In an effort to help us start the New Year with healthy practices Body and Soul is running a series on the healing techniques of mudras.

Mudras are hand and finger gestures commonly used in Hinduism and Buddhism, but they are not unique to these traditions, the prayer position of holding hands together in Christian faiths, is also a mudra.

In the East the mudras are also deemed to be a form of energy healing.

Body and Soul will feature a different mudra for the next nine weeks. These are easy postures that may give you some relief or help increase your energy.

If you try one we welcome your feedback. Send emails to gazettehealthyahoo.com.

Prithvi Mudra Mudra of the Earth is the second mudra to be featured.

Place the tip of your ring finger on top of the tip of your thumb and leave your other three fingers stretched out.

While the mudra can be practised with one hand, effects are better if both hands are used and the position is held for at least 15 minutes.

Advocates suggest that prithvi mudra be practised a minimum of three times a day.

Prithvi means earth and this mudra accesses the root chakra where, according to many Eastern practices, a person's vital energy and elemental force resides.

This mudra is deemed to increase the physical strength of those that are weak and helps those who want to actualise their physical and metaphysical goals.

Advocates say it removes fatigue and strengthens weak organs of the body, restores the equilibrium and trust of the mind and also restores balance in the subtle energies of the body.

It is said to help the weak gain weight and is recommended for people who are deficient in vitamins and minerals.

Mudra practitioners say the finger positions intensify the sense of smell, makes skin glow and that it strengthens hair, nails and bone.

Practitioners also hold that narrow-mindedness and prejudices are significantly reduced by practising this mudra and that patience and tolerance are elevated.