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Five groups of yoga mudras The yoga mudras can be categorised into approximately five groups which are described as follows: 1. Hasta, hand mudras: The hand mudras presented in this book are meditative mudras. They redirect the prana being emitted by the hands back into the body. Mudras which join the thumb and index finger engage the motor cortex at a very subtle level, generating a loop of energy which moves from the brain down the hand and then back again. Conscious awareness of this process rapidly leads to internalisation. Techniques included in this category:
Jnana mudra Chin mudra Yoni mudra Bhairava mudra
Hridaya mudra. 2. Mana, head mudras: These practices form an integral part
of kundalini yoga and many are meditation techniques in their own right. They utilise the eyes, ears, nose, tongue and lips. Techniques included in this category:
Shambhavi mudra Nasikagra drishti Khechari mudra Kaki mudra Bhujangini mudra Bhoochari mudra Akashi mudra Shanmukhi mudra
Unmani mudra. 3. Kaya, postural mudras: These practices utilise physical
postures combined with breathing and concentration. Techniques included in this category:
Prana mudra Vipareeta karani mudra Yoga mudra Pashinee mudra Manduki mudra Tadagi mudra.
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