Gesture that may involve the whole body or be a simple hand position.
Thought to have healing properties and to have an effect on the energy flow of the body
used in combination with breathing exercises enhance the flow of prana in the body by stimulating the different parts of the body involved with breathing.
Relating directly to the nerves, mudras create a subtle connection with the instinctual patterns in the brain influencing the unconscious reflexes in these areas.
The internal energy is in turn balanced and redirected effecting change in the sensory organs, glands veins and tendons.
typically practiced sitting simply cross legged, in vajrasana, or in lotus posture and even sitting in a chair
can also be practiced as part of a specific posture; for example during Warrior 2 or Tree pose
Ujjai breathing or other pranayama accompany the more simple mudras.