Book Review
The Healing Power of Mudras
Author – Rajendar Menen
104 pp., Soft cover book, 2005
Price Rs. 80/-
ISBN 81-223-0873-2
Published by Pustak Mahal, New Delhi
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It is believed that human body is controlled by five elements, viz. air fire, air, water, earth and sky. These elements are present in fixed proportions and even the slightest imbalance of any of these lead to various types of diseases. Mudras, specific hand postures, help normalize these five elements and hence the prana in the human body. Namaste, the normal gesture in India to greet somebody, is also a kind of mudra.
The word Mudra literally means seal. It has a number of different connotations in yoga, but these are most commonly associated with hand gestures. There is tremendous flow of energy in our hands and each finger of the hand is packed with nerve endings, energy and a meaning of its own. When these fingers are brought together in specific ways, they produce subtle effects and have the potency to heal. Mudras can help balance the flow of energy through the nadis that nourish our internal organs.Each finger represents one of the five elements and its related emotion and problems. The thumb represents the element fire, the stomach and worry. The index finger represents the element air, the lungs and the large intestine and the emotions that are depression, sadness and grief. The middle finger is the element sky, the heart, small intestine, circulatory and respiratory systems and the emotions are impatience and hastiness. The ring finger is the element earth and is connected to the liver, gall bladder, and nervous system and corresponds to anger.
The little finger corresponds to water, the kidneys and fear. If you are overwhelmed by an emotion, just squeeze the corresponding finger a few times and you will feel better.
Practice of some Mudras done on a regular basis can even cure insomnia, arthritis and memory loss. As an example, Vayu Mudra is specifically aimed at eliminating flatulence. It is believed that it works immediately. But as soon as the problem is overcome, the practice should be discontinued. Bend the index finger of each hand till its tip touches the ball of the thumb. Then press the thumb lightly onto the index finger. The other three fingers should be extended and relaxed. This mudra can be done soon after eating as it eliminates gastric problems.
Mudra for life energy or Pran Mudra increases the life force, improves the eyesight, blood circulation and immune function. For this mudra, bend the little and ring fingers so that they touch the tip of the thumb. Gyan Mudra helps improving the power of mind. It is very simple, just touch the thumb with the tip of index finger. Akash mudra increases the person’s intuition, cures calcium deficiency, tooth and ear problems. To do this mudra, touch the middle finger with the thumb.
The author suggests that Gyan Mudra, Vayu mudra and Prana Mudra can be done everyday, but other mudras should be done only when one is suffering from a certain problem. These should be done for a maximum of fifteen minutes three times a day. Mudras can be done in any position. One can be seated, standing, lying down and even walking.
Another very simple but effective mudra is Mukula Mudra. Place four fingers on the thumb, so that your hand resembles a cone. Place it on that part of the body that hurts or is tense. It is akin to directing energy to a specific part.
The author reminds the readers that though mudras are effective, but these are not miracle cures. One need to believe in it and need to work on oneself to make positive changes happen.
Considering the ease with which Mudras can be done, the little time and space they consume, and the benefits associated with them at no extra cost whatsoever, it may just be the valuable tool to good health and mental peace.
