Most mudras are linked to your ayurvedic dosha or personality type and may be prescribed only based on awareness of whether it will aggravate or soothe your condition or your element.

But there are some powerful mudras which are cure-all, life-transformative and general-purpose ones. The following are such mudras that may be used by most people without fear of too many contradictions. Regular practice of them will help you gain overall health.

In the following pages Shameem Akthar, yoga acharya trained with the Sivananda Yoga Vedanta Center, shows you five powerful mudras for general health and emotional well-being.

Photographs: Jahnavi Sheriff

Catch more of Shameem's yoga writings and information about her upcoming workshops at jaisivananda.blogspot.com.

This article only attempts to enthuse readers towards yoga practice and complement your existing practice. Yoga is best learnt under the personal guidance of a teacher.

Also see: Yoga poses to strengthen your ankles