Mukula mudra

Beak hand

Join the tips of all four fingers to the tip of the thumb.

Five minutes, five times a day.

Point the fingertips toward the part of the body that needs more energy, that feels weak or tense, or that hurts.

For lungs, point beneath each side of the collarbone. For intestines, start at the navel and make an enlarging spiral motion.

Pran mudra

Life mudra

Join the ring and little fingers to the tip of the thumb, and extend the other two fingers together. Alternately, place the thumbs over the nails of the two bent fingers.

Five to 30 minutes; or 15 minutes, three times a day.

Increases vitality and reduces fatigue. Also used for eye health and to improve vision. Increases assertiveness, self-confidence, and courage in new endeavors.

Linga mudra

Upright mudra

With palms together, clasp the fingers. Raise the farther thumb upright so it is encircled by the thumb and finger of the other hand.

Fifteen minutes, three times a day.

Helps resist coughs, colds, and chest infections. Loosens mucus from the lungs. Increases body temperature to help destroy bacteria.

Kubera mudra

Kubera is the Hindu lord of wealth

Place the tips of your thumb, index finger, and middle finger together. Curl the other two fingers to rest in the middle of your hand.

The duration doesn’t matter, but practicing with intensity does.

For fun, try using it to find something specific like a parking space or the perfect gift.

To use it for reaching goals or wish fulfillment, practice daily. Formulate your desire into a positive statement and speak it three times out loud while pressing the fingers together.

Ksepana mudra

Pouring out and letting go

Clasp the hands with palms together, then extend the index fingers so they are straight and flat against each other. Relax the hands and point to the ground. When lying down, point toward the feet.

Hold for 7 to 15 breaths, then sigh deeply three times.

Removes expended or negative energy and tension. Stimulates elimination through intestines, skin, and lungs.

Rudra mudra

Solar plexus

Place the tips of your thumb, index, and ring fingers together. Extend the other two fingers in a relaxed way.

Five minutes, three to six times a day.

Helps with feeling centered and with strengthening the earth element and its organs (stomach, spleen, and pancreas). Relieves weakness, dizziness, and exhaustion.

Apan Vayu mudra

Lifesaver

Bend your index finger and rest the tip on the mount of the thumb. Touch the tips of the middle and ring fingers to the tip of the thumb. Extend the little finger.

Fifteen minutes three times a day as a treatment.

Emergency first aid at the initial sign of a heart attack. Regulates many heart complications, and promotes general healing and strengthening of the heart.

Contentment mudra

Release the past

Make a circle with the thumb and middle finger of the right hand and the thumb and little finger of the left hand. Relax the other fingers. Hold the hands a little apart in front of the navel. Men should reverse the left and right hands.

After a few minutes, make a fist and then relax.

Helps redirect and balance body energy. Reinforces your ability to be in touch with your higher self and live with serenity in the present. A daily practice can transform your life.