apptya

"The yogi who has cleansed himself,has gained mastery over his mind and all his senses,who has become one with the atman in all creation,although he acts he remains unaffected. He who is established in yoga soon attains the Brahman.Anyone who successfully follows karma yoga becomes established in yoga.He who has become pure,he whose evil impulses have all been burnt away and become reduced to a burnt thread in which only the twists of the original material are visible,will act mechanically in everything he does.That of course does not mean that he pays no attention to what he is doing;it only meas that he has no egoistic feeling that he draws out will be as straight as that drawn by a machine.An unthinking person worked mechanically and the Lord's servant,too,does merely what he is asked to do.But he does not work for payment and,therefore,his work shines out,where as the hired laborer's work does not shie out as he works for money.No supervisor is required to keep watch o...

Popularly known as Gyaan mudra this mudra increases the vaayu(air) element within the body. Mehtod: This mudra is formed by joining together, the tip of the index finger with the tip of the thumb Effects: Vaayu-vardhak mudra increase the vaayu (air) element with in 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 impluses alnog 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 efficiencey, renders the skin and mucous membranes dry, renders the joins and articular cartilage dry. The elemnet 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 o...

Populrarly known as Vaayu mudra, htis mudra decreases the vaayu (air) element within the body. Mehtod: 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 suppresssion of element air (residing the first finger) by element fire(residing in the thumb). Effects: vaayu-shaamak mudra decreases the air element with in 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 rehydration 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. Therfore, this mudra is especially suitable for people of Vaata constitution(vaata dosha). They can regularly use this mudra even to avoid illnes. Benifits: Vaayu-s...

Popularly known as Aakaash mudra this mudra increases the (inactive) Aakaash(ehter or space) element with in the body. Method : This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and middle finger. Effects: Aakaash-vardhak mudra increases the aakash(space0 element with in the body. Since the space within the body is a part of the outer space (aakaash or cosmos), practise of the 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 prtihvi (earth) to increase , affording them a room to act. Thus , Aakaash-vardhak mudra can be beneficially combined wiht mudras...

Popularly known as shoonya mudra, this mudra decrease the Aakaash(space) element with in the body . Method: this mudra is formed by first placing the tip of the middle finger on base of the thumb and tehn bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon this finger. The amounts to suppression of element space(residing in the middle finger) by element fire(residng in the thumb). Effects: aakaash-shaamak mudra decrease the Aakaash(space) element with in 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 pirthvi(earth). Therfore, aakaash-shaamak mudra can be beneficially combined with Vaayu-shamaak, Agni-shammak, Pritvi-shammak and jal-sha...

Popularly known as Surya mudra this mudra increases the Agni(fire) elemnt within the body. It can, therofre, be called Agni-vardhak mudra, too. At the same time, this mudra decreases the Prithvi(earth) element with in the body. Method: 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. Effect: Prithvi-shaamak or Agni-vardhak mudra increases th eAgni(fire) element within the body but subdues the Prithvi(earth) element. The element Agni (fire) is associated with body temperature an dmatbolism. Practice of Pritvi-shaamak or Surya mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the metabolism going. The elemnt agni is also connected with vision. Hence, regular practice of surya mudra helps to strengt...

Popularly known as Prithvi mudra, this mudra increases the Prithvi(earth0 element with in the body. At the same time, it decrease the Agni(fire) element. Therfore, it can also be called Agni-shaamak mudra. Method: This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the ring finger and the thumb. Effects : Prithvi-vardhak mudra increase the Prithvi(earth) element within the body but decrease the Agni(fire) element within the body. The element earth is a vital component of bodily tissues like bones, cartilagemskinm hair, nails, flesh, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc, Practice of Prithvi-vardhak mudra builds and invigorates these tissues. In other words, this 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 practiced in moderation by people who already have and excess of kapha in their bodies. The element Agni(fire) is concerned with body temperature and metabolism. Since Pr...

Popularly known as Varun mudra, this mudra increases the Jal(water) element with in the body. Method: this mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and the little finger. Effects: Jal-vardhak(varun) mudra increases the Jal (water) element with in the body. Almost seventy percent 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 ajl-vardhak mudra increase the water content of the body by suitably affecting the water-matabolism. Thus , it helps to rehydrate cells, tissues, muscles, skin, joint-cartialge, etc. The element water is also associated with tongue and taste. Tehrfore , this mudra can be used to overcome disorders like loss of taste –sense,, dryness of mouth, etc. Water is also...

Jal-shaamak mudra brings about a reduction of the jal(water) element with in the body. Method: 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 reduces the water-content of the body by suitable affecting the water-metabolism. It can, therefore , be used to overcome water-loggging with in the body. Water is also a component of the two bodily humors: Pittta and Kapha. Practice of jal-shaamak mudra brings about a reduction of these humors. People with a pronounce Pitta+ Kapha constitution can immensely benefit by the practice of this mudra. Such people can regularly practice this mudra even to prevent illness. Benefits: Jal-shaamk mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders: 1.Oedema(water-retention), 2. Ascitis, dropsy, 3. Exce...

Vaata-kaarak or Vaayan mudra Also called Vaata or Vaayan mudra, this mudra increases the Vaata humor wihin the body. Method: this mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb, the index finger and the middle finger. Effects : the Vaata humor controls the nervous system which, in turn, is responsible ofr various bodily movements : External as well as internal. Pracitce of Vaata-kaarak mudra increases the Vaata humor within the body, therby boosting the nerve force and the vital power. In othe words this is an excellent mudra for people having a Vaata deficie ncy. Infact , such people can practice thismudra even as a preventive i.e, to avert illness. However, this mudra should be done in moderation by people who have Vaat Excess (Vaata dosha or Vaata constitution). Benefits: Vaat-kaarak mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders: 1. Nervous exhaustion, nervous break down, 2. Lack of inittiave/enthusiasm, slowness of thoughts/perception, 3. Lethargy, laziness, ge...

The Vaata-naashak mudra brings about a reduction of the Vaata humor with in the body. Method: This mudra is formed by first placing the tips of the index and the middle fingers on the base of the thumb and then bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon these fingers. Effects: practice of Vaata-naashak mudra pacifies the aggravated Vaat humor. It is, therefore, an excellent mudra for people with a pronounced Vaata constitution (vaata dosha). In fact, they can regularly perform this mudra even to avoid illness. However, people who already have a deficiency of Vaata e.g., mudra in moderation, if at all. Benefits: Vaata-naashak mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders: 1. Chronic/easy fatigue, 2. Lack of stamina/endurance, 3. Indecisiveness, impatience, timidity, inexplicable fear, etc., 4. Poor memory, forgetfulness, 5. Sleeplessness, 6. Intolerance of cold weather/wind, 7. Under weight, emaciation, inexplicable weight loss, 8. All painful conditions e.g. headache, earache...

Popularly known as Praan mudra, this mudra increases the Kapha humor but decreases the Pitta humor with in the body. Mehtod: This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb the ring finger and the little finger, Effects : This mudra brings about an increase of Kapha humor with in the body. Kapha humor is associated with vitality, stenght and imminity. Practice of Praan mudra increases these qualities. This mudra also reduces Pitta humor, which is associated with bodily heat and metabolism. Thus, this mudra is excellent for people who have an excess of Pitta or a deficiency of kapha in their boides. They can regularly perform thismudra even to avert illness. On the other hand, people with a kapha-excess or Pitta-deficiency should perform this mudra in moderation, if at all. Benefits: Kapha-kaarak (pitta-naahsak) or Praan mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders: chronic fatigue, general debility, low endurance, Impaired immunity (tendency to contract infect...

Pitta-kaarak or Kapha-naashak mudra The Pitta-kaarak mudra brings about an increase in the pitta humor with in the body. At the same time, it effects a reduction in the Kapha humor within the boyd. It can, therefore, also be called Kapha-naaashak mudra. Method: This mudra is formed by first placing the ring and the little fingers on the base of the thumb and the bringing gentle pressure of the thumb upon these fingers. Effects : this mudra increases the pitta humor but decreases the kapha humor with in the body. Pitta is concerned with the bodily heat(digestion /metabolism) and the circulatory system. These entites are stimulated and reinforced by this mudra. This is an excellent mudra for people having a kapha-excess or a pitta-deficiency in their bodies. They can regularly perform this mudra even to prevent illness. However, people who have and excess of pitta(heat) in their bodies should practice it in moderation, if at all. Benefits: Pitta Kaarak (kapha-naashak) mudra can be prac...

This mudra helps to overcome any ailment of a person having a Vaat+Pitta mix constitution, Method : This mudra is formed by Placing the index finger on the base of the thumb and Joining together the tips of the thumb and the ring finger. Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stratch or in three parts(i.e, ofr 115 minutes, thrice a day). Precaution: people with a pronounced kapha constitution should practice this mudra in moderation if at all.

Vaata+Kapha)-naaashak mudra This mudra helps to overcome any ailment of a person having a Vaata+Kapha mix constitution. Method : this mudra I sformed by applying the tips of the index and the ring fingers to the base of the thumb. Duration : 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts(i.e for 15 minutes, thrice a day). Precaution: People with a pronounced Pitta constitution should practice this mudra in moderation if at all.

Also known as the Kaamadhenu mudra, this mudra balances and oc-ordinates the five elements and the three humors of the body. While the effects of this mudra are similar to those of the Samaan mudra it si much mor difficult ot perform. Surabhi means a cow. In fact Kaamadhenu is a mythological, heavenly cow which is believed to fulfill all wishes .By regularly performing this mudra, the practitioner can succeeded in realizing all his dreams and fulfilling all his wishes! Method: This mudra is formed by joining The tip of ring finger of each hand to the tip of little finger of the other and The tip of index finger of each hand to the tip of middle of the other. The two thumbs lie side by side, touching each other. This forms a figure that resembles the four udders of a cow. Duration: 45 minutes every day, every day, either at one stretch or in three parts (i.e., for 15 minutes thrice a day) Precaution : None

The Apaan mudra is an extremely important and useful mudra that first detoxifies (and, therefore, purifies) the body and the energizes it. Method: Appan mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb, the middle finger and the ring finger. Effects : Appaan mudra is a combination of the Aakaash-vardhak(Aakaash) and the Prithvi-vardhak(pritvi) mudras. Apart from an increase of elements space and earth, appan mudra brings about an increase of Vaaata and Kapha humors and therofre a decrease of Pitta humor. Benefits: the Apaan mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders: 1. Anuria (absence/obstruction of urine) 2. Constipation, flatulence (gas), pile, 3. Absence of sweat, 4. Delayed delivery of a child, 5. Burning in the body/body-parts, 6. Ailments caused by a deficiency of element space and humor Vaata, 7. Ailments caused by a deficiency of element earth and humor kapha, 8. Ailments caused by and excess of elemnt fire and humor Pitta. Duration: Minimum 45 minutes ev...

This important mudra is sometimes called ‘Mritsanjeevani’ mudra , a mudra which can snatch a person away from the clutches of death! Indeed, this mudra tremendously benefits a person who has suffered from chest-pain(angina pectoris) or a heart attack . It increase the earth element (and therefore the Kapha humor) while decreasing the air and fire elements with in the body. Method: this mudra is formed by 1.Joining together the tips of thumb, middle and ring fingers and 2.applying the tip of index finger to the base of the thumb, Effects : this mudra bestows tiple benefits: 1.Removal of obstructions/blockages in, and detoxification of, the body to allow an increase of element Aakaash (space), 2. Increase of vitality due to an increae of element Prithvi(earth) and 3. Sedation of the mind and relaxation of the body/muscles due to a reduction of elemtn Vaayu(air). Benefits :Apaan-vaayu mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders: 1. Fast heart beats, palpitations, 2. Angina pec...

Linga is the Sanskrit term for phallus(the male genital organ) . this mudra increases bodily heat since it reinforces the fire element and the Pitta humor. Method : this mudra is formed by interlocking the palms but keeping the left thumb erct, pointing upwards. Effects: the thumb represents the element fire. This fire is reinforced by performing the linga mudra. The fire element which resides in the thumb is activated and is able to increase uninhibited. Benefits: the linga mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders: 1.Shivering and chills due to intolerance of cold weather; hypothermia, 2. Ailments caused by an overproduction/ accumulation of phlegm(mucous) in the body; such ailments include colds, sinusitis, productive(wet) cough, sticky stools, etc, 3. Asthma and other respiratory ailments that occur at the change of weather, 4. Sexual debility in males. Duration: This mudra is not to be performed on a regular basis, It should be performed only when needed (e.g., when...

Shanka is the Indain term for a conch. When this mudra is performed, the hands resemble a conch. Method: first, clench the left thumb with right fingers. Now, Place the left fingers on the back of the right palm. Finally, join the tips of the right thumb and the left index finger. Effects: The thumb which represents the element fire , is encircled(and thereby subdued) by the fingers. At the same time, the union of the left index finger and the right thumb results in an increase of element air. In other words the Shanka mudra brings about a decrease of Pitta humor but an increase of Vaata and Kapha humors within th body. Benefits : Shanka mudra can be used to overcome the following disorders: Feverish feeling in the bdoy, Burning in the body/body –parts, Allergic disorders, especially unicaria (skin rashes) voice (larynx) and throat(pharynx) problems, flabbiness/weakness /paralysis of muscles. Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts (i.e or 15 minutes,...

Like aakash-vardhak (or aakaash), Prtihvi-shaamk (or surya) and Linga mudra, this mudra too can help asthmatics, enabling them to relieve an attack of asthma. Method: Press together the finger nails of the middle fingers, keeping the other fingers gently extended. Effects: This mudra helps to treat as well as prevent attacks of asthma.Duration: At least fifteen minutes when suffering from breathlesnes. A regular performance of this mudra for about five minutes thrice a day helps the person to jprevent future attacks of asthma..

Maatangi is the God of inner harmany. Performance of this mudra enables a person to attain harmony with himself and with the surroundings. Method : Interlock the hands(held at navel level), keeping the middle fingers straight and touching each other. Effects : this mudra beneficially affects the hypothalamus which is a part of the brain. Benefits : since hypothalamus is the seat of autonomous nervous system, this mudra establishes a state of balance(i.e, homoeostasis) within the body. It also relieves tension And pain in organs of the chest and abdoment. Duration : 1. for at leat fifteen minutes when suffering form internal pain. 2. For five minutes , thrice a day to attain and maintain internal harmony.

Uttarabodhi mudra can be called the mudra of enlightenment. And as the sun of enlightenment dawns, fears are dispelled. Thus this mudra works like (and , therefore, can complement) abhay-gyaan mudra. Method: Interlock the hands (held at navel ), keeping the 1 index fingers straight touching each other and pointing upwards and pointing upwards and thumbs extended, touching each other and pointing downwards. Effects: A regular practice of this mudra brings about a realization that we should fear nothing or nobody except God. Benefits: 1 helps to soothe excited nerves before beginning a daunting task. 2. enables the performer to overcome examination nerves, stage fright etc. Duration: For fifteen minutes or more , as and when required.

This mudra is dedicated to Pushaann or sun, the God of warmth, energy and nourishment. Method: With the right hand, perform the Vaata-kaarak mudra and with the left hand, perform the Apaan mudra. Effects: pushaan mudra increases the space, the air, and the earth elemtns of the body. Benefits: Increases energy and immunity. Increases strength, stamina and endurance. Detosifies the body by facilitating excretion of metabolic waste products through stools, urine and sweat.Duration: For 45 minute every day, either at one stretch or in three parts , of 15 minutes each.

At times also called the Mukul mudra or the Sukri mudra this mudra balances and co-ordinates the five elements and the three humors of the body. Therefore, this mudra is useful for a person, whose all three humors have become deranged. Therefore this mudra is useful for a person, whose all three humors have become deranged. Theoretically, this mudra can be to overcome any disorder. More importantly, however, it can be used to prevent illness. Method: This mudra is formed by joining together the tips of the thumb and all four fingers. Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts (i.e, for 15 minutes, thrice a day). Precaution: None. Note: wile performing this mudra, The fingertips can be directed at (or touched to) the diseased part of the body.

This mudra helps to overcome any ailment of a person having a Pitta+Kapha mix constitution. This mudra is formed by 1. Joining together the tips of the thumb and the ring finger and 2. Applying the tip of the little finger to the base of the thumb. Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts(i.e for 15 minutes, thrice a day). Precaution: People with a pronounced Vaata constitution should practice this mudra in moderation if at all.

I had posted 25posts on different mudras , but I was waiting to write about the usefulness of madras. Since this a part of yoga and Ayurveda not every one knows about. Since I started doing yoga sadhana 'I found out that there many non-medical therapies ar that very simple to do so I want to share which is already in many sites but I too want share my view about that . We know medicines are, indeed a boon to mankind! At times. Medicines even save lives. Diseases once believed to be curable (e.g T.B) have been completely tamed by medicines and rendered as docile as the proverbial cow. Effective vaccines have eradicated many viral diseases (e.g small pox) from the surface of the earth. How ever, some drawbacks are associated with medicines and medical treatments “ At times medicines only mask symptoms or merely relieve distress, rather than striking at the root causes of illness. Many doctors are inwardly aware of the fact (though they may not admit it openly) that symptoms represent...

Therapeutic Index The diseases that can be cured by mudras are listed here as index A to Z The mudras for each disease are given and by clicking on the link you can how to perform those mudras .Some may benifit immediately some take time . A Alzheimer's disease : Vaayu-vardhak ,Vaata-kaarak Ataxia(s) : Vaayu-vardhak ,Vaata-kaarak Anxiety :Vaayu-shaamak , Vaata-naashak Arthritis : Vaayu-shaamak , Vaata-naashak,Prithvi-vardhak Jal –vardhak ,Kapha-Kaarak ,Apaan- vaayu Addison'sdisease : Vaayu-vardhak ,Vaata-kaarak Atrophy of muscles : Prithvi-vardhak Anus, burning/fissure in : Prithvi-vardhak Acidity : Prithvi-vardhak, Kapha-Kaarak, Jal-shaamak Aphthous ulcers :Prithvi-vardhak, Kapha-Kaarak Appetite, loss of : Prithvi-shaamak,Pitta-kaarak, Vaata-kaarak Anaemia : Jal –vardhak ,Kapha-Kaarak Ascitis :Pitta-kaarak, Vaata-kaarak,Jal-shaamak Abdominal pain : Vaata-naashak,Vaayu-shaamak , Apaan- vaayu mudra ,Maatangi Anger : Prithvi-vardhak, Kapha-Kaarak , Vaayu-shaamak. Athero-sclerosis...

How to do: Adopt sidhasana pose with both ears closed with the thumbs,both eyes with the index fingers,both nostrils with the middle fingers,and the mouth with ring and small fingers.Inhale and retain the breath.Repeat om and concentrate on Ajna chakra(between the eye-brows).Perform mula bandha and feel that kundalini shakti is ascending the sushuma ans feel that kundalini shakti is ascending the sushumna,piercing the six chakras.Exhale and release the fingers. This enables the yoga to enter deep into the heart,for the practice of profound meditation and japa.It awakens the sleeping kundalini and confers great powers to the body and mind.It bestows mental peace and serenity.

We had so far seen mudras for health and curing disease in my previous posts but there so many mudras beyond for health to enlightenment mudras. Literally the meaning of mudras is a seal. It is called so because it seals the mind with the soul. Exercises falling under mudra are associated with retention of breath. Infact bandhas and mudras go together. Mudras control the vital forces(pranas) and thereby the mind in order to awaken the hidden mystic powers. Once the potentialities of the spirit are unfolded before the performer, he can conquer all diseases and move towards God-realization. Mudras helps the striver to awaken Kundalini to check the distractions of the mind and to sublimate vital energy into Ojas Shakti or spiritual energy. With the help of this Shakti he can exp;ore the mysteries. Once th yogi attains spiritual energy, his personality blooms; he is able to attract men, his will power becomes strong and his mind balanced. But in order to draw maximum benifits...

How to do: One has to first perform Mula bandha and press the Kanda(space between anus and the generative organ) by the right heel.Keep the left leg straight. Bend down and hold the big toe of the left foot with both hands. Bring the head down until it touches the knee. This position is also known as Janu-Shira-Asan. In Maha mudra, Janu Shira Asana is associated with the Bandhas, and pranayama. Inhale and while retaining the breath performJalandhar Bandha Bandha . Then Exhale while performing Uddiyan Bandha (taking the navel forcibly towards the back). Perform the pranayama as long as you can. The same can be repeated by keeping the right leg straight and by pressing the Kanda with the left heel. The gaze should stay between the eyebrows(bhru-Madhya Drishti). Meditate upon the Ajna Chakra. duration : This mudra can be done as long as one can. Maha mudra should be followed by Maha Bandha and Maha Vedha. Benefits: This exercise enables the combined forces of Prana and Apana to pass thr...

In Maha Vedha, press the Kanda with the left heel. Perform Mula Bandha . Place the riht foot on the left thigh. Then perform Jalandhar Bandha by pressing the chin against the chest. Place both palms on the ground and then balancing the body on the hands raise the buttocks with the left heel pressing against the Kanda, then bring it down on the ground(gently). Perform inhalation of breath in the beginning of the practice and after few times of striking, exhale. This exercise is a great purifier of the body and the mind. It also awakens Kundalini Shakti and tleads to the attainment of Samdhi.