unsteady while walking, you can practice this mudra to restore balance quickly. The position is as follows:
Vayu Mudra. The wind mudra reduces the air element in all parts of the body. In Ayurveda medicine there are 51 kinds of «airs» that cause disorders throughout the body: gout, sciatica, rheumatism, tremors of hands, neck and head. The position is as follows:
Linga Mudra. It is the straight mudra, which increases resistance against colds, coughs and chest infections, as it produces internal heat. Eliminates mucus accumulated in the lungs. It also helps to reduce excess weight, when supplemented with the intake of eight glasses of water a day and cold foods such as yogurt with bananas, citrus fruits and cold rice. The position is as follows:
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