cover image Power Mudras: Yoga Hand Postures for Women

Power Mudras: Yoga Hand Postures for Women

Sabrina Mesko. Ballantine Books, $17.95 (304pp) ISBN 978-0-345-44562-9

Despite the odd-sounding name, mudras (yoga hand movements) have plenty to offer. Regular practice of them, this volume assures, can help prevent exhaustion, lessen anxiety, control diet and relieve PMS symptoms. Mesko (Healing Mudras), who studied hand postures under the renowned Tantric guru Yogi Bhajan, explains concisely and convincingly the connection between mudras and the seven chakras, or energy centers. A cross between Fran Drescher and Hedy Lamarr, the blissful, flowered tiara-wearing Mesko is photographed while at one with nature or posing in a studio, demonstrating each of the dozens of mudras designed for female well being. Simple directions on how to position one's fingers, align the spine and shoulders and breathe deeply accompany the pictures, along with visualizations and several routine affirmations (e.g., ""I am connected to and part of the universal creative energy""). Mesko promises that just three minutes of mudras will be beneficial; for busy women, that alone might be reason enough to put their hands together-and clap. 130 b&w photos.