Vaayu-shaamak or Vaayu mudra

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-shaamak mudra can be used to treat the following disorders:

• Stress, anxiety, irritability, lack of concentration, timidity, indecisiveness, impatience ,restlessness,

• Sleepness, epileptic fits(conulsions),giddiness, Parkinson's diseases, chorea, tremors, sciatica, trigeminal neuralgia, intercostal neuralgia, etc.

• Hormonla imbalances caused by overactivty of endocrine glands,

• Twitching of eye-lids, nystagmus (constant involuntary eye-movements),

• tinnitus(noises in the ears), vertigo, dizziness,

• Breathlessness, tachycardia(fast heart beats), palpitations,

• Hiccups,

• Muscle-spam, muscle-cramps, muscular rigidity,

• Crackling joints(Osteo-Arthritis), gout,

• dry,rough skin/hair, brittle nails,

• Constipation, fatulence(gas formation).

Duration: 45 minutes every day, either at one stretch or in three parts(i.e for 15 minutes, thrice a day)

Ideal time: Though Vaayu-vardhak or gyaan mudra can be performed at any time of the day, practising it at any time between 2.00 to 6.00 am/pm gives better results.

Precaution: Many experienced doctors say that the practise of this mudra should be discontinuedas soon as the disease has been overcome