VAAYU MUDRA-A BOON FOR CEREBRAL PALSY

- Dr. Riitesh Sinha

Cerebral palsy refers to a group of neurological disorders that impairs

movements and co-ordination or loss of motor and other nerve function as a

result of brain damage.

Alternative Names

Spastic paralysis; Paralysis - spastic

Causes, incidence, and risk factors

Cerebral palsy, previously known as Littles Disease is caused by injuries to the

cerebrum (the largest part of the brain), which occur as the baby grows in the

womb or near the time of birth. Initially cerebral palsy was thought to be related

to trauma and strangulation during birth (birth asphyxia), which leads to lack of

oxygen to the brain),

According to a recent data there is 1 in 278 affected with C.P. In patients with

cerebral palsy, parts of the brain areas receive lower levels of oxygen (hypoxia)

at some point, but it is not known why this occurs. Premature infants have a

slightly higher rate of cerebral palsy. Cerebral palsy may also occur during early

infancy as a result of illnesses (encephalitis, meningitis, herpes simplex

infections, and so on), head injury that results in subdural hematoma, blood

vessel injuries, and many others conditions. It is not a disease in the strict sense

of the word and hence is not contagious or hereditary in nature.

Although C.P. is a non-progressive condition ---that is the damage to the brain

does not worsen with the passage of time, the effects of cerebral palsy may

change. Body movement and muscle coordination may deteriorate with the aging

process or in some cases the condition may actually improve.

Injury to the cerebrum can result in the loss of nerve functions in widely different

areas. The classical finding of CP is increased muscle tone ( spasticity ).

Spasticity may affect:

One arm or leg

One side of the body (spastic hemiplegia)

Both legs (spastic diplegia)

Both arms and legs (spastic quadriplegia)

In addition, the child may have a partial or full loss of movement (paralysis),

problems hearing and vision, and sensation abnormalities. Speech problems are

common. Intellectual function may range from extremely bright normal to severe

mental retardation. Symptoms are usually seen before age 2. In severe cases,

they may appear as early as 3 months.

Classifications of cerebral palsy include spastic, dyskinetic, ataxic, and mixed.

Spastic cerebral palsy is the most common type.

Dyskinetic (athetoid) cerebral palsy involves development of abnormal

movements (twisting, jerking, or other movements).

Ataxic cerebral palsy involves tremors, unsteady gait, loss of coordination, and

abnormal movements.

Mixed cerebral palsy involves any combination of symptoms.

Seizures

Muscle contractions

Difficulty sucking or feeding

Irregular breathing

Delayed development of motor skills, such as reaching, sitting, rolling, crawling,

walking, and so on

Motormental retardation

Mental retardation

Speech problems (dysarthria)

Visual problems

Hearing problems

Spasticity

Joint contractures that slowly get worse

Limited range of motion

Peg teeth

Signs and tests

In many cases, a doctor's examination indicates delayed development of motor

skills. Infantile reflexes (such as sucking and startle) may persist past the age

where they usually disappear. Muscle tremor or spasticity may be evident, with a

tendency of infants to tuck their arms in toward their sides, scissors movements

of the legs, or other abnormal movements. Various laboratory tests may be

performed to eliminate nutritional or other causes of the symptoms.

MRI of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities

CT scan of the head demonstrates structural or congenital abnormalities

Hearing screen (to determine auditory status)

Visual testing (to determine visual status)

EEG

Blood tests to exclude metabolic or hereditary conditions

Treatment

There is no specific cure for cerebral palsy. The goal of treatment is to maximize

independence. Treatment is guided by the symptoms exhibited and may include

physical therapy, braces, appropriate glasses and hearing aids, medications,

special education or appropriate schooling, and, in severe cases,

institutionalization. Mainstreaming in regular schools is advised unless physical

disabilities or mental development makes this impossible. Glasses, hearing aids,

or other equipment must be designed specifically for the particular disabilities

and may assist with communication and learning. Physical therapy, occupational

therapy, orthopedic intervention, or other treatments may be appropriate.

Physical therapy (PT) programs are designed to encourage the patient to build a

strength base for improved gait and volitional movement, together with stretching

programs to limit contractures. Many experts believe that life-long physical

therapy is crucial to maintain muscle tone, bone structure, and prevent

dislocation of the joints. Occupational therapy helps adults and children maximise

their function, adapt to their limitations and live as independently as possible.

Introduction to Mudras

In the Vedas it is said Naasti mudraasamam kinchit siddhiyam shitimandte

meaning in this world there is no method other than mudra to gain success. It is

said in our Vedas our palms are very powerful and they have healing powers. We

can see it from following Atharvaveda shlokas

Ayam me hasto bhagavan, nayam me bhagavattarah 1

Ayam me visvabheshajah, yam shivabhimarshanah 11

-Atharvaveda 4.13.6

Fortunate is my left hand, yet more fortunate is right. left hand contains all

healing balms and removes blocks in the free flow of joy, and right makes whole

with gentle touch. for it contains all the medicinal capacities of the universe, its all

healing touch bringing peace, harmony, joy and liberation

from all toxic conditions of matter, birth, death, old age and disease

Hastabhayaam dashashaakhaabhyaam jivah vachah purogavree I

Anaamayeetnubhyaam hastabhayaam taabhyaam tavabhi mrishaamashi II

- Atharvaveda 4. 13. 7

The tongue that leads the voice precedes. Then with our tenfold branching

hands. Which powerfully affirms healing. With these two healers of disease, we

stroke you with a soft caress

Our palm not only help us to do our daily work, but it has lot of healing power

because of this it is in the said in the Hindu text several Gods reside on the palm

Karaagre vasate Laxmih,

Karamoole Saraswati,

Karamadhye tu Govindah.

Prabhaate karadarshanam

It means:

Goddess Laxmi resides on the tip of the fingers. Goddess Saraswati resides on

the wrist. In the center of the palm resides Lord Govinda Himself. In the morning

one should look at ones palms.

Hands were revered by the Hindus for centuries. One of the Shivaic tantrik rituals

of India gives the following liturgical adoration to the fingers of the hands:

"Om Sham I bow to the thumbs Namah. Om Shim I bow the index fingers Svaha.

Om Shum I bow to the middle fingers Vashat. Om Shaim I bow to the ring fingers

Hum. Om Shaum I bow to the little fingers Vaushat. Om Shah I bow to the front

and back of hands Phat."

This chant is accompanied by specific mudras that purifies the subtle channels of

the upper limbs. Not only is this ritual practiced in India but variations of it may be

found in Bali islands as well.

You must have seen the statues of Buddha, Jesus, Mahavir, and Shiva et al

among many others, wherein the hands and fingers are shown curled in a

specific posture. For example, Lord Shiva's image normally shows the hand

positioned in Varda muda, i.e., giving blessing . Likewise, one of the popular

images of Lord Buddha shows the fingers of the Left hand holding a pot of

nectar, while palm of the right hand is resting on the lap, with fingers folded and

pointing straight down. Another image shows the fingers of the right hand near

the chest region and folded in a specific pose. Such finger postures not only have

a therapeutic effect on the mind-body system but also accentuate mental

keenness and acuity. This science of hand and finger postures is 'Mudra Vigyan'.

In fact, there are innumerable mudras and each has a specific effect.

This science can help you to cure bodily ailments in a wonderful manner. It

actually helps in balancing the five elements ( panch-tattvas ) in the human

system to their optimal levels. The elements can even be increased or decreased

to cure appropriate ailments. When the elements are completely balanced,

the yoga (unison) of mind, body and soul with the Supreme Soul can be

achieved!

But one will find that it gives equally astonishing results in achieving mental

concentration. And the funny thing is, unlike yoga, you can practice mudras

anywhere, anytime!

Mudra is a hand gesture or seal which is a symbol of energy. It is the most

beautiful form on expression by the use of thumb and fingers. It can also be done

without the use of hands like Khecheri Mudra done with tongue and Viparita

Karni Mudra which is one of the body poses. It is used as the non verbal form of

communication in Various Indian classical dances like Kathak and Bharat

Natyam.

It also works as a therapy for the body and mind by balancing the ratio of five

elements (panch tattvas)

Mudras are supposed to be a part of Tattva Yoga the science of elements.

Along with Asanas mudras are employed along with Yogic Meditation to energize

the Chakras and calm the mind.

Our palms have more than 5000 nerve endings. Whenever mudras are

performed these nerve ending get activated and thus activating corresponding

brain part. Mudras is a type of yoga that can be

understood and done easily. Even children can do mudras without any efforts.

Before doing any mudra, take a few deep breaths, sit down in comfortable

position , relax and do it.

For best results it has to be done for minimum 30-45 minutes per day.

There are several mudra for keeping oneself healthy.

Based on my 30 years experience I have formulated Riiteshs law of Vaayu

Mudra.

REGULAR PRACTICE OF VAAYU MUDRA IS VERY USEFUL FOR PEOPLE

WITH CEREBRAL PALSY. PARKINSONS DISEASE AND ALL BRAIN

RELATED PROBLEMS.

Vaayu Mudra

Fold the index finger (forefinger) on the pad of thumb. Press the forefinger gently

on the pad. Press index finger with thumb. Keep the other fingers aloof. (try with

both hands).

have developed a method of holding pen or pencil that can be beneficial

for people with cerebral palsy and named it Riitesh Method of holding pencil

PERSONS HAVING CEREBRAL PALSY SHOULD HOLD PEN OR PENCIL IN SUCH A WAY THAT

INDEX FINGER AND THUMB ARE IN VAAYU MUDRA POSITION

About the writer

I, Dr.Riitesh Sinha is having cerebral palsy. Ive done BSc.,PGDCA, CIC,MIT. I

do healing through Mudras

and Reiki.

Contact no. 09416253198, 09468223764.

e-mail: riitesh@yahoo.com,, sinha.riitesh@gmail.com.