Yoga is the favorite exercise of millions of people, as it provides countless health benefits, relaxes and soothes the mind, and makes them feel much better. It is even scientifically confirmed that the regular practice of yoga boosts the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system.

Boosting the activity of the parasympathetic nervous system promotes relaxation and is in charge of the ‘rest and digest’ mode of the body. Yoga is as effective as, or even better, than any other traditional physical exercise, and it also reduces stress.

It can also help you target your mental well-being, and treat memory issues, depression, and anxiety. You will also boost your awareness through the breathing patterns, meditation, and simple gestures.

We will present 8 essential hand mudras in order to treat your problems. You can perform them anytime as they do not take much time and can be done in the commodity of your home.

Mudras are finger and hand ritual gestures which can be adopted during meditation or pranayama (breathing exercises). They have been often described in the ancient scripts and Hindu and Buddhist images. Yet, they can involve the entire body as well.

The yogic tradition believes that they direct the energy flow to the body and trigger various brain areas. They treat various ailments and support overall health. In the esoteric context, each finger is associated with a natural element, earth, air, water, fire and ether (space).

These are the eight mudras which will help you treat migraines, anxiety, and depression, and support overall health:

Prana Mudra – Mudra of Life

This crucial mudra balances the body energy strengthens the immunity and revitalizes the body. It also treats eyesight issues, insomnia, and is beneficial during fasting as it reduces hunger pangs.

Instructions:  With the tips of the ring and the little finger, touch the tip of the thumb, while keeping the other 2 fingers straight. You can perform this mudra anytime during the day, and its regular practice will provide lots of energy.

Prithvi Mudra – Mudra of Earth

This mudra will be of great help when you feel exhausted and stressed out, as it reduces weakness, helps digestion, and boosts the blood circulation. Put the tips of the ring finger and the thumb together, and press. The other 3 fingers should be extended.

For best effects, perform this mudra in the morning.

Agni Mudra – Mudra of Fire

It is also known as Surya Mudra (Mudra of the Sun) and helps you treat anxiety, weight issues, and help digestion. Also, it stimulates the thyroid gland.

Instructions: You should bend the ring finger and press the base of the thumb against its second phalanx. Keep the other fingers stretched out.

You should perform it in the morning, on an empty stomach, while sitting. Hold for 5-10 minutes, twice daily. Note that you should not overdo it in the case of hot weather.

Apanu Vaya Mudra – Mudra of the Heart

This mudra is of great help for people who have suffered a heart attack, as it significantly strengthens the heart.

Instructions: You should touch the tip of the thumb with the tips of the middle finger and ring finger. The index finger should touch the base of the thumb and press a bit, while the little  finger is stretched out. Hold for 15 minutes and perform it daily.

Gyan Mudra – Mudra of Knowledge

This mudra increases knowledge enhances concentration  and improves memory. It is also helpful in the case of insomnia and stimulates the pituitary and endocrine glands.

Instructions: This mudra is common in meditation. You should touch the tip of the thumb against the tip of the index finger, and stretch out the other three fingers, or keep them a bit bent. For best results, perform this mudra in the morning, while sitting, standing, or lying down.

Varun Mudra – Mudra of Water

It provides numerous benefits for the skin, moisturizes it, and regulates the fluids in the body.

Instructions: You should slightly touch the tips of the thumb and little finger, and keep the other fingers stretched out.

To prevent dehydration, you should not press the nail of the little finger. You can perform it anytime during the day while sitting.  Also, avoid it in the case of asthma or other respiratory issues.

Vayu Mudra – Mudra of Air

This mudra is excellent in the case of chronic rheumatic conditions, gout, paralysis, arthritis, Parkinson’s disease, and cervical spondylitis. It releases the excess air from the stomach.

Instructions: Every finger has three bones known as the phalanges (only the thumb has two).

You should hold the index finger and put the base of the thumb against its distal phalanx (the bone near the tip of the finger). The thumb should be on the index finger and slightly press. Stretch out the other three fingers.

You can perform this mudra any time of the day, and hold for 45 seconds to relieve pain. Prolonged use may lead to an imbalance of the body, so stop performing it when you achieve the desired effects.

Shunya Mudra – Mudra of Emptiness

This mudra will be of great help in the case of earaches or hearing problems.

Instructions: Bend the middle finger, put the thumb over it, and press the distal phalanx (the bone close to the tip of the finger) of the middle finger with the base of the thumb.

The other fingers should be stretched out. Be completely focused on alleviating an earache. As soon as the pain disappears, stop performing it.

Source: www.davidwolfe.com
Other included sources linked in David Wolfe’s article:
The Hearty Soul
Yoga Journal
Eclectic Energies