It is the ancient art of specific hand movements also known as mudra. It was originally developed in India and later spread to Asia and the world. Hand Yoga is essentially a practice of mudras, or hand gestures by connecting your fingers in predefined patterns. Practice of Mudras influences energy flow in different areas of our bodies. By performing mudras regularly one can achieve a completely healthy state of mind and body, being free of any ailments or diseases.
Procedure for Doing Hand Yoga
Sit comfortably and breathe deeply for a couple of minutes. Then slowly extend one of your arms straight in front of you; be careful not to hyper-extend the elbow.
On an exhale, close your hand into a fist, clenching firmly, but gently. Make sure your thumb is rested inside your hand, rather than outside on top of your fingers.
On your next inhale, release your clenched fist. Extend and stretch all of your fingers straight out in front of you.
Repeat Steps 2 and 3 up to 10 times, or whatever is comfortable for you.
Slowly lower your arm and breathe deeply for a couple of minutes. Then slowly extend your other arm straight in front of you, and repeat Steps 2 through 4.
Hand Yoga Gestures / Hand Yoga Exercises
Apan Vayu Mudra
Gyan Mudra
Rudra Mudra
Prithvi Mudra
Shankha Mudra
Varuna Mudra
Vayu Mudra
Shunya Mudra
Apan Mudra
Linga Mudra
Surabhi Mudra
Surahi Mudra
Benefits of doing Hand Yoga
Those who regularly practice hand yoga may enjoy improvement in their overall health. Many believe that mudras restore the body's balance to its natural state. While some gestures provide instant relief, some ailments, such as arthritis and tendonitis, require regular practice. These gestures of the hand were used for meditative practices, dance and even for healing different ailments like arthritis and carpel tunnel syndrome.
Precautions of Doing Hand Yoga
When breathing during yoga practice, always breathe through your nose. It not only warms the air to body temperature, but also promotes slower, deeper breathing.
