As a by-product of today’s way of life, which involves busy schedules, work pressure, and health concerns, stress is quite undesirable. Although we are usually unsuccessfully, we keep searching for ways to cope with stress. Fortunately, a simple and sure solution for stress and similar ailments exists in the form of hand yoga and concentration. There are many ways people hold their hands to boost their mental and physical performances. Here are six of them.
1. Vaayu mudra
Vaayu mudra is for calmness, the performance of which decreases the air element within your body. This hand position involves folding your index finger such that its tip rests at the base of your thumb. You then use your thumb to gently press the first phalangeal joint of the curled index finger. People who hold their hands in this position may reduce stress and aggression by improving oxygen transportation throughout the body, which effectively calms restless and anxious minds.
The Vaayu mudra also pacifies overactive hormones as well as the nervous system, helping to relax the body. As such, this position is excellent for aggressive, hyperactive individuals and those with a limited attention span.
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2. Prithvi Mudra
Prithvi Mudra is for strength, performance of which increases the earth element and reduces the fire element. It involves touching the tip of your ring finger with that of your thumb. Apart from encouraging tissue growth and healing, Prithvi Mudra also boosts the development of muscles. In addition to relieving fatigue, it helps in the prevention of dry skin and brittle bones by enhancing vitality, strength, and endurance.
By reducing the fire element, it ensures reduced muscle inflammation while regulating body temperatures and metabolism. This hand position is, therefore, ideal for people who suffer frequent fevers, inflammation, and ulcers.
3. Surya mudra
Surya mudra is for weight loss, the performance of which increases the fire element and reduces the earth element within your body. It involves placing the tip of your ring finger at the base of your thumb. You will then gently press your thumb upon the folded ring finger at the first phalangeal joint. It improves the blood circulation in your body, helping to eliminate abnormally low body temperatures and shivering due to cold.
In addition, people who hold their hands in this position tend to relax more. This hand position also addresses eyesight problems and the absence of sweat. Surya mudra is, therefore, ideal for people with progressive weight gain issues, suppressed thyroid activity, constipation, and indigestion. It is, however, notable that practicing Surya mudra for more than 30 minutes might cause the overheating of your body.
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4. Gyan mudra
Also known as the pose of wisdom, the Gyan mudra is for wisdom and practicing it increases the air element within your body. It involves touching the tip of your index finger with that of your thumb. In addition to boosting enthusiasm, creativity, and positive mindsets, the Gyan mudra also improves memory and the entire cognitive process. It is, therefore, ideal for the prevention of mental retardation, lethargy, and drowsiness. Gyan mudra is the perfect position for yogis seeking meditation or withdrawal from the material world.
5. Shunya mudra
Shunya mudra is for relieving pain, the performance of which reduces the space element within your body. It involves placing the tip of your middle finger at the base of your thumb. You then gently press your thumb upon the folded middle finger at the first phalangeal joint.
This hand position is useful when it comes to eliminating acute body pains. It also helps impaired hearing, nausea, travel sickness, tinnitus, and severe numbness in parts of the body such as the head and chest. Shunya mudra is ideal for people with a pronounced Vata constitution. Although you can practice Shunya mudra anytime, you should cease its performance once the problem subsides.
6. Varun mudra
Varun mudra is for moisturizing, and its performance increases the water element within your body. It involves touching the tip of your little finger with that of your thumb. Apart from helping to minimize bone related issues such as arthritis and painful joints, this pose helps hormonal disorders, scanty body secretions, and dehydration. It is, therefore, great for people with digestive issues, eczema, and dry skin, hair, or eyes. However, anyone suffering from water retention problems should not practice Varun mudra.
Conclusion
You can always try these hand poses regardless of time or place, especially since you don’t need a special room or yoga mat. Considering the potential outcome and since performing these poses is relatively easy, trying each one out might be worth your while. Apart from having no side effects, these hand positions might provide a much cheaper and readily accessible solution to several issues.
