In Hinduism and Buddhism, the mudras They are sacred gestures that have benefits for those who practice them. The term Mudra comes from Sanskrit, the language of the first inhabitants of India, the Brahmans, and its meaning is obtained by separating it into two parts, muteWhat does it mean «joy», Y ra, What does it mean «produce“; which translates as “producing joy” or “producer of joy”.
Mudras come to represent a form of self-expression, which is seen as a silent language that has been used by the Hindu and Buddhist religions, with the aim of transmitting their teachings, especially through Hatha Yoga. This is based on performing asanas or postures, with body gestures made with the fingers of the hands; in order to release, open or close the Ki-Prana-Chi or internal energies, during the meditation process.
The realization of the mudras, brings with it great psychoenergetic effects, since messages are transmitted from the nerve endings of the fingers of the hands to the brain, through a large number of asanas, positions or postures, which are estimated to reach about 384, but the main and most used are only 36.
Through the practice of the mudras; it can strengthen, restore and balance the body’s energy levels; since this pressure allows the energy to flow through the energy channels or «nadis», providing tranquility, harmony, security and peace; Therefore, therapeutic or healing powers over the body are attributed to them, and they are often included in Yoga and Tai-chi sessions, among other disciplines.
In this way, the mudras are energetic and spiritual resources, which help to link the body with the brain, through states of deep relaxation, which promote mental and spiritual conditions, which even calm pain, because they stimulate the endorphin system, changing moods and increasing energy levels, so that people feel more lively and stronger, changing their attitude towards life, and facing obstacles in a healthier and more positive way.
But, the practice of the mudras must be constant and with discipline, in order to see satisfactory results, and to be able to feel their great effectiveness, so the frequency is basic, as well as the eating habits and lifestyle, since they must be left alone. vices such as alcohol, drugs, among others.
Another aspect that must be taken into account, when performing the mudras, is that both hands are used; because there are postures, where the fingers must be joined together, maintaining different forms, with different levels of pressure, ranging from light friction to high pressure. The recommended time to practice them varies from three to 45 minutes or more, and it is generally recommended to do them at least once a day.
It is recommended to maintain some of the postures for about 45 minutes a day, to obtain more favorable results, it could even be longer, but there are some that must be done with great care. If you have the capacity and availability to do them for 45 minutes; you can do them without stopping, or divide the time into sessions of 10 or 15 minutes.
When you are going to perform the mudras, you should avoid eating food two hours before, at least, if you are without eating longer, much better; because the digestive process consumes energy, diverting energy attention; which is basic to achieve the energetic body-mind connection, through body gestures, breathing, relaxation and meditation; so it is also recommended to do them in a quiet place, to facilitate the circulation of energy throughout the body and thus harmonize the body.
In this way, this practice improves mood, relaxing the body and mind, stimulates positive thinking, promotes sleep, increases attention and concentration, raises confidence and self-esteem; and with perseverance and discipline, physical, emotional, mental and spiritual health can be strengthened. However, mudras do not cure all kinds of diseases; since this depends on many factors inherent to the life of each human being; so they can be taken as energy resources, which, combined with other practices, including conventional medicine, work for the well-being of the human being.
It is also important to remember that according to the Hindu theory of Ayurveda, that each hand represents an aspect of our lives, for example, the left hand represents pacification and concentration, while the right hand is associated with discernment and wisdom. .
But, when practicing the mudras, it should also be known that each finger of the right hand is associated with an aspect. In this way, the little finger represents wisdom, the ring finger to discernment, the middle finger is associated with the will or ability to take vows, the index represents power and finally, the thumb is knowledge. But, on the left hand, these fingers have a different meaning, therefore, the little finger is charity, the ring finger represents discipline, the middle finger is patience, the index is associated with energy and the thumb with contemplation.
In addition, in the practice of mudras, each finger is associated with an element of nature, which controls the functioning of the body; for example, the element of the little finger is earth, that of the ring finger is water, the middle finger, called the heart finger, is associated with fire; the index finger is represented by the air, and finally the thumb is associated with the sky or the ether.