What are mudras?
In Sanskrit, the word mudra, means “seal” or “mark.” Mudras are gestures of the hands and fingers that are used in yoga, Buddhism, and Hinduism. They are incorporated into meditation and pranayama exercises, and are believed to help channel energy in the body. There are various types of mudras, and each of them are presumed to have specific benefits. Certainly, there’s a mudra for whatever your need is.
How do they work?
It is believed that the body is made up of five elements: fire, air, ether, earth, and water. And similar to the concept of reflexology, by the same token, each finger on our hands is said to represent one of these elements. The positioning of the fingers, combined with breathing exercises, channels the energy in our body to stimulate different areas of the brain. In turn, this triggers unconscious reflexes in our nervous system, effecting sensory organs, glands, tendons, and veins.
How to use them
Incorporating mudras into your meditation is actually pretty simple. But first, you need to find the mudra that is the most helpful for your intention. You can search online. Also, if you’ve found a mudra that suits you, and you’re still unsure of how to use it, you can search Youtube for demos. Then, once you’re ready, it’s as basic as it sounds. Find a quiet place to sit in a comfortable seated position, arrange your fingers and hands in your chosen mudra, meanwhile, coordinating your breath. Finally, focus and meditate. (If you need some tips on meditation, you can check out our blog here: Meditation for Beginners.)
You’re all set!
Now that you’re prepared, find a mudra and give it a try over the next week, and watch your progress. Next, leave a comment and let us know how it goes!
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