The movements of the fingers and hands are categorized as Mudrā Guṇa if they are aesthetically pleasing and as Mudrā Doṣa if they are not. In the Saṅgītaratnākara's Nāṭyādhyāya, which is dedicated to theatrical and dance expression, sixty-four Mudrās are mentioned for use in dance and theatrical performances.The term "Mudra" is derived from Sanskrit, meaning "seal" or "closure." Mudras are energy blocks utilized in yoga, present in both Hindu and Buddhist traditions. In yogic practices, mudras play a vital role in controlling the energy flow through the body. Different energy blocks or mudras are employed depending on the desired objective.Mudras find applications in meditation, dance, and prayer, with each mudra having distinct meanings and effectiveness, achievable through hand, eye, tongue, or whole-body gestures. In yoga, mudras also serve to channel energy and are believed to offer spiritual, mental, and physical benefits.Numerous forms of yoga mudras accompany breathing exercises or pranayama. For instance, the Shankh Mudra, performed in the lotus position, positively affects the respiratory system, inducing a calming effect. Specific mudras aim to increase energy, relieve physical ailments, strengthen the body, enhance concentration, detoxify, and concentrate spiritual energy.The five fingers symbolize the five elements:
- Thumb: Fire
- Index: Air
- Middle: Ether
- Ring finger: Earth
- Little finger: WaterThe objective of practicing mudras is to balance these five elements, recommended to maintain each mudra position for at least 15 minutes.Examples of yoga mudras and their benefits include:1. Jyan Mudra:
   - Purpose: Calm the mind and improve circulation.
   - Technique: Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, keeping the other fingers extended.
   - Benefits: Enhances memory, concentration, prevents insomnia, and addresses anger and depression.2. Apan Mudra:
   - Purpose: Reduces occurrences of constipation and urinary tract infections.
   - Technique: Press the tip of the middle and ring fingers against the thumb, keeping other fingers extended.3. Ling Mudra:
   - Purpose: Generates warmth and relieves cough and cold symptoms.4. Prana Mudra:
   - Purpose: Moves energy through the body, dispelling diseases, and strengthening vision.
   - Technique: Press the tips of the ring and little fingers against the top of the thumb, keeping the other two fingers extended.5. Prithvi Mudra:
   - Purpose: Creates happiness and strengthens the body.
   - Technique: Touch the tip of the ring finger to the tip of the thumb, leaving the other fingers extended.6. Shoonya Mudra:
   - Purpose: Relieves earache.
   - Technique: Place the middle finger at the base of the thumb, resting the thumb on the middle finger, with other fingers extended.7. Surya Mudra:
   - Purpose: Reduces weight.
   - Technique: Place the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and gently press the inside of the thumb onto the front of the ring finger.8. Varun Mudra:
   - Purpose: Refreshes the body and improves blood quality.
   - Technique: Press the tip of the thumb against the tip of the little finger.9. Vayu Mudra:
   - Purpose: Helps with arthritis and nervous system tremors.
   - Technique: Place the index finger on the base of the thumb, keeping other fingers extended.