This is week seven in a ten part series on mudras, or hand gestures. Positioning fingers in very specific ways is actually an ancient health science. It is rooted in a theory correlating the millions of nerve endings that exist in the fingertips to specific body organs.

In this way better health can be reached by holding the hands and fingers in specific positions or mudras.

This week Body & Soul presents the Apana mudra, the hand gesture relating to digestion.

In Bermuda energy healer Joan Lohan practices mudras and can offer more information and insight. She can be reached at the Healing Center of Bermuda on 297 1220.

Apana Mudra - Mudra of Digestion

The tips of the middle and ring fingers touch the tip of the thumb while the other two fingers are stretched out.

This mudra regulates excretions of the body.

According to practitioners it provides internal confidence and internal energy. Regular practice is said to regulate blood sugar, cure constipation, piles, and obstructions in the urinary tract, kidney diseases and problems with teeth.

Practitioners say that holding the posture causes perspiration. It is this perspiration that facilitates the removal from the body of various toxins and foreign bodies. The mudra also helps the body excrete solid waste and urine.

Practitioner recommend the posture be held for at least 45 minutes at a time and note that the longer the posture is held, the more advantageous it will be to the body.