Healing properties of 'Mudras' and how to do them properly

Mudras are specific hand postures or gestures that are known to have healing effect on the human body. These ancient healing practices have been followed for generations, though their relevance was diminished a few years ago and is slowly getting back to the system.

Just as Yoga is a practice of physical and mental wellbeing, mudras are known to enhance the flow of energy in the body for sound health.

Here are the different yoga mudras that can help you regulate your emotional, physical and mental health:

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Considered to be the most fundamental mudras, Gyan mudra helps in increasing concentration and knowledge.

How to do it: Your index finger should touch the tips of your thumbs while other fingers are kept straight. The hands and arms should be relaxed while doing this mudra.

This mudra effectively nourishes the physical and mental health of an individual.

How to do it: Bring your index finger to the tip of your thumb and curl the other fingers towards your palm. Keep the palm facing upwards and hands and arms relaxed while doing this mudra.

As the name implies, Vayu mudra balances out the air elements of the body. If you have issues related to joints, or guts then you must do this often.

How to do it: bring your index finger to the root of your thumb, keeping the rest of the fingers straight.

As simple as its name, this mudra regulates the water content of the body and it also keeps the body hydrated.

How to do it: Touch the tip of the little finger with the tip of the thumb. Keep the rest of the fingers straight.

Doing this mudra will improve your immunity, vision and will also combat the effects of lethargy.

How to do it: Touch the tip of your little and ring finger on the tip of your thumb. Keep the other fingers straight.

Shunya means space; so if you want a peaceful mind and a state of tranquility then this is the mudra for you.

How to do it: Bring your thumb up to the first phalanx of your middle finger. Keep the middle finger folded and underneath the thumb. Keep the other fingers straight.

This mudra is helpful to relieve cholesterol, anxiety, digestion and obesity.

How to do it: Press your ring finger with your thumb while keeping other fingers straight.

This mudra resembles a light fist and is said to boost the nervous system.

How to do it: Form a loose fist by placing the thumb below the little finger and folding all other fingers on to it.