Magic of Mudra Pranayama

Magic of Mudra Pranayama Pranayama is the fourth principle of Ashtanga Yoga as delineated by Maharishi Patanjali. Pranayama should be coupled with mindful eating and breathing. Yogic science of mudras Lord Krishna in the Bhagvad Gita says, “there is nothing as sacred as knowledge”. Knowledge can be acquired by the human mind through the 5 Ds- dedication, determination, dynamism, devotion and discipline and one H- Humility. The human mind can harness this potential only if it is in the present moment and not in a fragmented state. By practicing proper breathing techniques, like Sudarshan Kriya and Nadi Shodhan Pranayama and through regular meditation the mind becomes wakeful and alert to delve deep into this knowledge. It is indeed salutary and efficacious to learn about mudras. Practice of mudras is not just in the domain of dancers, painters and artistes, even stock individuals who have nothing to do with the art world ought to learn about mudras. The science of mudras, is intrinsically related to the esoteric knowledge of yoga and which can be further segregated into the five elements, the five life forces (or subtle forces of energy called the pranas) and the three doshas. The five elements are namely – Akash (ether or space), Vayu (air), Agni (fire), Jal (water) and Prithvi (earth), and the five life forces or pranas are Prana, Udana, Samana, Apana and Vyana and the three doshas are vata, kapha and pitta. Humans unconsciously practice mudras. For instance, the Namaste Mudra or a young child begins learning to walk with his thumbs raised which is called the Meru Dand Mudra. An infant in a deep slumber, his index finger would involuntarily touch the thumb and the other three fingers are on the base of the palm (Chinmaya Mudra). The universe in its auto-mode conjures these processes to take place about which we are totally oblivious to the occurrence. Some other mudras which need to be practised are: (a) Jnana mudra This is performed to increase brain power, improves memory and for the removal of negative thoughts and thereby one attains peace and bliss. (b) Prithvi mudra This helps in balancing the five sense organs, improves blood circulation and enhances our energy levels. Practicing of this mudra assists in increasing our alertness. (c) Apana mudra This facilitates in an improved elimination process, revitalising the digestive system, improving the gums and strengthens immunity. (d) Prana mudra This mudra addresses the problem of fatigue; it also provides essential vitamins to the body besides increasing stamina and vigour to the human body. It also helps in maintenance of the health of our eyes. (e) Dhyana mudra Essentially, this mudra helps in making us mindful and wakeful and we are at peace with ourselves. Over a period of time, we attain peace of mind. (f) Shunya Vayu mudra Practice of this mudra helps in combating problems of flatulence and gastric ailments. The gut houses our solar plexus, which is also referred to as the second brain. We need to take adequate care of our abdomen as a majority of human ailments arise from this part of the body. Therefore, there is enormous merit in the adage, ‘Health is in your hands’.