What are Mudras
A mudra is a symbolic gesture or ritual gesture used by the hands. It is commonly used in Hinduism, Buddhism, and other religions. Most mudras use the hands and fingers. Others involve movements of the shoulders, wrists, and elbows. There are many mudras used in ceremonies, dancing, sculpture, and painting iconography (i.e. Representations of Buddha. The use of mudras in spiritual and yoga practices, including those of Indian religions such as Dharma or Taoism, has been common for thousands of years to facilitate meditation and/or healing.
The hand gestures called mudras in yoga are used in conjunction with pranayama (yogic breath exercises). They are typically performed while one is in Padmasana Sukhasana or Vajrasana. Mudras are used to stimulate the different parts of your body that deal with breathing. They also affect your mood and energy flow. Hand gestures and positions that are specific to a particular hand act as "locks" and guide energy flows and reflexes towards the brain. As each hand corresponds to one part of the mind, or body, it can be controlled by curling, crossing, stretching, and touching the fingers.
Spiritually, specific mudras are an outward manifestation of one's inner desires. There are many mudras. However, it is believed that meditation on a particular mudra will bring forth certain thoughts, energies, or devotions. Mudras help us visualize what we want and need. Mudras allow you to physically connect with an intangible wish by placing your hands in a mudra.
