35 MAKARA MUDRA
(Makara—the name of a crocodile in Indian mythology)
TECHNIQUE:-
Place one hand inside the other. Extend the thumb of your lower hand through the little finger and ring finger of the other and place in the middle of the palm of your upper hand. This hand’s thumb and the tip of your ring finger touch each other.
Do this three times a day for 4 to 10 minutes.
HEALING EFFECTS:-
Within the shortest amount of time, the crocodile can mobilize tremendous strength, which it has built up during its endlessly long resting periods. Human beings also have reserves of strength that are restored during phases of rest. This mudra activates kidney energy, which is related to this reserve of strength. Feeling listless, depressed, and dissatisfied—as well as having black rings under your eyes—usually indicates a reduced supply of energy. In addition to walking in the fresh air, and getting ear massages, the breathing exercises of yoga are also helpful here. I have found the complete yoga breath—which can be practiced while standing, walking, sitting, or lying down—to be quite effective. To do this, breathe in deeply, arch your abdominal and chest area forward, draw up your shoulders. Hold your breath for several seconds and then slowly exhale. At the end of the exhalation, pull in the abdominal wall a bit so that even more air is squeezed out. When doing this, be sure to hold the pauses after inhalation and exhalation for several seconds. Despite this, keep the breath slow, regular, and fine. This mudra has a calming and centering effect, giving you a sense of security and confidence.