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Food poisoning

Food poisoning, also called food borne illness is an illness caused by eating or drinking food or water contaminated with viruses, bacteria, toxins, parasites, or chemicals.

Psychological Cause:

Food poisoning shows a great lack of dietary balance on the part of the person, and, consequently, a great imbalance at the level of his roots, his position in the world, and the people he associates with.Food poisoning may happen to a group of people, which shows that they feel a tension associated with the emotion of losing everything at one time, though individual reasons may differ. This ‘everything’ is subjective. ‘Everything’ may be an exaggeration, but that is how the person perceives what he experienced. In reality, it may be a relationship, a dear person, or money, and the person feels that it is not worth living like this. It is a sensation of momentary collapse, but a very intense one. The stomach is associated with the digestion of emotions, namely in what concerns roots (home, money, work, place where we live, close friends and relative, and biological mother).The small bowel is associated with discernment. The person expels without telling what is good from what is bad. In the small bowel, like in the stomach, tensions are related to roots, close relatives and friends.

Food poisoning is generally classified as dampness and heat in the spleen, stomach and intestines. Digestion is controlled by the spleen and stomach. The spleen is thought to transform the food we consume into qi or energy that the rest of the body can utilize. Therefore, if something disruptive like a food-born pathogen assaults this system, the whole body is affected, not only the digestive organs. When food-born toxins invade, the food stagnates, its
transformation and transportation are disrupted and this often causes stomach qi to rebel upwards resulting in acid regurgitation or vomiting. The tongue has a thick and often yellow sticky coating. The pulse usually feels slippery and forceful during the illness.

Symptoms

Food poisoning symptoms vary with the source of contamination. Most types of food poisoning cause one or more of the following signs and symptoms:

·         abdominal pain

·         diarrhea

·         vomiting

·         mild fever

·         weakness

·         nausea

·         headaches

Two categories of food poisoning

The causes of food poisoning can be categorized into the following two groups:

•         Infectious causes
•         Toxic causes

Contaminant	Onset of symptoms	Foods affected and means of transmission
Campylobacter	2 to 5 days	Meat and poultry. Contamination occurs during processing if animal feces contact meat surfaces. Other sources include unpasteurized milk and contaminated water.
Clostridium botulinum	12 to 72 hours	Home-canned foods with low acidity, improperly canned commercial foods, smoked or salted fish, potatoes baked in aluminum foil, and other foods kept at warm temperatures for too long.
Clostridium perfringens	8 to 16 hours	Meats, stews and gravies. Commonly spread when serving dishes don't keep food hot enough or food is chilled too slowly.
Escherichia coli (E. coli) O157:H7	1 to 8 days	Beef contaminated with feces during slaughter. Spread mainly by undercooked ground beef. Other sources include unpasteurized milk and apple cider, alfalfa sprouts, and contaminated water.
Giardia lamblia	1 to 2 weeks	Raw, ready-to-eat produce and contaminated water. Can be spread by an infected food handler.
Hepatitis A	28 days	Raw, ready-to-eat produce and shellfish from contaminated water. Can be spread by an infected food handler.
Listeria	9 to 48 hours	Hot dogs, luncheon meats, unpasteurized milk and cheeses, and unwashed raw produce. Can be spread through contaminated soil and water.
Noroviruses (Norwalk-like viruses)	12 to 48 hours	Raw, ready-to-eat produce and shellfish from contaminated water. Can be spread by an infected food handler.
Rotavirus	1 to 3 days	Raw, ready-to-eat produce. Can be spread by an infected food handler.
Salmonella	1 to 3 days	Raw or contaminated meat, poultry, milk or egg yolks. Survives inadequate cooking. Can be spread by knives, cutting surfaces or an infected food handler.
Shigella	24 to 48 hours	Seafood and raw, ready-to-eat produce. Can be spread by an infected food handler.
Staphylococcus aureus	1 to 6 hours	Meats and prepared salads, cream sauces, and cream-filled pastries. Can be spread by hand contact, coughing and sneezing.
Vibrio vulnificus	1 to 7 days	Raw oysters and raw or undercooked mussels, clams, and whole scallops. Can be spread through contaminated seawater.

Prevention:

The best way to prevent food poisoning is to handle your food safely and to avoid any food may be unsafe.

·         Meat, poultry, eggs, and shellfish. These foods may harbor infectious agents that are killed during cooking

·         Sushi and other fish products that are served raw or undercooked.

·         Unpasteurized milk, cheese, and juice.

·         Raw, unwashed fruits and vegetables.

Always wash your hands before cooking or eating food. Make sure that your food is properly sealed. Store refrigerated and frozen foods appropriately. Thoroughly cook meat and eggs. Anything that comes in contact with raw products should be sanitized before using it to prepare other foods. Make sure to ALWAYS wash fruits and vegetables before serving.

Those who are at high risk of severe reaction to food poisoning—infants and young children, the elderly, people who have compromised immune systems, and pregnant women—should avoid eating high-risk foods such as sushi, deli meat, soft cheeses, and unpasteurized milk or juice. 

Home Remedies

·        Ginger: It adds flavor to your dishes, but is also an excellent home remedy for curing almost all types of digestive problems. Take a tablespoon of honey with a few drops of ginger juice to reduce inflammation and pain. It has been found to increase the secretion of gastric juice and the production of hypochloride. This means that food is digested more quickly; creating an unfriendly environment for bacteria that could wreak havoc with your stomach and intestines.
In fact, ginger can be used for most digestive upsets that involve nausea, vomiting, cramping, abdominal pain, indigestion or diarrhea.

·        Cumin: Cumin or jeera seeds are a good way to soothe the inflammation in your stomach, reduce the tenderness and aid healing. Crush a tablespoon of cumin seeds and add it to your clear soup.

·        Basil: Basil is another excellent home remedy to cure infections of both - the stomach and the throat. Strain the juice of a few basil leaves and add it to a tablespoon of honey. It’s bound to show positive results within a couple of hours.

·        Bananas: Bananas are a rich source of potassium. They aid recovery and reduce the effects of food poisoning to an impressive level. Mash a couple of bananas and apple, or whip up a quick banana shake.

·        Apples: Apples are as effective against food poisoning as they reduce heartburn and acid reflux. Apples are known to have enzymes that inhibit the growth of the bacteria that cause diarrhea and stomach ache.

·        Lemon: The acidity of the lemon juice kills most of the bacteria that cause food poisoning. Squeeze the juice of a lemon and add a pinch of sugar to it. Drink it as you would take any medicine, or you can even add lemon to your tea.

·        Water: It is very important to keep yourself fully hydrated during the period of food poising, as your body tends to lose more water through diarrhea. Also, keeping up your water content, rapidly flushes out the toxins and bacteria, which enhances your recovery.

·        Apple cider vinegar: Being alkaline in nature, vinegar, specifically apple cider vinegar soothes the gastro-intestinal lining. Also, it makes the environment of the stomach inhospitable for the bacteria to breed in, which helps speed up the recovery.

·        Peppermint tea: Peppermint oil is known to have a soothing effect, which is extremely beneficial for people suffering from stomach spasms due to food poisoning. Add a few drops to your tea; your cramps will vanish in a couple of hours.

Acupressure Points

SP6, CV4, ST36, ST25, P6

Reflexology Points

3,8,10,16,19,20,21,22,23,27,29,37,26

Angina pectoris

Angina pectoris results from a mismatch between restricted coronary artery blood flow and an increased myocardial workload and due to this heart muscle doesn't get enough oxygen-rich blood.. The pain may spread to the left shoulder, left arm and hand; neck, throat, jaw, back and/or stomach. The patient may be temporarily short of breath, and/or feel weak and/or anxious, feel like pressure or squeezing in your chest.
Angina isn't a disease; it's a symptom of an underlying heart problem. Angina usually is a symptom of coronary heart disease(CHD). It occurs if a waxy substance called plaque (plak) builds up on the inner walls of your coronary arteries. These arteries carry oxygen-rich blood to your heart.
Plaque narrows and stiffens the coronary arteries. This reduces the flow of oxygen-rich blood to the heart muscle, causing chest pain. Plaque buildup also makes it more likely that blood clots will form in your arteries. Blood clots can partially or completely block blood flow, which can cause a heart attack.

Types of Angina
The major types of angina are stable, unstable, variant (Prinzmetal's), and microvascular. 

Stable Angina
The pain or discomfort:
• Occurs when the heart must work harder, usually during physical exertion
• Doesn't come as a surprise, and episodes of pain tend to be alike
• Usually lasts a short time (5 minutes or less)
• Is relieved by rest or medicine
• May feel like gas or indigestion
• May feel like chest pain that spreads to the arms, back, or other areas

Unstable Angina
The pain or discomfort:
• Often occurs at rest, while sleeping at night, or with little physical exertion
• Comes as a surprise
• Is more severe and lasts longer than stable angina (as long as 30 minutes)
• Usually isn’t relieved by rest or medicine
• May get worse over time
• May mean that a heart attack will happen soon

Variant Angina
The pain or discomfort:
• Usually occurs at rest and during the night or early morning hours
• Tends to be severe
• Is relieved by medicine

Microvascular Angina
The pain or discomfort:
• May be more severe and last longer than other types of angina pain
• May occur with shortness of breath, sleep problems, fatigue, and lack of energy
• Often is first noticed during routine daily activities and times of mental stress

Causes 
• Smoking
• High amounts of certain fats and cholesterol in the blood
• High blood pressure
• High amounts of sugar in the blood due to insulin resistance or diabetes

Stable Angina
Physical exertion is the most common trigger of stable angina. Severely narrowed arteries may allow enough blood to reach the heart when the demand for oxygen is low, such as when you're sitting.
However, with physical exertion—like walking up a hill or climbing stairs—the heart works harder and needs more oxygen.
Other triggers of stable angina include:
• Emotional stress
• Exposure to very hot or cold temperatures
• Heavy meals
• Smoking

Unstable Angina
Blood clots that partially or totally block an artery cause unstable angina.
If plaque in an artery ruptures, blood clots may form. This creates a blockage. A clot may grow large enough to completely block the artery and cause a heart attack. Blood clots may form, partially dissolve, and later form again. Angina can occur each time a clot blocks an artery.

Variant Angina
A spasm in a coronary artery causes variant angina. The spasm causes the walls of the artery to tighten and narrow. Blood flow to the heart slows or stops. Variant angina can occur in people who have CHD and in those who don’t.
The coronary arteries can spasm as a result of:
• Exposure to cold
• Emotional stress
• Medicines that tighten or narrow blood vessels
• Smoking
• Cocaine use

Microvascular Angina
This type of angina may be a symptom of coronary microvascular disease (MVD). Coronary MVD is heart disease that affects the heart’s smallest coronary arteries.
Reduced blood flow in the small coronary arteries may cause microvascular angina. Plaque in the arteries, artery spasms, or damaged or diseased artery walls can reduce blood flow through the small coronary arteries.

Symptoms
• pressure,
• heaviness,
• tightening,
• squeezing, or
• aching across the chest, particularly behind the breastbone.
This pain often radiates to the neck, jaw, arms, back, or even the teeth.
Patients may also suffer:
• indigestion,
• heartburn,
• weakness,
• sweating,
• nausea,
• cramping, and
• shortness of breath.
Angina usually occurs during exertion, severe emotional stress, or after a heavy meal, when the heart muscle demands more blood oxygen than the narrowed coronary arteries can deliver. 

Risk factors include:
• smoking
• sedentary lifestyle
• high blood pressure, or hypertension
• high blood fats or cholesterol
• hypercholesterolemia
• diabetes
• family history of premature ischemic heart disease

Angina in women
A woman's angina symptoms can be different from the classic angina symptoms. For example, women often experience symptoms such as nausea, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, or extreme fatigue, with or without with chest pain. Or a woman may feel discomfort in her neck, jaw or back or stabbing pain instead of the more typical chest pressure. These differences may lead to delays in seeking treatment.

Home Remedies for Angina Pectoris
• Cloves are also helpful, peel two or three cloves from the top and pop them like pills in every morning. 
• Garlic is well known for reducing cholesterol in body, eating garlic directly or with honey can useful in treatment of angina.
• Lemon: many people find that lemon juice is an effective treatment of angina. This is because lemon juice eliminates and stops cholesterol accumulation in the blood vessels.
• Holy Basil leaves are also very helpful with problems related to angina. Chew few fresh Basil leaves every morning. In the scarcity of fresh basil leaves, take dry Basil leaves and make a tea of that leaves and drink this every morning. 
• Mix some pure honey, a slice of lemon, and warm water together and take this mixture as an initial thing in the morning before eating or drinking anything else. 
• Another efficient home remedy that can be start morning is onion juice. Make puree a full onion with water, of course peeled one. Drink this juice in the morning on an empty stomach to decrease the cholesterol in bloodstream and in body. 
• Beet juice is also helpful in controlling Angina. 
• Daily intake of fresh grapes and apple are one of the easiest home remedies for Angina. Apples are helpful in proper blood circulation.
Preventions :
• Don't smoke. Cigarettes remove oxygen from the blood. They excite the heart, and make the blood cells stick together. If someone stops smoking, after five years their risk of a heart attack falls to about the same as non-smokers. 
• Lowering high blood pressure High blood pressure makes the heart work harder. So blood pressure needs to be controlled. 
• Weight reduction. Keeping close to the recommended weight for your height and age will keep your blood pressure down and reduce the workload on your heart. 
• Lowering blood cholesterol. If your blood cholesterol is too high you will be given statins and advised on diet, eg. 
Cut down on saturated fats – in dairy products and fatty meats. Eat lean meats, use little or no butter, and switch to skimmed or semi-skimmed milk. Grill food rather than frying it. 
● Polyunsaturated fat is in corn oil, sunflower oil, safflower oil, and soya oil – and is good. 
● Monounsaturated fat is in olive oil, groundnut oil, and rape oil – and is good. 
● Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables – five fruits & vegetables a day. 
• Reduce stress. If you have angina then you should learn to relax more. Some hobbies will help you relax, but the important thing is to find out the stresses at home or work that you cannot cope with. Try to avoid activities that cause mental and emotional turmoil. 


Everyday life with angina
• Exercise will help to keep your weight down – most people feel better generally when they are fit. Walking, swimming, and cycling are all good for the body's systems. You should take 30 minutes of exercise 3 to 5 times a week. 
But weight lifting and press-ups are types of intense exercise that are not recommended. Highly competitive exercise such as squash may be dangerous if you have a heart condition.
• Sexual intercourse. The combination of physical activity and sexual excitement may bring on an angina attack. You do not need to avoid sexual activity, unless it produces angina. Taking a GTN tablet or spray beforehand will usually help. A useful rule is that if you can climb two flights of stairs without pain you can safely manage sexual intercourse. Sex is a normal part of life, if symptoms occur ask for advice. Do not avoid sex as this may lead to unnecessary frustration and reduce your enjoyment of life. 
• Driving. Do not drive if you get angina while driving. If angina only occurs on exercise and is stable, driving is permitted and notification to DVLA is not needed. 
• Holidays and travel are important and are recommended. You should organize your journey to allow plenty of time. Avoid carrying heavy pieces of luggage. Air travel should be no problem in modern pressurized aircraft. At an airport, take a rest in the departure lounge, so that an angina attack is less likely when you walk to the departure gate. You should avoid high mountains, though if you have mild or moderate angina you should be all right at heights up to about 2000 metres or 6600 feet.
• Contact your doctor if your angina attacks become more frequent or more severe. This is especially important if your angina develops at rest or on minimal exertion, or if GTN seems to become less effective. If the angina is worsening, or occurs on only slight exertion or at rest,

Foods That Ease PMS Symptoms

Gymnéma Sylvestre : Sugar Killer

Common Names :Gurmari, Gurmarbooti, Gurmar, Merasingi, Meshashringi, Miracle Plant, Shardunika, Vishani. 

Historically, Gymnema sylvestre has been used to treat conditions ranging from malaria to snake bites. Sushruta, the classic book on Ayurveda, describes G. sylvestre, as a destroyer of 'Madhumeha' (glycosuria) and other urinary disorders. This herb has been given the name of 'gur-mar' meaning 'sugar-destroying,' because of its property of abolishing the taste of sugar and "mesbasringi" meaning 'ram's horn' with relation to the shape of its fruits.

Gymnema contains substances that decrease the absorption of sugar from the intestine. Gymnema may also increase the amount of insulin in the body and increase the growth of cells in the pancreas, which is the place in the body where insulin is made.

Gymnema : Health Benefits

• Diabetes mellitus

• Urinary Problem

• Glycosuria

• Stomach pain, gastrointestinal benefits, the regulation of cholesterol levels, and various other anti-inflammatory properties

• Anti-allergic, antiviral

• Gymnema removes sugar from pancreas, restores pancreatic function.

• Gymnema stimulate the circulatory system, increases urine secretion.

• Gymnema is also useful for the treatment of swollen glands, cough, and fever.

• Appetite Suppression: The gymnema plant contains a number of compounds, such as acidic glycosides and anthroquinones. The primary bioactive constituent of gymnema, known as gymnemic acid, is found in the leaves and roots. Gymnemic acids are sweetness inhibitors. Simply put, chewing gymnema leaves will reduce the taste of sugar, or “sweetness,” in the mouth. The temporary effect is noticed with both artificial and natural sweeteners; and suggests Gymnema may have value within an appetite suppression spectrum.

This conclusion was cited in an a Physiology & Behavior study where researchers tested the effects of Gymnema on average weight persons who were fasting. They found that those who took gymnema one hour before being offered food ate less than the participants who had not consume gymnema [1].

• leaves are rubbed into scarifications in the sides to treat stitch.

• the leaves and roots are considered purgative and emetic

• crushed roots or powdered roots are applied to snakebites

• pounded cooked roots in food are taken to treat epilepsy.

• pounded cooked roots or root powder are applied externally to treat boils

• an infusion of the leafy twigs is taken to treat gonorrhoea

• Fresh leaves are chewed to treat diabetes.

• roots and leaves are furthermore used for a wide variety of ailments, e.g. to treat rheumatoid arthritis, gout, inflammation of the blood vessels, oedema, fever, cough, haemorrhoids, boils, sores, insect bites

• helpful in controlling high blood sugar levels in people with Type 1 and Type 2 diabetes, when used in conjunction with insulin

• food additives as a weight loss remedy as it is considered to help curb cravings for sweets and to have lipid lowering effects

• It also helps preventing caries

• Gymnema sylvestre leaves is helpful in decreasing plasma triglyceride

• Gymnema may have benefit on people at risk of breast cancer

• Gymnema also has anti-atherosclerotic benefits that may reduce plaque buildup on the walls of the arteries, making this a potentially life-saving ingredient for one’s internal health.

If pregnant or lactating, it is not advised to take this herb due to lack of research and potential impact on the baby.

The leaves and roots of Gymnema sylvestre can be used fresh or dried and powdered for later use. The dried material can best be stored in airtight containers.

Health Benefits of Shivlingi Plant (Gift of God For Ladies)

Botonical name : Bryonopsis laciniosa 
Family : Cucurbitaceae 
Sanskrit names : Svalingi, Lingini, Svayambhu, Isvari, Bahupatra. 

Plant flowers and fruits during the period from August to December.
The drug Bryonopsis laciniosa is conception promoting or foetus stabilizing herbal agent promoting fertility. The seeds are orally given for treating sterility as well as helping conception and development including stabilization of foetus in pregnancy. It is also very useful in PCOD, PCOS, Menstrual problems, Menstrual spasm etc.

Bryonopsis laciniosa is appreciably regarded as an important medicine for treatment of infertility. Leaves are used for inflammation purpose. Fruits are used as aphrodisiac, tonic. 
Whole plant is useful in constipation, fever, flatulence, skin diseases and general-debility.

The seeds of Shivlingi, taken with milk, promote the conception of a male child. The seeds were used for increasing sperm count. 45 seeds of shivlingi with jaggery are given to the female immediately after the menstruation on 4 consecutive days, or on alternate days for 8 days. If conception does not take place the drug is repeated after the next menstruation.

Diet: Milk , Green vegetable , sitaphal,carrot , onion,lahsun
Restricted diet : Fish, lady finger, cauli-flower, cabbage, arabi, shaljam,urad, gram daal.
Dose : 45 seeds as a single dose.

Health Benefits Of Hibiscus

Gudhal or Japa is a popular plant in India which can be commonly found in many households and is easily available. 

Chemical Constituents
The bio-chemicals found in Gudhal or Hibiscus plant include β-sitosterol, stigmasterol, taraxeryl acetate and three cyclopropane compounds and their derivatives. Flowers contain cyanidin diglucoside, flavonoids and vitamins, thiamine, riboflavin, niacin and ascorbic acid (Ghani, 2003). Quercetin-3-diglucoside, 3,7-diglucoside, cyanidin- 3,5-diglucoside and cyanidin-3-sophoroside-5- glucoside have been isolated from deep yellow flowers.A preliminary screening has noted the presence of sterols, carbohydrates, glycosides, tannins and Flavonoids.

Health Benefits
Control of diabetes: Diabetes control is perhaps one of the very important health benefits that many people seek. Now, diabetes can be controlled with the use of Gudhal or Hibiscus. The leaf extracts of the plant have been tested to significantly control blood glucose levels.
Lowers hypertension or blood pressure: Blood pressure can be regarded as a cousin to diabetes and it is also equally responsible for a large number of deaths. Control of hypertension is just as important as the control of diabetes. Gudhal leaf extracts have also been tested to be effective against hypertension, as some studies have revealed.
Anti-fertility properties: One of the traditional uses of Gudhal plant has been its use as an anti-fertility agent or contraceptive. Studies have shown that the plant extracts given to lab animals inhibited the fertility and prevented conception. This property can be exploited for the current times as an easy contraceptive, unlike synthetic contraceptive pills which bring in many side effects than stopping pregnancy.
Abortifacient properties: The plant not only possesses anti-fertility properties, but it has also been traditionally used as an abortifacient. Tests on the plant extracts have resulted in eliminating pregnancies in the very early stages.
Stops diarrhoea: The leaves of the plant have been in use in Ayurveda for a long time as a cure for diarrhoea. A paste of the leaves can be taken to completely cure diarrhoea. The presence of spasmogenic and spasmolytic bio-chemicals has been listed as one of the reasons for its use in controlling diarrhoea.
Analgesic or pain-killing properties: The leaf extracts have also showed analgesic properties. Tests on animals with induced pain showed a significant control of pain after administering with the leaf extracts.
Anti-microbial properties: The extracts of Gudhal have shown significant anti-fungal and anti-viral properties. This is perhaps one of the reasons for the plant being used traditionally in Ayurveda for skin diseases, burns and boils to inhibit infections.
For good hair: The use of Gudhal leaves is another traditional therapy for good hair. The leaves are crushed and applied along with soap nut on the scalp for healthy, good looking hair and perhaps to stop hair loss, if used on a regular basis.

Mudras & Our Health

Mudras work on the nerves, they are a NEURAL SCIENCE

The science of Gestures is a gift of our ancient Rishis and Munis, and even Gods have communicated each other by gestures. We can see the evidences in the walls of our ancient temples, Thus we can understand Mudra’s are also an expression, a sign language, a bodily gesture, or even a communication we can say.

The human body is an unparalleled marvel; of nature. It is perfect in all respects. It not only performs its functions as it is meant to but is also capable of:
- adapting to changed circumstances (environmental factors, loss of parts etc.)
- correcting any functional parameters that may be going out (diseases )
- repairing any defects creeping in (accidental damages) and
- taking care of any malfunctioning (ailments) of the constituent parts (organs).
In the natural course of things, all that an affected part has to do is to send a message to the master – THE BRAIN. The super computer that is beyond the wildest imagination of modern science. This BRAIN then studies / analyses the problem, determines solutions / actions required, decides what resources are necessary to meet the situation and who will provide them. It then conveys the instructions to the involved parties. All of them then come together, act in concert and provide relief / repairs to the affected part. All this is done in less time than you could say ‘WOW’
The key to efficient working of this entire system is an efficient message communication system. Time is often of essence in such situations and clarity and speed of communication of vital importance. The communication system is our nerves. Spread over the entire body, these nerves carry innumerable and infinitely complex messages without pause.
This communication system is not permitted to have defects (nervous tensions???).
This communication system is not permitted to have breakdowns (nervous breakdown???).
When a wire carrying messages gets a nick or a dent, when a message carrying frequency encounters an interference, the messages get garbled and do not come across clearly. This causes a ‘Communication Gap’. Any Communication Gap can seriously undermine the efficacy of the system and hence the cure. This is what happens between the sender and the receiver in the human body also. This prevents the correct nature of complaint reaching the brain and the correct actions reaching the various involved constituents.
Therefore it is of vital importance that the nerves stay in their natural condition and natural tension – the default tension provided by nature. The logic applying to animals and more so to humans. The farther humans go from nature, the more the tensions in their nerves go out of the default settings.

The Science behind Mudras
The physical body is made up of five elements namely - Air, Water, Fire, Earth and Aakash (ether - the tiny intercellular spaces in the human body).
Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system and causes disease.
Deficiencies in any of these elements can be made up by connecting one part of the body with another in a particular manner through Mudras.
When a finger representing an element is brought into contact with the thumb, that element is brought into balance. Therefore the disease caused by the imbalance is cured. Mudras start electromagnetic currents within the body which balance various constituting elements and restore health. The joining of fingers creates an effect on the human body.

Five Fingers for Five Elements
* Thumb Fire
* Index Air
* Middle Aakash
* Ring Earth
* Little Water
The finger tips of every living being have many concentrated nerve root endings which are free energy discharge points. Science also confirms that around every tip there is a concentration of free electrons. By touching together of the tips of the fingers or the finger tips to other parts of the palms this free energy (Prana) is redirected back into the body along specified channels, back up to the brain. The redirected energy traveling through the nerves stimulates the various chakras. Keeping the hands on the knees stimulates the Gupta Nari and makes the energy start from the Mooladhara Chakra.
Thus, the tension applied to the nerve/s and/or the neural or psycho-neural circuits formed by the mudras help in balancing the five basic elements (or building blocks). This balancing of the tension, and redirection of the internal energy effects the changes in veins, tendons, glands and sensory organs, to bring the body back to a healthy state.
Keeping specified nerves stretched for specified periods tones up of the nervous system. The fingers of each hand are held folded in certain specific postures and this provides the required tension on the nerves.
The fingers of each and every individual in the world are different in their shapes and sizes. These are determined and provided by nature as a tool to bring the nerves into prime condition when affected adversely.
Thus, they provide a different 'end tension' on the nerves when different individuals fold their fingers or the same individual folds the fingers by different methods in different Mudras. This is exactly the tension required by that individual for that particular application. Nature has already bestowed us with the tools to be used to keep us healthy.
Compare this with Acupressure where the nerves are influenced by the application of pressure on certain points or Acupuncture, where slight electrical impulses are conveyed through needles inserted in the body. The advantage in Mudras is that the pressure to be applied on the nerves is automatic and controlled by the shape and size of the fingers and not by external agencies.

Because the Mudras work on the nerves, they are a NEURAL SCIENCE.

 Mudra Vigyan is also a science based on the principles of the Indian Medical Science (Ayurveda) which lays down three factors primarily responsible for the body's ills, Vata (wind), Pitta (bile) and Kapha (Phlegm).

10 types of Vayus (Winds) circulate through the nerves of the human body and can be controlled with MUDRAS.
MUKHYA VAYUS (Main Winds)
Pran Vayu Mouth; central nose; central nabhi; heart
Apan Vayu Rectum; regenerative organs; knees; loins Stomach; waist; navel and calves
Vyan Vayu Eyes; ears; shoulders; ankles; throat
Udan Vayu Hands and feet
Saman Vayu assists other Vayus
UPVAYUS (Secondary winds)
Nag Vayu, Kurm Vayu, Kriker Vayu, Krikal or Devadutta Vayu, Dhananjaya Vayu and these winds circulate in places like the skin and bones etc.

Some Mudra's and their benefits
1. Gyan Mudra:
This is the first yoga mudra pose known as Gyan Mudra or the Mudra of Knowledge.
How to do?
Practice this mudra when doing meditations. It’s perfect when you do it early in the mornings with a fresh mind. Touch the tip of your index finger with the tip of your thumb. The other three fingers, you may keep it straight or just keep it free, doesn’t matter even if they are slightly bent. This is a very commonly used mudra when practicing meditations.
Caution:
This is a very beneficial mudra and anyone can practice this.
Benefits:
• As the name suggests, this mudra is meant to increase your concentration and memory power.
• This mudra sharpens your brain power.
• It has the ability to cure insomnia.
• Practice this mudra regularly to heal yourself of all mental and psychological disorders like anger, stress, anxiety or even depression.

2. Vayu Mudra:
How to do?
This mudra can be practiced in a standing, sitting or lying down posture. It’s easy to do. Fold your index finger. As you fold your fingers you can see two bones. These are called phalanx bones. When you have folded your index finger the second bone that you see, you have to press it with the base of your thumb just as shown in the above picture. The rest of the three fingers should be kept extended as much as possible.
Do this at any time of the day as per your convenience. There is also no compulsion of doing this at an empty stomach. You may also practice this mudra with a full stomach.
Caution:
Once you achieve the benefits from this mudra, stop doing it. After a certain time, it may cause imbalance within your system.
Benefits:
As the name suggests vaayu mudra, it balances the air element within your body. This mudra releases excess wind from stomach and body thereby reducing rheumatic and chest pain.

3. Agni Mudra (Mudra of Fire):
How to do?
Fold your ring finger and press the second phalanx with the base of your thumb. Keep the rest of the fingers straight. This mudra should be practiced only in sitting position early in the morning with an empty stomach. Maintain this mudra for atleast 15 minutes every day.
Caution:
But if you are suffering from acidity or indigestion, avoid this mudra.
Benefits:
• It helps to dissolve the extra fat boosting metabolism and controls obesity.
• Quickens digestion.
• Improves body strength.
• Reduces stress and tension.
• Controls high cholesterol levels.

4. Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth):
How to do?
Touch the tip of your ring finger with the tip of your thumb. Pressing the tips of these two fingers, keep the rest of the fingers extended out.
It is preferable that you perform this mudra in the morning. However you may even do it at any time of the day and for any duration. Sit in a padmasana keeping the palms of both your hands on your knees with straight elbows. Perform this asana when you feel stressed out and exhausted. Padmasana accompanied by this mudra will immediately perk you up.
Caution:
Nothing at all. Perform this asana freely.
Benefits:
• It improves blood circulation throughout the body.
• Increases patience and tolerance.
• Increases concentration while meditating.
• Helps strengthen weak and lean bones. Also increases weight of people suffering from low weight.
• It reduces weakness, exhaustion and dullness of mind.
• This mudra makes you more beautiful by improving your complexion and giving a natural glow to your skin.

5. Varun Mudra (Mudra of Water):
This is the best yogic mudra for your outer beauty. It has a positive effect on your skin and keeps it away off all problems. A very effective yoga asana for your overall health let us learn to do this mudra with perfection.
How to do?
Lightly touch the tip of your little finger with the tip of your thumb. The rest of the fingers should be kept straight. There is no specific time to perform this mudra. You may do it at any time of the day and in any position, but sitting cross-legged when doing this mudra is preferable.
Caution:
Take care not to press the tip of the little finger near the nail. That will cause dehydration instead of balancing the water level in your body.
Benefits:
A number of benefits can be achieved by doing this mudra:
• Varun Mudra balances the water content in our body.
• It activates fluid circulation within the body keeping it moisturized always.
• It cures all skin issues like dryness, skin diseases and skin infections. Moreover it also prevents the appearance of pimples for a longer time.
• It adds a natural glow and luster to your face.
• Varun Mudra also relieves and prevents any muscle pains that you may suffer from.

6. Shunya Mudra (Mudra of emptiness):
How to do it?
Press the first phalanx of your middle finger with the thumb.
Benefits:
• Practicing this mudra with full concentration will cure earache within 5-10 minutes at the most.
• It is also very helpful if someone is deaf or mentally challenged. But those who are handicapped inborn won’t benefit from this mudra.
Cautions:
After you are cured of these diseases, stop practicing this mudra.

7. Surya Mudra (Mudra of the Sun):
How to do it?
Press your ring finger and press it with the thumb just as shown in the picture.
Benefits:
• It is quite beneficial when it comes to reducing bad cholesterol.
• Want to lose weight? This mudra comes handy.
• Reduces anxiety.
• Also improves your digestion.

8. Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life):
This is a very important mudra as it activates the energy in your body.
How to do it?
This yoga mudra pose should be accompanied along with padmasana. Bend your ring finger and little finger and touch the tip of both these fingers with the tip of your thumb.
There is no specific time to perform this asana. Any time of the day will be suitable.
Benefits:
• This mudra improves your immune system.
• It also increases your eye power and also cures any sort if eye diseases.
• It reduces fatigue and tiredness.
These are some very important mudras in yoga and are beneficial for your health. Practice them everyday.

9. Apan-Vayu Mudra:This finger position works like an injection in cases of a heart attack. Regular practice is an insurance in preventing heart attacks, tacho-cardia, palpitations, depressions, sinking feeling of the heart. Also known as the Mritsanjivani Mudra for arresting heart attack.

10. Aatmanjali Mudra: Helps in centering the consciousness of the mind.

11. Apan Mudra: Helps in purification of the body, urinary problems, easy secretion of excreta, regulating menstruation and painless discharge, easy child delivery, Piles, Diabetes and kidney disorders.
Caution: This Mudra should not be done by pregnant ladies before completing 8 months. After that a 10 minutes practice 3 to 4 times a day will ensure normal delivery.
12. Girivar Mudra: urinary problems, purification of body.
13. Shankh Mudra: Tone therapy, speech defects, Indigestion, loss of appetite.
14. Meao Mudra: Excellent in bringing the Blood Pressure to normal from either high or low.
15. Vyana Mudra: To be alternated with Meao Mudra for High B. P. only.
16. Ling Mudra: Generates heat in the body. It destroys phlegm and helps in problems of colds, catarrh and coughs. It is excellent when the body is cold due to shortage of cover in inimical weather. This mudra must be performed under supervision or with full knowledge.

17. Surabhi Mudra or the Dhenu Mudra: Is a very effective and powerful Mudra. By itself this Mudra helps a sadhak (an aspirant practitioner) to break any barriers which he may face when on the thresh hold of samadhi (the ultimate meditation). In this Mudra the ethereal elements combine such as to magnify and multiply their powers and produce powerful results on the body. Vayu (Wind; symbolised by the first finger) meets Aakash (Ether; symbolised by the middle finger), to stabilise the chakra (the circle) of the universe. Again Prithvi (Earth; symbolised by the ring finger) meets Jal (Water; symbolised by the small finger), to produce the generative power of the universe.
With constant practice, this mudra helps to stabilise and bring in resonance the Nabhi Chakra or the circle of the navel, so essential for the ultimate elevation of the human mind and body. The mudra has 4 variations, each of which gives different results.

18. Vayu-Surabhi Mudra : A variation of the basic Surabh Mudra, it helps to eliminate all ailments resulting from the increase of wind in the system.
19. Shunya Surabhi Mudra By increasing the ethereal vacuity it helps the sadhak to increase the hearing power manifold.
20. Prithvi Surabhi Mudra Helps to cure all ailments of the stomach generated due to defects in the digestive system. Specially effective for people with chronic digestive ailments.
21. Jal Surabhi Mudra This mudra helps to cure and eliminate diseases related to bile. It helps in curing diseases related to urine and assists easy passage.
22. Singhakranta Mudra Helps to regain the lost halo due to abuse of the body.
23. Mahakranta Mudra Helps to regain the lost halo due to abuse of the body.
24. Yoni Mudra Helps to overcome loss of virility, loss of Satwik Gunas ( pure qualities).
25. Kamajayi Mudra Helps to gain control over unsuppressed passion and sexual urges etc.
26. Udana Vayu Mudra:Touch the tips of ring, middle, & index fingers along with thumb and apply gentle pressure.
Benefits:
a). Develops lot of joy & laughter.
b). Increases lightness in the body.
c). Develops good concentration, improves knowledge & wisdom.
Perform this mudra maximum 48 minutes, minimum 12 minutes.

27. Samana Vayu Mudra:
Join all the fingers together, by the coordination of the 5 elements, ie.. the pancha bhutas will balance the body system. That’s how its known as samana which means balance.
Benefits:
a). Balances the body system by balancing the 5 elements.
b). Develops good strength in the body.
c). Enhances pituitary glands & improves mind concentration.
Perform this mudra for a maximum 5 or 10 minutes, don’t do longer time as it may result in weakness.

28. Mrigi Mudra (DEER FACE):
Touch the tip of the thumb with the middle portion of ring & middle finger, leave the index and little finger straight. The looks are like a face of a deer, that’s why its known as “mrigi’.
Benefits:
a). It cures seizures, epilepsy, and nervous weakness.
b). Removes tension & head ache due to cold or sinus.
c). Stabilizes the mind and brings happiness to your feelings.
d). To some extent helps to remove dental pain. Mrigi mudra can be practiced maximum up to 30 minutes those are diseased with epilepsy.

Benefits Of Mudra's : At a Glance
• Mudra is a very exact and scientific yogic function by which one can develop or even change, one's internal and external dispositions viz. mental (anger, emotional disturbance, intelligence etc.), spiritual (concentration, meditation) or physical (in various diseases, illnesses).
• Mudras can bring miraculous mental, spiritual and physical changes and improvements in our body. They help in quickly balancing the elements of the body.
• Mudras effect changes in veins, tendons, glands and sense organs.
• Mudras need no prior preparation. They can be done (mostly but with exceptions) at any time, anywhere and under virtually any circumstances.
• They are like literal remote control switches bringing quick and effective changes.
• They help bring about permanent changes.
• A constant practice of Mudras can stop or slow down the destructive changes in the human body. It can help develop a virtuous, socially amiable, non-violent, pious and courteous disposition.
• Some of the Mudras can balance the elements of the body within 45 minutes; some react within a few seconds on the human body.
• Mudras awaken the cosmic energy and help unite the atma (soul) with the Paramatama (the cosmic soul).
• The ancients believed there were 24 diagnostic elements, the Gayatri mantra has 24 words, the Jains have 24 Tirthankaras, and Sanatan Dharma has 24 avatars. The 24 words of the Gayatri Mantra have a special relationship with 24 mudras known as GAYATRI MUDRAS. They have different names and formations. The importance of Mudras is also clear from the grim qualifier to these:

"Etaa Mudraa na jaanaati, Gaayatri nishphalaa bhaveta".
To him who does not know Mudras, Gayatri becomes ineffectual.

How to perform hand mudras :-
Mudras in general are actions of hands and fingers that can be performed at any time in any way, like sitting, standing, walking or travelling. So there's no need to devote a special time to perform a mudra, but the maximum benefit is by doing it in sitting posture, especially in sukhasana (easy pose), vajrasana, or padmasana. (See photos, L to R.) If you have constriants of time you can even perform them in installments.

Timing and duration for mudras :-
In the initial phase mudras should be performed for at least 10 minutes and then can be extended to 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is not necessary to leave all your normal work for 1 hour to perform mudras as it can be done at any time, any place, and in any posture, even if you can't perform all at one stretch you can practice in 2-3 installments.