Hand Mudras are a recognized part of Traditional Chinese medicine and Indian medicine (also known as Ayurveda).  There are also eye positions, body postures and breathing techniques known as mudras.

    I am going to discuss hand positions, or hand mudras, that can be used for achieving a desired outcome, whether it be physical, spiritual, emotional, or mental.  Many of us have seen and used "prayer mudra" (also known as "Atmanjali Mudra").  This is achieved when the tips of all five fingers of both hands are brought together, in front of the chest, and a small amount of space is left between the palms.  This well known gesture is seen throughout many spiritual traditions.  (scroll down)

    The physical body is made up of five elements  - Fire, Air, Heaven (ether), Earth and Water.  Each finger represents a different element and chakra. See table to left.  Imbalance of these elements disrupts the immunity system and causes disease.  Deficiencies in any of these elements can be made up by connecting one part of the body with another (in this case hands and fingers) in a particular manner.  When the finger representing an element is brought into contact with the thumb, that element is brought into balance. Mudras start electromagnetic currents within the body which balance various constituting elements and restore health.