In this feature, we look at some practices that may be done anywhere, through the day, for healing. Though mudras are most effective when you hold them meditatively, you can hold these during other activities such as watching TV, a film or while commuting. Increase the duration to up to 45 minutes daily, by spreading it over the day or doing it all at one go while meditating. It is advisable to stop practicing these mudras once your problem has been brought under control.
Here, Shameem Akthar, yoga acharya trained with Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, instructs you on five mudras that can help you deal with chronic joint pain
Jal vardhak (Water increasing mudra)
To do this mudra, also referred to as the Varun mudra (or rain hand gesture) sit in a meditative pose. Lightly touch the tip of your little finger to your thumb.
Do this for each hand. Hold for five minutes, thrice daily. This may be done anytime through the day.
Avoid: If having excess water element in the body (oedema or water retention, for instance).
Benefits: Improves the water element, removing conditions of dehydration, dryness that cause indigestion. Helps treat anemia or weak iron absorption. This is useful in joint pains caused by joint dryness, like osteo-arthritic pain.
Vata naashak mudra (Controlling air hand gesture)
Sit meditatively with your eyes shut. Press down your index and middle fingers firmly with your thumb. Do this for each hand. Hold for three to five minutes and release.
Benefits: Controls nervous tension; relieves dryness of eyes, skin and hair. Promotes metabolism. Sweetens voice. Used as therapy for pain caused by dry joints, arthritis and degenerating tissue
Kapha kaarak mudra (Promoting earth element hand gesture)
Sit meditatively with your eyes shut. Touch the tips of your little finger and ring finger with the tip of your thumb. Do this for each hand. Hold for three to five minutes. This may be done several times during the day.
Benefits: Reduces excessive dryness of skin, hair and eyes. Reduces fever. Controls premature aging. Useful in arthritis and degenerating tissue.
Apan mudra (Hand gesture of downward energy)
mudra is to be done while seated. Shut your eyes. Press your middle finger and ring finger to your thumb. Stretch out the other fingers. Do this for each hand. Hold for three minutes for proper impact.
Benefits: An instant energizer. Boosts the efficiency of systems dealing with digestion, excretion, and toxic removal to make you feel fresh and alive. Useful in controlling inflammatory conditions of the joints.
