According to Cynthi Worby MSW, author of "The Everything Guide to Yoga," a mudra is a specific way of holding your hands and fingers to produce certain energy effects. Mudras are also meant to direct energy to certain parts of the body to enhance the experience of meditation, yoga or other consciousness-changing practices. There are numerous types of mudras used in yoga practice.
Gyan Mudra
The Gyan mudra is a hand expression that is familiar to many Westerners, particularly those who have practiced yoga or meditation. This mudra consists of the tip of the thumb touching the tip of the forefinger, with the other three fingers pointing toward the ceiling or sky. Yoga practitioners believe holding the Gyan mudra helps cure insomnia and depression. It may also help improve memory and sharpen the intellect, according to the Health and Yoga website.
Linga (Ling) Mudra
The Linga mudra may help drive out respiratory infections and colds through the generation of internal heat, according to the Life Positive and Health and Yoga websites. Practitioners believe the Linga mudra can also aid in weight loss. The Life Positive website cautions that students should drink plenty of water and eat ghee (clarified butter) to help cool the internal heat generated by using this mudra. To practice the Linga mudra, simply interlock the fingers of both hands with the palms facing each other.
Prana (Pran) Mudra
The Prana mudra consists of the tips of the ring and little fingers touching the tip of the thumb, with the index and middle fingers pointing up, according to the Life Positive website. This mudra is thought to increase energy by distributing the life force throughout the body. Practitioners also believe the Prana Mudra improves eyesight.
Appan (Apan) Mudra
The Appan mudra is performed by touching the tip of the thumb to the tips of the middle and ring fingers, according to the Health and Yoga website. Practitioners believe that using this mudra purifies the body and relieves urinary problems. It is also thought to ease labor and delivery pains in pregnant women.
References
- "The Everything Yoga Book"; Cynthia Worby, MSW; 2002
- Health and Yoga: Mudras
- Life Positive: Mudras
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