A handful of questions about hand mudras, lol

Yoga Discussion General Yoga
#1

What’s up, I am kind of new to studying yoga and I am fascinated by mudras and beginning to study them very seriously and I have a bunch of good questions about them. Firstly I have read that the five elements are each related to one of the fingers. Most teachings say the thumb is related to fire, the forefinger to air, the middle to space or ether, the ring finger to earth and the little finger to was water. Yet I’m sure I read another teaching which related the forefinger to water and the little finger to air. Can someone with knowledge please clarify which teaching is correct, and why would there be another variation…?

Next is a few questions about specific details of practice I can’t seem to find clarified in any teaching I’ve read. Most teachings suggest beginning with twenty to thirty minutes a day practicing a given mudra. Does that have to be in one sitting or can it be done at different times throughout the day with same total effect…? Also if you practice the mudra with both hands at the same time, is the effect increased or is it the same. Thanks for any knowledgeable replies.

#2

I am not an authority on Mudra. I know mudra merits counter mudra. I also know that many profess to know mudra, just as many profess to know other elements, but do not have a deep enough understanding to champion student safety in the teachings. My point is to proceed with great care and, were it me, I’d begin the exploration of just a few minutes per session and work up as discernment allows.

#3

Kosmo,

The hand is a microcosm of the whole body. Mudras are isometrics: thumb/forefinger, same side of sagittal plane; thumb/middle finger, aligned with sagittal plane; thumb/forth finger, opposition across sagittal plane. Practiced independently of comprehensive hatha/pranayama, doesn’t matter how long you do it, it’s not going very far, except maybe carpal tunnel?

It’s nothing cosmic.

siva

#4

Thanks for reply, I also practice hatha asanas and am beginning to study pranayama as well.

#5

Kosmo,

That stuff about the elements is largely symbolic? Finger mudras have a physical reality, but are more significant as part of a whole and not so much there to cause effect. Use them when sitting, meditation, pranayama, etc. They are finishing touches and good habits, but not something from which you should seek a result or particular benefit.

peace,
siva

#6

For anyone else interested I also found this good article which gives a good breakdown of the real science behind mudra practice…