Compilation gives an introduction to Mudra Therapy and tells about Pran/Udaan Mudras.

During the pandemic a friend from Art of Living forwarded me a message that said do Udaan Mudra - it increases oxygen levels immediately, do it 2-3 times a day. It is being recommended by Ayurvedic doctors.

This article is compiled by Sanjeev. Express gratitude to Shri V K Bansal for his guidance and from whose site I have liberally borrowed content as indicated by 1.

I was introduced to Mudras by respected Shri V K Bansal of www.mudravigyan.com . After visiting the site began doing Pran/Gyan Mudra daily. If you wish to write to him, email id is vkb@mudravigyan.com Mudra is all about using your fingers.  

“As per Eastern philosophies and culture and Yogic practices, 'Mudras' are systematic hand gestures. Literally, Mudra in Sanskrit means a posture/seal. The Gherand Sanhita and the Vajrayana Tantra advise that the Mudras are capable of bestowing great powers and psychic abilities called "Siddhies" on their practitioners, hence, their knowledge should not be conveyed to those steeped in sin etc.” 1 To read more Note that during pranayama left hand is in gyan mudra position.

Mudras are also extensively used in Indian dance forms. To read more

It was in 1935 that Acharya Keshavdev Bharati made Mudras contemporary. His son Acharya Dr. Vikramaditya runs a Nature Cure Hospital at Patparganj in New Delhi. It is called Vivekanand Nature Cure and Yogashram.  

The body is made of five distinct elements of nature  i.e. Fire (Agni-Energy-Thumb), Air (Vayu-Wind, Forefinger), Ether (Akash-Space, Middle finger), Earth (Prithvi-Ring finger) and Water (Jal-little finger). These 5 elements are five building blocks that go into the making of a living body.  “Each body has them in a unique proportion that determines individual features.” 2 Pg. 22

 “Several ancient health systems are based on the concept of the balance of the five elements. Indian Medical science according to Ayurved and metaphysics affirm that distortion or impairment of the 5 elements create outer disturbance and inner sickness in the body.” 1

“The fingertips of every living being have many concentrated nerve root endings which are free energy discharge points. Science also confirms that around every tip there is a concentration of free electrons. By touching together of the tips of the fingers or the finger tips to other parts of the palms this free energy (Prana) is redirected back into the body along specified channels, back up to the brain. The redirected energy traveling through the nerves stimulates the various chakras.” 1

“Thus, the tension applied to the nerve/s and/or the neural or psycho-neural circuits formed by the mudras help in balancing the five basic elements. This balancing of the tension, and redirection of the internal energy effects the changes in veins, tendons, glands and sensory organs, to bring the body back to a healthy state.” 1

“Keeping specified nerves stretched for specified periods tones up of the nervous system. The fingers of each hand are held folded in certain specific postures and this provides the required tension on the nerves. Because Mudras work on the nerves they are a Neural Science.” 1

“Mudra Vigyan is based on the principles of Ayurved which lays down three factors primarily responsible for the body’s ills, Vata (wind), Pitta (Bile) and Kapha (Phlegm).” 1

Pic of mudras. 

Pran Mudra  helps increase Pran Shakti or the Life Force. “Prana, the moving life force, is literally the pulse of creation.” 2

Pran Mudra use the thumb, ring and small fingers i.e. fire (energy), earth and water elements. Human beings have been given four fingers and an opposing thumb on each hand, so a circuit is formed when the thumb touches the tip of any finger. This Psycho neural circuit helps to re-circulate energy into the body.

Pran Mudra uses the regenerative forces of nature i.e. fingers which represent earth, water and sun. When the Earth receives water and is exposed to energy life is generated like weeds, grass, insect life etc.  

Gyan Mudra. “It is good for: stresses and strains, insomnia, emotional instability, indecisiveness, excessive anger, idleness, laziness, indolence, and is a great help in increasing memory and I.Q. It can help cure sleeplessness.” 1

For Gyan Mudra use thumb and forefinger (index finger) i.e. represents energy and wind (vayu).

Udana Mudra 

What is Udana Mudra?

“Udana Vayu Mudra is a hand mudra or gesture used for improving speech, respiratory system and the thyroid. In Ayurveda, the thumb represents the fire element, the middle finger indicates space element and the index finger, the air element and the ring finger indicates earth element. Udana Vayu mudra brings together these four elements, which is said to give therapeutic benefits. Udana Vayu is primarily responsible for speech, functioning of the thyroid gland, blood supply to brain and thinking process. It functions from head to neck region and also on the respiratory system. Disturbances in Udana Vayu can cause problems with voice, shortness of breath, depression, memory loss, intellectual disability, etc. It can be practiced at any time during the day.” Source Yogic Way of Life

“There are several similar hand positions that form udana mudra: The thumb and forefinger lightly touch, then the middle finger rests on the nail of the forefinger with the ring and little fingers extended. The thumb rests at the base of the little finger, then all four fingers wrap around the thumb. The little finger extends while the other three fingers touch the tip of the thumb. All four fingers touch the tip of the thumb.

Yogapedia explains Udana Mudra affects the energy of the throat region and promotes spiritual growth and self-expression.” Source

Please consult a Mudra expert before starting mudra therapy. eSamskriti is not responsible for any therapy taken without consulting a mudra therapy expert.

Reference

1. www.mudravigyan.com  by Shri V K Bansal.

2. Absolute Beauty by Pratima Raichur

To read all articles on Mudra Therapy and Corona Virus 

Also read

1. Mudras in Yoga, the Science behind it

2. What is Udan Mudra and its benefits? Video 4.03 minutes.

3. Benefits of 5 Mudras by Dr Acharya Vikramaditya

4. How to Conserve Body Energy