A stressful lifestyle, poor dietary patterns, medical conditions and demands of a rigorous work life can all affect one of the most important functions of your body-digestion which in turn can cause a loss of appetite. Are there any natural non invasive ways to deal with appetite loss? The answer or the relief lies in the ancient science of Mudras or hand gestures, which is part of Yoga. Mudra means “seal,” “gesture,” or “mark.” Yoga mudras are symbolic gestures often practiced with the hands and fingers. They facilitate the flow of energy in the subtle body and enhance one’s journey within.
These very simple hand gestures or Mudras are extremely simple to practice. It goes without saying, that these mudras are even more effective when practiced along with breathing practices like Ujjayi breath or deep breaths. But even in a normal breath, it shows results.
Mudras are a healing modality. The Sanskrit word mudra is translated as a gesture. A mudra generally involves the tips of the fingers and placement of the fingers in a certain fashion to give the desired result in balancing the three Doshas. Mudras, when used with breathing exercises, increase the flow of life force in the body, leaving you feeling energized and relaxed even after a long haul.
According to Ayurvedic philosophy, our body is made up of five elements which are fire(Agni), Air( Vayu), sky(Aakash), earth (Prithvi), water(Jal). Each finger is known to correspond to each of these five elements.
Thumb – Fire (Agni)
Index finger -Air (Vayu)
Middle finger – space or ether (Aakash)
Ring finger – Prithvi (earth)
Little Finger – Water ( Jal)
How to practice these Mudras?
- You can practice these mudras at any time of day or night.
- Preferably sit in padmasana (lotus pose), Sukhasana (easy pose)or Vajrasana, keeping your spine erect and shoulders erect.
- Hold each mudra for 13-15 breaths and then move on to the next one.
There are certain Mudras that effectively increases one’s appetite. Let us explore mudras step by step and add something new to your practice
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Vayu Mudra
- How to Do it?
- Sit in a comfortable posture. Keep your spine erect. Vajrasana or Crosslegged position is preferable.
- Now gently touch the tip of your index finger with the base of Thumb and apply a gentle pressure.
Benefits
1.Relieves constipation, bloating, flatulence and digestive problems.
2. Hormonal imbalance can be corrected by regular practice of Vayu mudra.
2.Prithvi mudra
How to do it?
- Prithvi Mudra can also be performed both while sitting or standing.
- Touch the tip of each of your ring fingers with the tip of your thumbs and extend the other fingers
Benefits
- It increases appetite.
- Regular practice equalizes the Root Chakra for a balanced and fulfilling life.
- Practicing this mudra will benefit you in many ways including, strengthening the body, relieving fatigue.
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Apana mudra
Also called as purification Mudra, it is an important mudra for detoxification of the body.
How to do it?
- Place the tips of the middle and ring finger with the thumb.
- Now extend your little finger and index finger.
Benefits
- Detoxify body.
- Relieves constipation.
- Relieves flatulence
- Useful in case of piles.
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Apan Vayu mudra
Step by Step
- Sit in a comfortable posture
- Gently join the tip of the thumb, middle finger, and ring finger.
- Now place the tip of the index finger on the base of the thumb.
Benefits
- Relieves constipation.
- Useful in Gastrointestinal reflux disorder (GERD).
- Relieves Heart – Burn
5.Surya Mudra
How to do it?
- Gently touch the ring finger to the base of the thumb.
Benefits
- It stimulates thyroid gland, helps in digestion, and helps in beating weight issues and anxiety
- It fixes your metabolism
- Agni mudra is especially important when you need to control your abnormally low body-temperature, coldness of your skin, body and limb.
- Fixes your appetite and constipation, and when you need to sweat it out.
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Shunya Mudra
How to do it?
- The middle finger is to be kept at the base of the thumb and the thumb exerts little pressure on it.
Benefits
- Improves digestion
- Relieves constipation.
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Vajra Mudra
How to do it?
- Join the tips of the little finger, ring finger, middle finger and thumb finger and extend the index finger.
Benefits
- improves digestion.
- improves blood circulation
- instantly energizes the body
Image sources:
- Benefits
- Improves digestion
- Relieves constipation.
- Vajra mudra
http://68.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m2vn64Mnrd1qftwxfo1_500.jpg
- Step by step.
- Join the tips of the little finger, ring finger, middle finger and thumb finger and extend the index finger.
- Benefits
- improves digestion.
- improves blood circulation
- instantly energizes the body
Image
Sources:
www.healthmelody.com
