MUDRAS FOR YOUR HEALTH
A mudrā is a symbolic or ritual gesture used all over the world in olden days. No one knows for sure where and how mudras originated. But they have been in use for millenniums. While some mudrās involve the entire body, most are performed with the hands and fingers.
Hinduism shows the earliest recorded knowledge and analysis of Mudras. The earliest documentations are found in Mantra Shastra (the book of incantations), Upasana Shastra (the book of worship and prayers) and the Nritya Shastra (the book of classical dances).
The Babylonian sun God Damuzi depicts Mudras while descending into the underworld. In Islam, the mystical Whirling Dervishes used Hand signs or Mudras for various rites and rituals. In the Occident, cheironomy is the science of hand gestures (mudras). In Christian art Jesus, John the Baptist and Virgin Mary are shown in various Mudras. Reference may be had from the book "The sign Language of the Mysteries" by J.S.M.Ward. Roman art is replete with mudras. Egyptian hieroglyphics are a virtual treasure house of mudras. The postures of their kings and queens even as mummies show them holding mudras.
A brain research paper published in the National Academy of Sciences in November 2009, demonstrated that hand gestures stimulate the same regions of the brain as language.
Fingers, Elements and Emotions:
Your fingers corresponds to the five elements but they also correspond to emotions and the major organs.
• The thumb represents the element earth, the stomach and worry.
• The index finger represents the element metal, the lungs, the large intestine and the emotionsdepression, sadness and grief.
• The middle finger is the element fire, the heart, small intestine, circulatory and respiratory systems, the emotions are impatience and hastiness.
• The ring finger is the element wood and is connected to the liver, gall bladder, nervous system and corresponds to anger.
• The little finger corresponds to water, the kidneys and fear.
By pressing or squeezing the sides of the fingers, according to your needs, you can affect both the emotion and the corresponding organ. It works!
POWERS OF MUDRAS:
Body organs including glands and nerves get stimulated through Mudras. These processes are of great significance in Hatha-Yoga for the sake of physical health and peace of mind. They are extremely useful for the health of various organs, glands and the nervous system. They exercise a control on the physical parts of the body and are particularly essential for concentration of mind.
Mudras can bring about miraculous change and improvement in our body. They generate Powers to provide all round development of mind & body which brings peace and happiness. Some Mudras can balance the elements of the body within 45 minutes while some are fast enough to act within a few seconds. If you practice these mudras regularly you can see the wonderful health benefits.
