Mudras used in yoga

Most of the traditional hatha yoga books from the 14th to 19th centuries mention  the seal (mudra) that produces happiness. This then refers to the a state,which produces happiness. A mudra is thought to be like a sealing device with a raised surface, like a signet ring. So the seal, is an imprint on the consciousness of the meditator. Through some type of physical or mental technique, a mudra also seals, or closes off; a normally open energy channel, thereby sealing in and recirculating the body’s energy to intensify the meditative effort.

You might be familiar with hand seals, like chin mudra, which are simple configurations of the hands and fingers that are typically performed during pranayama or meditation. But there are two other categories of mudras: consciousness seals and body seals Consciousness seals are detailed visualizations said to seal consciousness in certain areas of the body. Body seals are exercises that involve shaping or joining different body parts or organs, such as the lips, tongue, or belly; for example, the Crow Seal (Kaki Mudra) involves pursing th lips like a crow’s beak and sipping in air. It’s claimed that mudras keep the whole body healthy and bring about a general sense of wellbeing. About two dozen mudras (including their close relatives, the bandhas, or locks) play a central role in traditional hatha yoga.

Here are collection of the top ten Mudras and there suggested benefits

1.     Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge): Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, with the other three fingers stretched out. Increases memory power and enhances  concentration and prevents insomnia.
2.     Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth): Tip of the ring finger touches the tip of the thumb, with the other three fingers stretched out. It helps to increase the weight for weak people. It improves the complexion of skin and makes the skin to glow.
3.     Varuna Mudra (Mudra of Water):Tip of little finger touches the tip of thumb, with the other three fingers stretched out. It retains clarity in blood by balancing water content in the body.
4.     Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air):Keep the index finger on the base of the thumb and press with thumb keeping the other three fingers straight. It prevents all the diseases that occur due to the imbalance of the air.  It corrects the disorder of gas in the stomach (that’s one way to put it!)
5.     Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness):Keep the middle finger at the mount of Venus and press it with thumb as shown in the figure.It reduces lethargy in the body.
6.     Surya Mudra (Mudra of Sun): Bend the ring finger and press it with thumb. It sharpens the center in thyroid gland.It reduces cholesterol in body and helps in reducing weight .
7.     Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life): Bend ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of thumb with their tips keeping the remaining two fingers stretched. It reduces fatigue.
8.     Apana Mudra (Mudra of Digestion): The tips of middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb while the other two fingers are stretched out. It plays an important role in our overall health.
9.     Apana Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Heart):The tips of the middle finger and ring finger touch the tip of thumb, while the index finger touches the base of thumb and little finger stretched out. It strengthens the heart and regularizes palpitation.
10.     Linga Mudra (Mudra of Heat): Interlock the fingers of both the hands and keep the thumb of the left hand vertically straight and encircle it with the thumb and the index finger of the right hand. It helps strengthen the immune system.