Body & Soul is presenting a ten-week series on mudras or hand gestures, a form of energy healing used predominantly in Buddhist and Hindu cultures.

The tips of the fingers have thousands of nerve endings and according to mudra practitioners, nerve endings that correlate to specific organs and areas of the body can be mapped. According to the practice, bringing these nerve endings together will activate certain areas and stimulate better health.

This is week three and the Varuna Mudra, the hand gesture relating to water, is described.

In this mudra the tip of the little finger touches the tip of the thumb while the other three fingers are outstretched.

It is said to balance the water element of the body preventing all diseases which happen due to dehydration. It is said to decrease dryness in the skin and body and enhances physical beauty.

Advocates recommend this mudra to get rid of mucous in the lungs and stomach. They say that mucous overload is associated with over-stimulated nerves and affects people who are too conscious of their responsibility.

These people feel that they are burdened with every responsibility and it works on their bodies in the form of mucous accumulation.

The mucous clearing effect of this mudra make it especially beneficial in controlling coughs, colds and asthma. It is also deemed effective in preventing gastroenteritis, muscle shrinkage, paralysis sinus problems and low blood pressure.

For best results do the mudra with both hands for at least 15 minutes a day.