________________
In stage 4, raising the hands from the chest to the throat and head, be aware of prana moving into the region of udana. In stage 5, be aware of the diffusion of vyana throughout the body and all around, as the hands and arms are spread to either side. Remain aware of the whole body enveloped in and radiating pure light, while simultaneously being aware of the flows of the five pranas within the physical body. In stage 6, exhalation follows the reverse movement of the arms, bringing the awareness down through the five pranas to the starting position.
Hasta Mudra Pranayama (hand gesture breath) The four techniques described here utilize specific hand positions known as hasta or hand mudras. The concept of mudras and details of mudra techniques are described in Appendix C. From the pranic point of view, they represent a linkup of specific nadis in the body (in this case, the fingers), by which prana is redirected to different areas. These mudras are subtle techniques and their effects may not be immediately noticeable without awareness and sensitivity.
These pranayama techniques using hand mudras ventilate the lower, middle and upper lobes of the lungs and influence other vital organs indirectly. The pancha pranas are also activated by these practices. They are also therapeutic pranayamas, as they relieve disorders related to specific areas of the body. All four should be practised together in the sequence described, although for therapeutic purposes only the relevant practice need be applied.
Technique 1: Chin Mudra Pranayama (gesture of conscious
breath) Sit in vajrasana or any other asana with the spine straight. Place the hands on the thighs in chin mudra with the palms upwards. Inhale through both nostrils then retain the breath inside.
202
