Gyan Mudra / Vaayu Vardhak Mudra
Vaayu Vardhak Mudra is Popularly Known as Gyaan Mudra, this mudra increases the vaayu (Air) Element with in the body.
How to Do Gyan Mudra / Vaayu Vardhak Mudra
This Mudra is formed by joining together the tip of the index finger with the tip of the thumb.
Gyan Mudra / Vaayu Vardhak Mudra’s Effects
Vaayu-vardhak mudra increases the vaayu (air) element within the body. Thus reinforced, the air Empowers the mind, causing a positive effect on emotions and leading to enlightenment, empowers the nervous system (including the brain), facilitates movements of electrical impulses along nerves, empowers the pituitary gland and, thereby, the entire system of endocrine glands, empowers muscles, both voluntary and involuntary, empowers the vocal cords and the voice, empowers the heart, increasing its efficiency, renders the skin and the mucous membranes dry, renders the joints and the articular cartilage dry.
The element Air is also a component of bodily humor Vaata. The increase of air in the body due to Vaayu-vardhak mudra reinforces the Vaata humor. Therefore, this mudra is an excellent mudra to overcome Vaata-deficiency.
However, it should be practiced in moderation by people who already have a Vaata constitution (i.e., an excess of Vaata in their bodies).
Gyan Mudra / Vaayu Vardhak Mudra’s Benefits
Dullness of mind lack of enthusiasm-initiative-creativity
Recklessness loss of memory
Drowsiness
Lethargy
Mental retardation
Disorders of the nervous system:
Cerebral palsy
Neuritis
Neuropathies
Alzheimer’s disease
Tabes dorsalis
Multiple sclerosis
Motor neurone disease
Ataxias
Dementias
Syringomyelia
Degeneration of the retina
Optic atrophy
Endocrine (hormonal) disorders:
hypopituitarism (causing dwarfism Simmond’s disease Frohlick’s syndrome)
Hypothyroidism (causing cretinism myxoedema)
Hypoparathyroidism
Hypoadrenalism (causing Addison’s disease)
Diabetes
Hypogonadism
Muscular disorders:
Myopathies
Myesthenia gravis
Paresis
Paralysis (viz paralytic squint ptosis facial palsy vocal paralysis respiratory paralysis monoplegia paraplegia hemiplegia quadriplegia etc.)
Lost or feeble voice
Bradycardia (slow heart beats)
Weakness or gradual failure of the heart
Formation of excessive mucous in respiratory and/or digestive tracts
Effusion in joints
Duration
30 to 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts (i.e for 10 to 15 minutes, thrice a day).
Ideal Time to Do
Though Vaayu-vardhak mudra can be performed at any time of the day.
Precaution
People with a pronounced Vaata prakruti (constitution) should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all. Given below are some variations of Gyaan mudra, which, apart from yielding the benefits of Gyaan mudra, bestow some additional gains.
(a) Vairaagya mudra : This mudra enables the practitioner to gradually develop
1. a sense of detachment from worldly matters and
2. a realization about the futility of material gains.
(b Purna Gyaan mudra : This mudra enables the practitioner to obtain complete knowledge or absolute truth about all matters.
(c) Abhay Gyaan mudra : This mudra enables the practitioner to develop the virtue of fearlessness.
(d) Dhyaan Gyaan mudra: This mudra enables the performer to make rapid progress in the practice of meditation.
Vaayu Shaamak Mudra / Vaayu Mudra
Vaayu Shaamak Mudra Popularly known as Vaayu mudra, this mudra decreases the Vaayu (air) element within the body.
How to Do Vaayu Shaamak Mudra / Vaayu Mudra
This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the index finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element air (residing in the first finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb).
Shaamak Mudra / Vaayu Mudra
Vaayu Shaamak mudra decreases the air element within the body. This reduction of air Sedates restless and anxious mind, Calms overcharged nervous system, Pacifies overactive endocrine glands, Relaxes tense or spastic muscles, Soothes strained voice, Allows re-hydration of skin and articular cartilage. The element air is also a component of bodily humor Vaata.
The decrease of air in the body due to Vaayu Shaamak mudra pacifies the (aggravated) Vaata. Therefore, this mudra is especially suitable for people of Vaata constitution (Vaata dosha). They can regularly use this mudra even to avoid illness.
Shaamak Mudra / Vaayu Mudra
Stress
Anxiety
Irritability
Lack of concentration
Timidity
Indecisiveness
Impatience
Restlessness
Sleeplessness
Epileptic fits (convulsions)
Giddiness
Parkinson’s disease
Chorea
Tremors
Sciatica
Trigeminal neuralgia
Intercostal neuralgia
Twitching of eye-lids
nystagmus (constant involuntary eye-movements)
Tinnitus (noises in the ear/s)
Vertigo
Dizziness
Hormonal imbalances caused by over activity of endocrine glands
Breathlessness
Tachycardia (fast heart beats)
Palpitations
Hiccups
Muscle-spasm
Muscle-cramps
Muscular rigidity
Crackling joints (Osteoarthritis)
Gout
Dry & rough skin/hair
Brittle nails
Constipation
Flatulence (gas formation).
Duration
30 to 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts (i.e for 10 to 15 minutes, thrice a day)
deal Time to Do
Though Vaayu Shaamak mudra can be done at any time of the day
Precaution
The practice of this mudra should be discontinued as soon as the disease has been overcome.
Aakaash Mudra
Akaash Vardhak Mudra Popularly known as Aakaash mudra, this mudra increases the (inactive) Aakaash (ether or space) element within the body.
This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and the middle finger.
Aakaash Vardhak Mudra increases the aakaash (space) element within the body. Since the space within the body is a part of the outer space (aakaash or cosmos), practice of this mudra enables the individual (aatmaa) to reunite with the collective consciousness (Paramaatmaa or God). Negative emotions like fear, anger, sorrow, etc., are replaced by positive emotions and thoughts. The above mentioned increase in internal space is effected by the elimination of metabolic wastes from the body. Thus Aakaash Vardhak Mudra is a detoxifying mudra.
The increased internal space enables the rest of the four bodily elements: Vaayu (air), Agni (fire), Jal (water) and Prithvi (earth) to increase, affording them a room to act. Thus, Aakaash Vardhak Mudra can be beneficially combined with Mudras that increase the other four elements (i.e., Vaayu Vardhak mudra, Prithvi Vardhak mudra, Agni Vardhak mudra and Jal Vardhak mudra). In general, Aakaash Vardhak Mudra is an excellent mudra that stimulates noble thoughts and helps the practitioner to take rapid strides along the path to moksha (salvation).
It also helps a person who wishes to scale great heights in the art of meditation. The element Aakaash is also a component of bodily humor Vaata. Therefore, Aakaash Vardhak Mudra reinforces the Vaata humor of the body. It should be done in moderation by people of Vaata constitution.
Helps -to develop noble & elevated thoughts
To develop intuition and extra sensory powers (ESP)
To detoxify the body by the elimination of metabolic wastes (through exhaled air, sweat, urine and stools)
To overcome a feeling of fullness / heaviness in the body or body-parts
To overcome discomfort caused by over-eating
To relieve congestion (and pain) in the head (due to migraine or sinusitis), ear/s (due to infection), chest (due to infection / asthma )
High blood pressure
Irregular heart-beats
Angina pectoris
30 to 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts (i.e., for 10 to 15 minutes, thrice a day).
Though Aakaash Vardhak mudra can be performed any time of the day, practicing it at anytime between 2.00 to 6.00 am/pm gives better results.
People with a pronounced Vaata Prakruthi (constitution) should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all.
Aakaash Shaamak / Shoonya mudra
akaash Shaamak Mudra Popularly known as Shoonya mudra, this mudra decreases the Aakaash (space) element within the body.
This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the middle finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element space (residing in the middle finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb).
Aakaash Shaamak Mudra decreases the Aakaash (space) element within the body. It can, therefore, be used to treat disorders (enlisted below) caused by an abnormal increase of space within the body. The element space is associated with ears. Therefore, Aakaash Shaamak Mudra helps certain ear disorders. In fact, it is an almost fail proof remedy for ear-pain.
The decreased internal space restricts the rest of the four bodily elements i.e., Vaayu (air), agni (fire), Jal (water) and Prithvi (earth). Therefore, Aakaash Shaamak Mudra can be beneficially combined with Vaayu Shaamak, Agni Shaamak, Prithvi Shaamak and Jal Shaamak mudras.
The element Aakaash is also a component of bodily humor Vaata. The decrease of space in the body from the practice of Aakaash Shaamak Mudra pacifies the (aggravated) Vaata. Therefore, this mudra is especially suitable for people having a pronounced Vaata constitution (Vaata dosha).
Feeling of emptiness or numbness in the body or body-parts like the head, the chest, the abdomen, etc.
Ear ailments like pain, tinnitus (noises), vertigo and acquired deafness.
In case of acute ear-pain, incapacitating vertigo or severe numbness, perform this mudra continuously till the disorder subsides. For chronic ear-ailments or numbness perform this mudra for 30 to 45 minutes either at one stretch or in 3 parts (i.e., for 10 to 15 minutes, thrice a day).
For chronic diseases, this mudra should be performed
Experienced doctors believe that the practice of this mudra should be discontinued as soon as the disease has been overcome.
Prithvi Vardhak Mudra
Prithvi Vardhak Mudra Popularly known as Prithvi Mudra, this mudra increases the Prithvi (earth) element within the body. At the same time, it decreases the Agni (fire) element. Therefore, it can also be called Agni Shaamak Mudra.
This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the ring finger and the thumb.
Prithvi Vardhak mudra increases the Prithvi (earth) element within the body but decreases the Agni (fire) element within the body.The element earth is a vital component of bodily tissues like bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, flesh, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc. Practice of Prithvi Vardhak mudra builds and invigorates these tissues. In other words, this mudra increases vitality, strength and endurance. The element earth is also associated with the nose (smell). Therefore, Prithvi vardhak mudra can be used to overcome nasal disorders (e.g., loss of sense of smell). The element earth is also a component of the bodily humor kapha. Practice of Prithvi Vardhak mudra increases the kapha humor within the body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders caused by kapha deficiency. However, it should be practised in moderation by people who already have an excess of kapha in their bodies. The element Agni (fire) is concerned with body-temperature and metabolism. Since Prithvi Vardhak (Agni Shaamak) mudra reduces fire, it can be used to pacify an overactive Agni and overcome disorders of Agni-excess like emaciation, fever, inflammation, etc. The element fire is also a component of bodily humor Pitta. Therefore, Prithvi Vardhak (= Agni Shaamak) mudra is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced Pitta constitution. They can regularly use this mudra even to avoid illness.
Chronic fatigue, general debility, convalescence
Lack of stamina or endurance
Inexplicable weight-loss, emaciation
Osteoporosis osteomalacia (diminished bone-density), rickets,
Fracture (to expedite union)
Degeneration of articular cartilage (Osteo-Arthritis)
Weak, atrophied muscles, myopathies,
Paresis, paralysis, poliomyelitis
Dry, cracked, burning, mature skin
Skin-rashes, urticaria
Brittle nails
Hair-loss, premature greying of hair
Burning in eyes, stomach (acidity), urine, anus, hands, feet, head
Aphthous ulcers in the mouth
Ulcers in the stomach, intestines
Inflammatory diseases (diseases names end with ‘itis’)
Jaundice
Fever
Hyperthyroidism.
30 to 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts (i.e., for 10 to 15 minutes, thrice a day). However, people with kapha deficiency can do it even for longer periods.
Though Prithvi Vardhak Mudra can be performed at anytime of the day
People with a pronounced kapha constitution should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all.
Prithvi Shaamak Mudra / Surya mudra Mudra
Prithvi Shaamak Mudra is Popularly known as Surya mudra, this mudra increases the Agni (fire) element within the body. It can, therefore, be called Agni Vardhak mudra, too. At the same time, this mudra decreases the Prithvi (earth) element within the body.
This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element earth (residing in the ring finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb). The earth element thus suppressed, fire is able to rage unopposed
Prithvi Shaamak Mudra or Agni Vardhak Mudra increases the Agni (fire) element within the body but subdues the Prithvi (earth) element. The element Agni (fire) is associated with body-temperature and metabolism.
Practice of Prithvi Shaamak Mudra or Surya Mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the metabolism going.
The element Agni is also connected with vision. Hence, regular practice of Surya mudra helps to strengthen weak eyes and improve vision. Agni is also a component of bodily humor Pitta.
Practice of Prithvi Shaamak Mudra or Surya Mudra increases the Pitta humor within the body. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders caused by Pitta deficiency.
However, it should be used only in moderation by people having an excess of Pitta.
Prithvi Shaamak Mudra or Surya Mudra mudra decreases the element Prithvi (earth) within the body. It is, therefore, excellent for people having an excess of element Prithvi in their bodies.
The element earth is also a component of bodily humor kapha. Therefore, Prithvi-shaamak mudra is an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced kapha constitution. They can regularly practise this mudra even to prevent illness.
Abnormally low body-temperature
Coldness of skin, body, limbs, hands, feet, etc.
Intolerance to cold, shivering
Underactivity of the thyroid gland causing slow metabolism
Obesity, progressive weight-gain
Loss of appetite, indigestion, constipation
Absence of sweating, 8. Certain vision/eye problems, especially cataract.
30 to 45 minutes every day either at one stretch or in 3 parts (i.e., for 10 to 15 minutes, thrice a day).
Though this mudra can be performed any time.
Over-performance of this mudra may cause undue heating of the body.
Jal Vardhak Mudra
Jal Vardhak Mudra is Popularly known as Varun mudra, this mudra increases the jal (water) element within the body.
This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and the little finger.
Jal Vardhak (Varun) Mudra increases the Jal (water) element within the body. Almost seventy per cent of the body is water. Thus, water is the most abundant element in the body, being present in the protoplasm of cells, extra-cellular fluid, lymph, blood, tears, saliva, mucous, digestive juices, enzymes, hormones, semen, cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), etc.
A deficiency of water in the body would result in dehydration of tissues. Performance of Jal-vardhak mudra increases the water-content of the body by suitably affecting the water-metabolism. Thus, it helps to rehydrate cells, tissues, muscles, skin, joint-cartilage, etc. The element water is also associated with tongue and taste. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders like loss of taste-sense, dryness of mouth, etc.
Water is also a component of two bodily humors: Pitta and Kapha. Practice of Jal-vardhak mudra increases these humors. People with a pronounced Pitta + Kapha constitution should perform this mudra in moderation. On the other hand, people with a Vaata constitution (dosha) can derive immense benefits from the practice of this mudra.
Dryness of eyes
Dryness of the digestive tract (mouth, throat and intestines)
Indigestion
Constipation
Dryness of the skin leading to cracks, dry eczema, psoriasis, etc.
Degeneration of joint-cartilage, Osteo-Arthritis
Anaemia
Cramps, dehydration
Deficiency of hormones,
Scanty urination (oliguria)
Scanty semen (oligospermia)
Scanty menses (oligomenorrhoea),
Loss of taste sensation, tongue-disorders
Disorders of Vaata-excess (see Vaayu-shaamak mudra)
45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts (i.e., for 15 minutes, thrice a day).
You can do this mudra anytime (when there is problem)
People having water-retention in their bodies or people with a Pitta + Kapha constitution should perform this mudra moderately, if at all.
Jal Shaamak Mudra / Jaludhara Nashaka Mudra
Jal Shaamak Mudra brings about a reduction of the Jal (water) element within the body.
Method (How to Do)
This mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the little finger on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. This amounts to suppression of element water (residing in the little finger) by element fire (residing in the thumb).
Effects
Jal Shaamak Mudra Decreases the Jal (water) element within the body.
Benefits
Oedema (water-retention)
Ascitis, dropsy Excessive salivation
Watery eyes
Running nose
Hyperacidity,
Diarrhoea (loose motions)
Pleural effusion (pleurisy)
Effusion in a joint
Excess of hormones
Excessive menses (menorrhagia)
Hydrocele
Hydrocephalous
Hydronephrosis
Cold and clamy body / hands/feet Disorders of Vaata deficiency (see Vaayu-vardhak mudra)
Duration
45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in 3 parts (i.e., for 15 minutes, thrice a day).
Ideal Time to Do
You can do this mudra anytime (when there is problem)