Benefits of Mudras Mentioned in Different Cultures

Mudra means gesture it is a Sanskrit word and taken from the ancient Hindu texts. There are various words which is taken as the different meanings of the Mudra. Apart from its meaning, there are numerous benefits in diseases, symptoms and various abnormal conditions of the body. Neurological and cardiac issues can be resolved with a simple daily practice. It is a great science and a coordination of spirituality & science.

There are different types of Mudras in Yoga; they are mostly practised with the breath work (pranayama). By positioning the fingers in different ways, you can change mudras. They are not only specific to Yogasana, they were also practised in ancient Indian dance “ Kathak”.

History of Mudras

The small word Mudra is not confined to Yoga and its practice is widened upto tantra and theatrical traditions. There are three significances of mudras: 

1. Spiritual
2. Cultural
3. Artistic Significance

In older times, they were first tracked back in 2nd–1st century BCE cave paintings and sculptures at Ajanta and Ellora. They are expanded in Hindu, Buddhist and Jain Iconography. The monks and Yoga masters have also discovered their different benefits and how to coordinate them with the breath work.

In the Gupta Period, they again grew as a sign of gaining power. Tantric traditions and esoteric Buddhism also shaped mudra use in ritual and meditation, which was also the time of the Gupta period. So they travelled through the whole Asian Culture along with Yoga.

There were different Hindu texts like Nritya Shastra, Upasana Shastra, and Mantra Shastra, where imitative modifications and study of mudras are extensively observed. 

What Are Different Types of Mudras in Yoga?

There are three ancient texts in ancient Hinduism: Hath Yoga Pradipika, Gheranda Samhita and Shiv Samhita, in which types and benefits are categorised. Mudras are classified based on their function in spiritual, physical, and energetic practices. They are tools to control the flow of Prana in the different body channels.

Some mudras are defined according to the organs by which they are performed. Like hand mudras and kaya mudras: 

Hasta Mudras

These are symbolic gestures by hand commonly performed during yoga and meditation. The functions are not defined by organ-specific. They are mainly performed for knowledge, gesture of life, detox and prayer gesture. Helps in focusing and centralising energy in any specific loop of the body.

Mana Mudras

They involve the eyes, ears, tongue, lips, and mind, basically performed for awareness and to influence mental focus. They are performed by the expert Yogis, and it is good to practice them under the guidance of a master. They may suddenly affect the whole system of the body or the flow of energy through Kundalini.

Kaya Mudras

These mudras involve the full body, and they should be coordinated with the breath exercise. They are an inverted pose and a forward fold in a symbolic pattern.

Bandha Mudras

Locking of energy by using different internal sphincters in the digestive system is known as bandhas. They are not considered part of the mudras by some yoga masters because of sudden energy manipulation.

Adhra Mudras

They are very similar to the bandhas, and they are also used to control the energy flow of the lower chakras. They are Perineal/base gestures related to lower chakras and energy control. Anal and urethral control is also considered in these mudras.

Various Mudras and Their Benefits

There are numerous benefits of mudras: they are scattered and interconnected with each other. For customising and suggesting these Mudras to any person, it is necessary to study them specifically. The connection of the mind and body is also defined by the mudras, especially when a yogi is practising them.

The category is defined according to the organ, by which mudra is performed, but their benefits are defined specifically to answer the whole energy flow.

Gyan Mudra

Gyan Mudra is also known for its knowledge-increasing effects on the being. It is most commonly performed by people during meditation and Pranayama. In this Mudra Index Finger is joined with the thumb, and the other fingers remain flat. It is helpful for patients who want to manage their stress and avoid mental anxiety.

Prana Mudra

It is also known as the gesture of the life force. It is usually performed by joining the tips of the ring finger and little finger with the thumb. It is also believed that it can release stored energy. Known for energy reserves and for strengthening the immune system. Can make quick changes in fighting fatigue, low vitality, and lack of motivation. If it is practised daily can increase confidence and improve immunity. 

Apana Mudra

If any of you have heard about the Apana Vayu from any yoga text, it is related to the same text. Performed by joining the tips of the middle and ring fingers with the thumb. It is known for detoxing the body, proper digestion, regulating bowel movements, and aiding in relieving constipation. We can say that for maintaining the overall lower abdomen, this mudra is very beneficial. 

Vayu Mudra

It is also known as the gesture of the air balance and performed by pressing the index finger with the thumb while the other fingers stay extended. From the five elements, it controls air and works in preventing joint pain, gas, arthritis, and nerve-related discomforts. It also helps in stress management and reduces anxiety. 

Surya Mudra

The gesture of the sun is also responsible for the flow of heat through the body. It is performed by folding the ring finger to the base of the thumb and pressing it. People struggling with metabolic disorders and obesity can do it for the management and complete prevention. It increases the activity of the digestive system and the breathing patterns. 

Varun Mudra

The name signifies that it is used to control the flow of water element in the body by balancing it completely. Touching the little finger to the thumb, and the other fingers remain straight, forms Varun Mudra. It is also beneficial for various skin and hair diseases. Also known for skin moisture, managing skin allergies and preventing dryness.

Anjali Mudra

It is also known as a gesture of reverence and performed at the time of prayer. Most people don’t know that it is a mudra, performed by pressing both palms together at the heart centre, and gently pressing the heart centre. It is also a symbol of respect, balance, and unity. The benefits of this mudra are emotional calm, inner peace, and connection with one’s higher self. 

Sambhavi Mudra

The mudra is performed by gazing at the centre of the eye. You can gently direct your gaze to the point between your eyebrows while keeping your eyes half-open (close sometimes). It is difficult to remain in the same position for long hours, and it is suggested not to do harsh practice at the start. It helps in the awakening of the third eye, managing overthinking, quiets the mind, and enhances intuition. 

Linga Mudra

It is performed by interlocking the fingers of both hands and keeping the right thumb upright and wrapped with the left index finger. It increases internal heat and stimulates the immune system of a person. Also relieves cold, burns excess fat, cough, and congestion. It is also considered one of the powerful mudras that increase vitality; even seasonal changes don’t affect such a person. 

Benefits of Other Mudras 

Based on the combination with other mudras and performing organ organ-tough and typical mudras are performed. Examples of such mudras are Sambhavi Mudra (Tantra Practice), Khechari Mudra (Controlling body temperature), and Viparita Karani Mudra (Inverted pose).

Some benefits have not been fully explored and are suggested to be practised in the presence of the GURU. They are also known for connecting with the Higher self of a person.

The other benefits are opening or balancing the chakras in the body. The overall benefit of every Mudra is reducing stress, anxiety and opening physical channels of the energy flow. 

Importance of Mudras- Why they are Passed on to the Present Generation?

Mudra holds timeless significance. In the course of time, there are many skills of ancient art which is completely lost. But there is something very unique about Yoga and Mudras that they are passed on to the next generation, which shows how significant they are. Remained rooted in the Vedic and yogic wisdom, mudras have been practised for centuries to maintain health. In today’s fast-paced world, there are various benefits of the Mudras. We will talk about the various contexts in the same text:

• In the present time, where stress, anxiety, and lifestyle diseases are common, the relevance of mudras has only increased, even in daily activities. 
• The reason for their inheritance to this generation is that they offer a simple, natural, and non-invasive way to restore balance. 
• They reduce dependence on medications and enhance emotional stability, which is the need of the hour. 
• They are accessible to all people in all traditions regardless of age, background, or fitness level. 
• They are integrated into the modern fitness definitions; also encountered several benefits in the healing and transformation. 
• They are represented as a bridge between ancient wisdom and present-day well-being.

Conclusion

There are numerous benefits of Mudras and they are also written in texts, sculptured on the stones and signified by their modern relevancy. These benefits are rediscovered with the tiem and efforts of the Yogis and Masters. They are gifts of the Ancient Hindu texts, but diversified across the whole Asian continent. The whole thing suggests their depth in science and spirituality, but some of them are suggested to perform under the guidance of a master.