We use our arms, hands, and fingers to do almost everything- from typing in words on the computer keyboard, to carrying the heaviest of loads, our forelimbs play an important role. But have we ever given any thoughts about the power of our fingers?
Well, this question does not refer to the physical power of fingers but rather calming, soothing, and healing power. Yes! it might sound amusing but it is very true. Certain positioning of fingers can bring certain changes in the body and this positioning in simple words is known as “Mudra”.
What is Yoga Mudra?
The word mudra in Sanskrit literally means “a Seal”. Mudra in general terms means a subtle science of arranging your body, especially your hands, in a certain way to access and alter the function of the whole body.
Yoga mudra is all about balancing the Pancha tattva which in turn helps to balance your body and keeps it healthy. Therefore, your hands act as a control panel to balance the Pancha tattva.
What is Pancha Tattva?
The whole universe is believed to have been made by 5 different elements – air, water, fire, earth, and space, these elements all together are known as the Pancha tattva. Similarly, the human body is also made up of these core elements and we evolve from these elements only to die and mix up back to nature in these very minute forms.
Additionally, we fall sick, get anxious, have no coordination of our thoughts- all these imbalances in the body are thought to have been brought upon due to imbalance in the 5 basic elements that make us.
So, is there a way to balance these tattvas? Yes certainly, there is one way- and that is the yoga mudra! Well, there is a deep-rooted science behind how all these mudras work, but before knowing that we need to know which finger represents which Pancha tattvas.
Read more: What is Pancha Tattva?
Which Finger Represent which Pancha Tattva while doing Mudras?
The five fingers that are present in human hands have their sole purpose and also a higher purpose that is mostly unnoticed.
- Thumb- Fire (Agni)
- Index- Air (Vayu)
- Middle finger- Space (Akash)
- Ring finger – Earth (Prithvi)
- Little finger – Water (Jaal)
When you bring two fingers close to each other while doing a mudra, you are actually bringing the representing finger of the elements in contact with each other.
The Science Behind the Yoga Mudra
By now you may have got the slightest of an idea as to how the mudra works. Well, you need to understand that certain posture and position affects your body and your physiology in general, and yoga posture is a good example of that. Similarly, your hands’ posture along with specific asana ( yoga position) if done well will act as a control panel of the whole Pancha tattva in your body.
Doing mudra by bringing fingers in proximity, actually generate a strong electromagnetic wave in your body that helps to counteract the deficiency of specific elements of your body which means to say that, if you have an imbalance in your body, the electromagnetic wave generated in the body will help to set things in order and keep you mentally, physically and emotionally stable.
However, mudra should be done in good coordination of asana and pranayama because, in order to gain access to controlling your core system, your body must be aligned in a certain posture as the correct posture helps to straighten the vagus nerve and the required effect can be achieved.
5 Powerful Yoga Mudras
There are hundreds of mudra which helps you in a certain way. Nevertheless, most of the mudra of fingers requires your thumb to be touched because the thumb (Agni) neutralizes the effect of other hyperfunctioning elements in our body. Some of the helpful mudras are:
- Chin Mudra – For better concentration
- Vayu Mudra – For hormonal balance
- Linga Mudra – To combat cold, hypothermia
- Prithvi Mudra – For degenerative disease (like Alzheimer ) and for calming your body
- Prana Mudra – Balance the whole tattvas and to unleash your dormant energy
Read more: 8 Yoga Mudras To Balance Pancha Tattvas
Conclusion
Performing mudra can actually unleash your body’s potential and can connect you to higher forms of life, that is the reason why while doing meditation many gurus are seen making a specific mudra of fingers. Therefore, trying out mudras will help you become calm, healthy and confident for sure.
Reference: Speakingtree | SmartSafeYoga | Isha.sadhguru
