Aakash Mudra

• Usage:

  Useful in treating illnesses related to hearing, and strengthening bones. Also helpful in realeasing tensions and calming the mind. As a precaution, this mudra should not be practiced while walking.

• Description:

  Touch tip of middle finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers extended straight out.

• Duration:

  Best times are morning or afternoon, ideally for up to 45 minutes

Abhaya Mudra

• Usage:

  Fearlessness and courage, symbolizing harmony, strength, and protection. Often practiced following Gayatri Mantra recitation.

• Description:

  Raise both hands to sides of the head. Touch tip of forefinger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers touching each other and extended straight out.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Anjali Mudra

• Usage:

  Centering, focuses attention to the heart, devotion (Namaste). Often accompanies meditation on the heart chakra.

• Description:

  Hands are held together at chest level, with palms touching.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Apan Vayu Mudra

• Usage:

  Regulates heartbeat, and regular practice assists in preventing heart attacks, palpitations, tacho-cardia, or a sinking feeling of the heart. In a severe heart attack, if administered within the first two seconds, it provides instant relief. Also known as the "Mritsanjeevini Mudra", meaning "One which brings back life out of death".

• Description:

  Press index finger to pad of thumb, with tips of middle and ring fingers touching tip of thumb, and smallest finger extended straight out.

• Duration:

  Up to 45 min. daily

Gyan Mudra

• Usage:

  Increases mental balance, stimulates intelligence and the mind, purifies the mind, helps reduce addictive habits. Brings feelings of joy.

• Description:

  Touch tip of index finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers together and extended straight out -- like an "OK" sign, except the palms of each hand are pointed up or to the front.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Mahakranta Mudra

• Usage:

  Restores glow in the aura, and positive energy, especially when there's been abuse to the body.

• Description:

  Raise both hands to sides of the head, with fingers together, palms flat and facing the head.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Prana Mudra

• Usage:

  Improves eyesight, increases "life force" energy, vitality, and self confidence. Useful for people feeling nervous, tired, or weak, or for treating life-threatening illnesses. Along with the Apan Vayu Mudra, precedes meditation by the Yogis and saints.

• Description:

  Touch tip of ring finger and smallest finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers touching each other and extended straight out.

• Duration:

  Can be done for any length of time, any time, any place, as even small amounts of this mudra are beneficial.

Prithvi Mudra

• Usage:

  Strengthens equilibrium, removes physical weaknesses (strength), increases tolerance and patience. Balances the earth element in the body. Helpful in meditation.

• Description:

  Touch tip of ring finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers extended straight out.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Shankh Mudra

• Usage:

  Useful in treating speech defects. Also helps alleviate indigestion and loss of appetite.

• Description:

  Touch tip of index finger of left hand to tip of thumb of right hand, with remaining fingers of right hand curled around thumb of left hand, and remaining fingers of left hand resting against backs of right hand fingers.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Shunya Mudra

• Usage:

  This mudra helps to connect your mind. Also helpful for ear issues - form mudra with hand on same side as ear being treated. ("Shunya" refers to 'zero' or 'sky' in Sanskrit.)

• Description:

  Spread out fingers. Bend middle finger, and place the fore part of the middle finger on the thumb pad. Press it down with the thumb. Straighten out the other fingers.

• Duration:

  30-45 minutes

Singhakranta Mudra

• Usage:

  Restores glow in the aura, and positive energy, especially when there's been abuse to the body.

• Description:

  Raise both hands to sides of the head, with fingers together, palms flat and facing forward. Hands approximately 6 or 7 inches from the head.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Surya Mudra

• Usage:

  Activates energy at the solar plexus, stimulates metabolism, lengthens breath.

• Description:

  Curl tip of the ring finger into the base of the thumb and press thumb on top, extend index, middle and little fingers; rest back of hands on thighs.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Varuna Mudra

• Usage:

  Helps alleviate dehydration and related ailments, including dry skin. Balances water element in the body. Enhances physical beauty.

• Description:

  Touch tip of smallest finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers extended straight out.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Vayu Mudra

• Usage:

  Decreases body aches, stiffness, and pain. Helps with nervous ailments. Balances the air element in the body. Effective for those with Cerebral Palsy or Parkinson's.

• Description:

  Bend index finger and press it to pad of thumb, with remaining fingers touching each other and extended straight out.

• Duration:

  45 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions

Venus Lock Mudra

• Usage:

  Channels sexual energy, and balances the glandular system. Helps to maintain focus and concentration.

• Description:

  Interlace the fingers. For women the right pinky stays at the bottom, for men the left pinky stays at the bottom. One of the thumbs is touching the fleshy part between the other thumb and the index finger.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes