Hasta mudras – Hand gestures
Each finger
of hand represents an element of nature and has a subtle energy field –
[Thumb-fire(solar plexus chakra)], [index finger-Air(heart chakra)], [middle
finger-space(throat chakra)], [ring finger-earth(root chakra)], [little
finger-water(sacral chakra)]. Bringing thumb in touch with one or more fingers
deepens one’s connection with the elements represented by them and invigorates
PRANA –Universal life force.
The
universal life force energy is categorised into prana, apana, samana, udana and
vyana.
Prana mudra
Prana moves
in the heart. It stands for vigour, self assertion and survival.
It impacts
breathing, body temperature, heart rate, sensory functions, thought, behaviour
and consciousness.
Apana mudra
Apana moves
in the sphere of anus. It symbolises patience, movement and flow.
It regulates
the downward moving energy, eliminates toxins and waste products from body, has
therapeutic effect on the heart and the colon thus gives life.
Samana mudra
Samana moves
in the region of navel. It is symbolic of balance, harmony and understanding.
It improves
the functioning of liver, gall bladder, pancreas and small intestine thus helps
in ingestion, digestion, absorption and assimilation of nutrients.
Udana mudra
Udana moves
in the throat. It symbolises imagination, creativity and communication.
It regulates
energy that ascends from the navel to the heart, throat and the head. It
supports the central and peripheral nervous system. It improves metabolism,
speech and concentration.
Vyana mudra
Vyana
pervades the whole body. It is symbolic of circulation, transmission and
activity.
It ensures
proper circulation of blood and tones up the heart, lungs, skin, bones, veins, muscles
and nerves.
