Hand yoga, also known as mudra, is a series of hand gestures and movements that have symbolic meaning and health benefits. While hand yoga is practiced throughout the world, its origin can be traced to Asia and India, where it has been a vital component to Hinduism and Buddhism for centuries.
Purpose of Hand Yoga

People practice all forms of yoga, including hand yoga, to maintain overall good health, heal certain ailments, and to prevent illnesses. People use the various hand gestures while performing dances, rituals, rites, and while engaging in spiritual exercises such as meditation and prayer. Hand yoga expresses the many states of mind, including mourning, happiness, anger, and peacefulness through gestures and body positions. People who practice hand yoga also find that the gestures can positively influence their psyche.

The Practice of Mudra

People practice mudra virtually anywhere, including while they are walking, sitting, standing, lying down, and even talking. Mudra is typically practiced with both hands at once, although it can be done one at a time. People may receive benefits from this type of yoga even they hold the hand gestures for only four to five minutes. Those new to mudra usually start by holding the poses ten minutes at a time, working up to 45 minutes continuously for optimum results. The fingers should be relaxed and comfortable, and not held in a tight or stiff position.

The best times to practice hand yoga include just before rising in the morning, a few minutes before falling asleep, before and after meals, and while walking. Those interested in mudra are encouraged to set aside some practice time each day to practice one or two gestures so that they can easily recognize the effects.

Representations

People who practice hand yoga believe that the five fingers represent the five elements of the human body:

Thumb - fire
Index - air
Middle - aakash
Ring - earth
Little - water
It is thought that when the finger representing a particular element is brought into contact with the thumb, that element is brought into balance, creating a stabilizing effect on the entire body. Mudras are believed to start electromagnetic currents within the body, create balance, and promote health.

Positions

These are more than 20 different mudra positions, including the following:

Apan Vayu Mudra
Apan Vayu Mudra symbolizes energy. It strengthens the heart, purifies the body, normalizes blood pressure, and can help alleviate menstrual discomfort. It should be done with both hands simultaneously.

Fold the forefinger to touch the mound of the thumb.
Hold the little finger in an erect position.
Place tips of middle finger and ring finger together on tip of thumb, all touching each other.
Gyan Mudra
Gyan mudra symbolizes mental peace. It is believed to enhance concentration, relieve stress, sharpen the memory, and improve sleep.

Bring the thumb and index finger together gently.
Hold all the other fingers in an upright, but not stiff, position.
Varuna Mudra
Varuna mudra symbolizes water. It can enhance beauty, remove impurities from the blood, and relieve painful menstrual cramps.

Place thumb down on the little finger.
Keep all remaining three fingers comfortably straight.
Linga Mudra
This hand gesture, which symbolizes energy and new beginnings, may help cough and colds, aid in weight reduction, and help with digestion.

Join the palms in front of the chest.
Lock the facing fingers together, keeping thumbs upright.
Hold the position for three minutes.
Release and repeat twice.
Shunya Mudra
Shunya mudra symbolizes heaven and the sky. It may relieve earache, vertigo, hearing problems, and numbness throughout the body.

Place thumb down on the middle finger.
Keep all remaining three fingers comfortably straight.
Mushtika Bandhana
When translated from Indian, Mustika Bandhana means "hand-clenching," and symbolizes the release of aggression. It may be effective in relieving osteoarthritis of the hands and wrist and can strengthen the grip.

Sit straight on a chair.
Bring one arm in front of you at shoulder level, keeping it straight and parallel to the floor.
Make a fist thumb side up, inserting the thumb into the other fingers.
Open the hand as you inhale, and stretch all five fingers.
Fold the hand back into a fist as you exhale, with the thumb tucked in.
Repeat about 8 times, and do the same with the other hand.
After some practice, hand clenching may be done with both hands at the same time.
Benefits

Those who regularly practice hand yoga may enjoy improvement in their overall health. Many believe that mudras restore the body's balance to its natural state. While some gestures provide instant relief, some ailments, such as arthritis and tendonitis, require regular practice.