Yoga mudras - symbolic gestures of the hands

MUDRAS

Mudras are the way in which we hold our hands in symbolic gestures when we are sitting during meditation or pranayama. These gestures are not only used when sitting but are often used at the start of a yoga practice, when standing and singing a chant to begin the practice of yoga. Also they are used at the end of a practice, again with chanting and singing to ask for the help from the associated gods.

These gestures are many thousands of years old and bring the practitioner directly into the energetic path of so many thousands of yogis before them. The different parts of the body and brain are activated by these gestures and very quickly the affects of them can be felt by the practitioner.

The use of mudras can bring about amazing change and improvement in the body over a reasonably short but persistent amount of time. Practice using these mudras to help ailments and with consistent effort the results will be shown.

Mudras develop powers in the practitioner to help with generating development of the mind and body which will eventually grow to bring peace and happiness. Many people feel that mudras can bring miracles as they do indeed provide relief in many illnesses. The consistent use of mudras with faith, courage and happiness can indeed help to realign the body and soul.

Many people find that mudras can work very quickly, some even stating that after such a small time as 45 minutes ' 1 hour they can feel a change in the body.

I have been practicing ashtanga yoga for many years now. I begin every practice with my hands held in anjali mudra "prayer gesture", my palms together and my fingertips facing inwards. After all this time I feel a comfort and safeness as soon as I reach this point. My breath calms down, my heart starts to open and a kindness envelops my soul. Taking my first breath in this mudra I feel ready for the practice to begin. When practicing with a room full of people all performing the same mudra the energy created can be very quick and powerful and is something to cherish and behold. Mudras are a very powerful way to exact physiological change in your body.

There are many different types of mudras, some listed below.