MUDRA
Improved mobility with mudras
Abhay Kumar Shah takes time out to research mudras that benefit those suffering from ankylosing spondylitis, for which medical science has no cure
‘Ankylosis’ means abnormal stiffening and immobility of a joint due to fusion of the bones. ‘Spondylitis’ means inflammation of the spinal bones or vertebrae.
Ankylosing spondylitis is a very rare kind of arthritis that causes pain and stiffness, mainly in the spine.
It commonly starts at an early age, often before the age of twenty, with pain in the lower back, which is generally treated as a local pain not connected to the whole system. It then spreads to the neck and then to the joints of other body parts.
It can fuse the vertebral column completely and arrest the movement of the spine, back, and neck. As the fused spine becomes rigid and looks like a cane, the condition is called ‘Bamboo Spine.’
In severe cases, it can leave the spine hunched and weaken vertebrae, which increases the risk of vertebral fractures. It can develop an eye problem called ‘uveitis,’ which is a kind of eye inflammation that can cause pain in the eyes and blurred vision. In rare cases, it can enlarge the aorta, the largest artery in the human body, and can change the shape of the aortic valve, causing blood to leak back into the heart, which results in the overworking of the heart and shallow breath.
Causes
Till today, researchers have been unable to find any particular reason for this disease, but many doctors believe that it is genetic. Most people with ankylosing spondylitis have a gene that makes a protein called HLA-B27, which diverts the immune system to attack some common bacteria in the body and sets off symptoms. After repeated complaints of back pain, doctors suggest a blood test to detect the presence of this protein, HLA-B27, in the blood.
Unfortunately, no cure for this disease is available in modern medicine, except for painkillers and immunosuppressants. I tried some combinations of mudras, which greatly benefitted those with this disease. Let’s take a look at them.
Mudras for Phase #1.
As ankylosing spondylitis is considered to be a genetic disease, mudras to correct it must be practised for at least two months.
Jnana Mudra
This mudra governs the function of almost all the glands producing hormones in the body.
Touch the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb. Keep the remaining three fingers comfortably straight. Place the back of your palms on your thighs or knees.
Practise for 48 minutes, immediately followed by Prana Mudra for 16 minutes. It should be done twice a day.
Prana Mudra
Prana Mudra, individually, can increase the life energy force in the body. At the same time, it enhances the benefits of the mudra practised before it.
Touch the tips of the ring finger and the little finger to the tip of the thumb. Keep the remaining two fingers comfortably straight. Place the back of your palms on your thighs or knees.
Practise Prana Mudra for 16 minutes after each session of Jnana Mudra for 48 minutes.
Shankh Mudra
Shankh Mudra is known for its cleansing effect on the 72,000 nadis (energy centres) spread all over the body. It can correct deformities in the immune system.
Put a thumb (of any hand) on the hill below the thumb of the other hand. Wrap the four fingers of the hand, on which the thumb is placed, around the thumb placed on the hill below the thumb. Touch the tip of the thumb of the wrapped fingers’ hand to the tip of the index finger of the hand of which the thumb is being wrapped.
Rest the remaining three fingers on the back of the wrapped fingers. Place the back of your palms on the lap, in between the thighs.
Practise Shankh Mudra for 16 minutes for each hand twice a day.
Mudras for Phase #2.
These mudras should be practised for life.
Merudanda Mudra
This mudra diverts the energy flow to the spine. It relieves the pain in the spine with regular practice. It is different for both hands.
Right hand: Touch the tips of the little finger and the middle finger to the tip of the thumb. Keep the ring finger and the index finger straight.
Left hand: Touch the first portion of the index finger to the first portion of the thumb. Rest the thumb on the nail of the index finger. Keep the remaining three fingers comfortably straight. Place the back of your palms on your thighs or knees.
Practise Merudanda Mudra for 16 minutes, immediately followed by Prana Mudra for six minutes. Do it thrice a day.
Sandhi Mudra
As the name suggests, this mudra improves the health of all the joints. This mudra, too, is different for both hands.
Right hand: Touch the tip of the ring finger to the tip of the thumb. Keep the remaining three fingers comfortably straight. This gesture is known as Prithvi Mudra.
Left hand: Touch the tip of the middle finger to the tip of the thumb. Keep the remaining three fingers comfortably straight. Place the back of your palms on your thighs or knees.
Practise for 16 minutes, immediately followed by Prana Mudra for six minutes.
Perform it twice a day.
Sahaj Shankh Mudra
This mudra energises the lumbosacral region of the spine and increases spinal flexibility.
Clasp the fingers of one hand with the fingers of the other hand. Push the palms gently against each other. Press the tips of the fingers on the back of the other palm. Put both the thumbs adjacent and touched to each other on the nearest folded index finger. Place the back of your palms between the thighs, in front of the pelvic region.
Practise Sahaj Shankh Mudra for 16 minutes twice a day.
I humbly request all the readers to share this article with those in pain from ankylosing spondylitis and make them happy by helping to control their disease.