James wrote recently asking for a mudra for arthritis. 
In previous blog entries I have mentioned the book Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph and Lilian Le Page.  This book lists "Matsya Mudra" - Gesture of the Fish as the primary mudra for arthritis and health of our joints. (page 66).  Matsya Mudra is especially helpful for:
- Nourishing the joints               - Releasing Muscular contraction

• - Aligning the spine                   -  Reducing stress
• - Instilling a sense of inner refreshment 
• - Cultivation emotional fluidity

All of these are important for arthritis.  I have been reading some websites on yoga and arthritis.  All of them state that yoga brings more than movement to those living with arthritis.  It brings stress reduction and relaxation which reduces pain and helps to decrease time with depression. 
Instructions:
- Get into a seated position:
    On a chair with feet on the floor, shoulders relaxed back and crown of your head toward the ceiling.
    On the floor, in an easy seated position or similar pose with shoulders relaxed back and crown of your head toward
    the ceiling.
- Hold hands out in front of you, palm down, fingers together.
- Place your right hand on top of your left.
- Extend your thumbs out to the side like "fins."
- Rest your hands against your lower abdomen or on your lap.
- Relax you arms.  Allow your shoulders to relax back and down.
- Close your eyes or look lazily toward the floor and focus on your breath. 
- Options: Try one of your favorite pranayama (breathing techniques)
                Slowly repeat this phrase: "Bathed in waves of nourishing energy, my body moves freely and comfortably."
                                                            (Mudras page 66)
Almost forgot:
Other mudras listed by the Le Pages that might also help with arthritis:
- Mira Mudra - page 82 - "health of sacrum, pelvis and joints" and "reduces stress and relieves anxiety"
- Vyana Vayu Mudra - page 96 - "For Health of the Nervous System"
- Dvimkahm Mudra - page 176 - "For Facilitating Deep Relaxation"
- Svadhisthana Mudra - page 142

Last week in our yoga practice we learned the Fish Mudra.  I picked this mudra because it is for osteoarthritis and the health of our joints.  It also "cultivates relaxation and serenity." (Mudras for Healing and Transformation by Joseph and Lilian Le Page)
Sit yourself comfortably, relaxing shoulders and allowing your arms to relax at your sides.  Bring the fingers of both of your hands together with thumbs extended.  Stack the right hand on top of the left with thumbs extended.  Hold your hands in front of your abdomen or relax them onto your lap.  Relax and breath.  Try repeating, "Bathed in waves of nourishing energy, my body moves freely and comfortable" as you hold the Matsya Mudra. (Mudras page 22)

Recently I was asked by a student to talk about yoga and migraines.  So I have done some research.  This blog entry is about the Mahashirsha Mudra "Gesture of the Great Head" that is for headache and tension relief (according to Mudras for Healing and Transformation.) This mudra helps relieve tension around the face, jaw an eyes which may provide relief from tension headaches.  It may also ease symptoms from TMJ dysfunction.  This mudra is also know for "instilling a sense of release" and helps us "let go of worry and anxiety".  This release and letting go may also help headaches especially those that come from an anxious, tight mind and body. 
How to:  Tuck your ring fingers into your palms.  Bring the tip of your thumb to the tips of the index and middle fingers.  Extend your little fingers out as much as possible.  Rest your hands in your lap with palms facing upward.  Relax your shoulders back and down with your crown towards the ceiling. Concentrate on your breathing, especially on your exhale.  Mudras for Healing and Transformation suggests the following verse to say while holding this mudra: "My exhaling breath allows me to release stress and tension from my entire body."
Please let me know how this works for you!