All World
Gayatri Pariwar

It is really remarkable of the spiritual acumen of our ancient sages that they could understand the internal system of the body and its relation with Nature so deeply and create the natural science of health. Naturopathy, Panchakarma, Ayurvedic medication by ras-bhasm and Herbal medicines, Reiki, Pranic Healing, Aroma Therapy, Magnetotherapy, Yagyopathy, Allopathy, Homeopathy, Biochemistry, etc are all manifestations of the scientific intelligence of human mind. The methods of treatment under each of these systems of healthcare indirectly attempt in correcting the deficiencies or disorders of the five vital elements, because an imbalance in their natural harmony is the root cause of bodily and mental ills.

The hand mudras were discovered by the Vedic scientists of Hathyoga for activating the psycho-neural energy flow and maintaining the natural order and healthy distribution of the panca tatvas1. Any disturbance, disorder or deficiency in these elements or the consequent disease or imbalance could be rectified and cured by appropriate practice of suitable mudras. Regular practice of these mudras is affirmed by the experienced yogis as an excellent method of ensuring a radiantly healthy and vigorous life. The science of healthcare by mudras is a branch of "Hathayoga". The practices of Hathayoga for health focus at regulating the natural flow of vital energy. Any obstruction or irregularity in its flow is believed to be the principal cause of disease. This could be triggered by any disorder in the level or activity of one or more of the panca tatvas. Different kinds of mudras help eliminating such imbalances by inducing specific kinds of bioelectrical currents pertaining to specific tatvas.

We had discussed some of the easy to practise mudras in the previous issue. Here we continue with some more mudras keeping in mind that the best results are obtained if the necessary disciplines of yoga, namely balanced healthy diet, asana and pranayama are also followed regularly. (1) Ling Mudra: Weakness of chest and associated diseases are cured by the practice of this mudra over an extended period of time. Keeping the hands folded in this posture generates an energy current, which warms up the body. People are often seen putting their hands in this position in winter. Chronic patients of cough and cold can benefit a lot from its regular practice for thirty to fifty minutes a day. Regular practice of this mudra is an excellent antidote against diseases caused by cough or other chest ailments. According to the natural constitution theory of the ancient Indian system of medicine, the excess of jala tatva or reduction in agni tatva as compared to its balanced proportion with jala results in cold, cough, running nose, chest congestion etc.

Balancing the two in natural order is the best cure for such disorders; it also prevents further complications e.g. asthma. The ling mudra restores this balance. Fig. 1 Figure 1 illustrates this mudra. Both the hands are used here. First the palms are touched face-to-face then the four fingers of one are interlocked with those of the other to form a firm support around the palms in such a way that the thumbs of both the hands stand straight and touch each other completely. As described earlier, the thumb is supposed to be the source of the flow of agni tatva in the body. Both the thumbs press each other in the ling mudra. This pressure triggers a flow of agni tatva to establish the desired balance with the jala tatva; the positioning of the other fingers maintains the necessary consistency of this process. (2) Surya Mudra: Practice of this mudra removes lethargy and dullness and, instead, induces alacrity and activity.

The Sun (surya) symbolizes brilliance and energy. In its absence there is night when every creature feels tired, fatigued and sleepy. Sunrise infuses new life, energy and alertness in everyone; tiny insects, birds and humans, all become active in their daily routines. The rise and setting of the Sun, in a way, control the awakening and the sleep of the entire world. Similar effects of inducing alertness and energy are experienced by practising the surya mudra. It eliminates all fatigue, heaviness and laziness in a few minutes. The experts of the science of mudras claim that regular and long-term practice of this mudra awakens supernormal powers hidden in the human psyche. Fig.2 The ring finger and the thumb are used in this mudra (Figure 2). The ring finger is folded down to touch the root of the thumb and the top portion of the thumb is made to touch its middle portion. The other fingers are kept in a comfortably straight position. The agni and the prathvi tatvas are mutually harmonized in this mudra. (3) Vayu Mudra: The ancient Indian science of Healing (Ayurveda) refers to the disorders caused by gases or air pressures in and around the veins, arteries etc, as a vata ailments. Joint pain, arthritis, rheumatism, etc are common examples of such disorders. The vayu mudra helps control and cure the vata ailments.

The optimum time of practising it at a stretch and the overall duration would depend upon the stage and type of the ailments. It is also efficacious in recovery from paralysis attacks. Best results are obtained if this mudra and the prana mudra are practised together, one after the other. This mudra is generally effective in alleviating toothache, headache, stomachache, etc. As in case of the other mudras, its practice by healthy people is an excellent preventive measure against all vata related problems. Fig. 3 This mudra is similar to the surya mudra except that the index finger is used in place of the ring finger in this mudra. The index finger is folded to touch and gently press the root of the thumb and then the top portion of the thumb is made to touch the middle part of the finger in such a way that it also puts some pressure on the latter ( as shown in Figure 3). This mudra regulates the mutual proportion and combination of agni and vayu tatvas. (4) Prathvi Mudra: Deficiency of minerals and vitamins causes weakness in the body.

Although externally one may look healthy and strong, his body gets weak and hollow from inside. Even a little exertion tires him. The prathvi mudra is especially recommended for such persons. The practice of this mudra removes fatigue and strengthens weak or tired organs of the body. The body begins to feel energized from inside. The energy of the body naturally strengthens and enthuses the mind, which was earlier dull and irritated because of the constant weakness of the body. A happy mood helps in cheering up and broadening the attitude and in focusing the mind. Narrow-mindedness and prejudices are significantly reduced by the practice of this mudra. The tip of the ring finger is kept perpendicularly on the tip of the thumb in this mudra (see Figure 4) to induce gentle pressure. It restores mutual balance of the agni and the prathvi tatvas. Fig. 4 In general, the effects of a mudra are evident if it is practised with both the hands for at least about forty-five minutes every day. If this is not feasible to continue with a mudra for so long at a stretch, it could be practiced in two installments of thirty minutes and fifteen minutes each at suitable timings during the day.

The mudras are yogic postures to restore or maintain the orderly balance of the panca tatvas. These increase the vigor and potentials of the body and the mind. The concentration, clarity and calmness induced by their practice help in disciplining and conditioning the mind for spiritual pursuits. It is indeed in our hands to benefit from these free gifts of nature and the science of yoga. Notes:
1. Panca Tatvas: The five basic elements of the gross manifestation of Nature. Namely, prithvi (solid matter on or inside the earth), jala (water, liquids and fluids), vayu (air, gaseous states), agni (source of fire and energy) and akaia (the subliminal etheric expansion).
2. Sadhana: Devout spiritual endeavor aimed at inner refinement, self-transformation towards self-realization.