Yoga Mudra

“Mudra” is a Sanskrit word derived from two different Sanskrit words, “Mudam” and “Drava”. Mudam means bliss or happiness and Drava means to draw forth; hence, Mudra translates to “To draw forth happiness”. This means two things: one, that you can bring happiness to yourself, and second, that the happiness is present within you; you have to call it out.

In simple words, a yoga hand mudra is a hand gesture used in yoga to channel energy within the body. These hand movements and gestures help enhance meditation. There are different mudras in yoga; each mudra represents a specific flow of energy. These mudras help balance a person's spiritual, physical and mental well-being.

Also Read: 5 Yoga Asanas That Boost Your Memory Power

The yoga mudra pose influences the energy flow within the body. These yoga mudras involve different hand fingers, which represent specific elements and chakras. Practising this yoga and mudras helps with better emotional regulation and well-being.

Let us learn about different yoga hand mudra fingers and the elements and chakras associated with them.

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Often people wonder about how many mudras are there in yoga, these mudras are classified into various types. Let us cast light on different types of mudras in yoga and how to perform it.

Chin Mudra

Chin mudra is used in pranayam and meditation practices. This yoga mudra pose helps increase concentration and focus, balance the flow of energy and promote a sense of serenity and calm.

How to Perform Chin Mudra

• Sit in a comfortable position and keep your shoulders and back relaxed.
• Place hands on your thighs or knees with your palms facing upward.
• Bring the tips of your thumb and index finger together to form a circle.
• The other three fingers should remain relaxed and extended, with the palms facing upward.
• Breathe deeply and evenly through your nose. Hold the mudra for as long as you feel comfortable.

Anjali Mudra

It is a type of mudra in yoga that is often performed at the beginning and end of a session. It is a sign of gratitude and respect for a yoga practitioner and the practice.

How to Perform Anjali Mudra

• Sit comfortably in a cross-legged position.
• Bring your palms together in front of your chest, fingers pointing upward and keep your elbows slightly out to the sides.
• The thumbs should be aligned with your sternum, and your hands should be in the centre of the chest.
• As you hold the mudra, you can silently offer gratitude for the practice, the teacher, or simply for being present in the moment.
• Hold Anjali Mudra for a few moments or until you feel complete.

Shuni Mudra

It is a mudra that brings patience, discipline and wisdom. In astrology, it is often associated with the planet Saturn (Shani), which is why it is called "Shuni" Mudra.

How to Perform Shuni Mudra

• Sit in a comfortable meditative posture.
• Rest your hands on your thighs, hand facing upwards. Your arms should be relaxed, and your shoulders should be in a natural position.
• Join the tip of your thumb to your middle finger. Keep the other fingers extended and relaxed.
• Close your eyes gently and begin to take slow, deep breaths.
• You can hold Shuni Mudra for anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your practice or meditation.

Prithvi Mudra

Prithvi Mudra is a mudra associated with the Earth element. It is believed to bring stability, grounding and nourishment. It is also used to enhance physical strength and vitality and to calm the mind.

How to Perform Prithvi Mudra

• Sit in a comfortable position.
• Rest your hands on your knees or thighs, palms facing upward. Keep your arms relaxed and your shoulders in a natural position.
• Gently join the tip of your ring finger to the tip of your thumb. Keep the other fingers extended and relaxed.
• Begin to take slow, deep breaths, inhaling and exhaling through the nose.
• Hold Prithvi Mudra for anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes, depending on your practice or meditation.

Vayu Mudra

Vayu Mudra is a mudra that helps balance the air element (Vayu) in the body, which controls movement and flexibility. It is said to help with issues like anxiety, stress, and gas-related problems.

How to Perform Vayu Mudra

• Sit in a comfortable meditative posture.
• Rest your hands on your thighs, palms facing upwards. Your arms should be relaxed, and your shoulders should be in a natural position.
• Fold the index finger and press it gently against the base of the thumb. Keep the remaining three fingers extended and relaxed.
• Close your eyes gently and breathe slowly and deeply, focusing on your breath.
• Hold Vayu Mudra for about 10 to 15 minutes or as per your meditation or yoga practice.

Apana Mudra

It is a mudra associated with the Apana Vayu, the downward-flowing energy within the body responsible for elimination and purification. This mudra is believed to aid in detoxifying the body, promoting digestion and supporting the elimination of waste.

How to Perform Apana Mudra

• Sit in a position that allows your spine to remain straight and your body to relax.
• Rest your hands on your knees or thighs with your palms facing upward.
• Connect the tip of your middle finger and ring finger to the tip of your thumb. Keep the other fingers extended and relaxed.
• Hold Apana Mudra for 10 to 15 minutes or as long as you feel comfortable during your meditation.

Surya Mudra

It is a mudra believed to balance the body's fire. This type of yoga mudra helps increase vitality and energy. It is used to enhance digestive power, boost energy levels and promote overall health.

How to Perform Surya Mudra

• Sit in a comfortable meditative posture.
• Rest your hands on your knees or thighs with your palms facing upward.
• Fold the ring finger so that the tip touches the base of your thumb. Press the thumb gently over the ring finger while the other three fingers remain extended and relaxed.
• Hold Surya Mudra for anywhere between 10 to 30 minutes.

Also Read: Surya Namaskar for Weight Loss

The function of yoga mudra lies in the Ayurvedic principle. The poses of yoga mudra help in keeping the five elements in balance for a healthy mind and body. As per the Ayurvedic science practice, illness and disease of the human body are rotted in lack or excess of the five elements that govern the bodily and mental functions.

Each finger represents a specific element, and when you perform this mudra or hand gesture, it creates energy to flow within. This energy reinvigorates the body’s energy flow and thus helps in healing. These different mudras in yoga help create harmony between the five elements and heal all the imbalances within the body.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Pranamasana

These types of mudras in yoga offer various benefits, some of which are listed below:

• The yoga hand mudras increase mental clarity and enhance focus, helping the practitioner to stay present and mindful.
• Practising yoga mudra poses helps in activating energy channels that soothe the nervous system, alleviating feelings of anxiety and tension.
• Mudras can help balance the energy within the body by activating certain energy centres or chakras.
• It also helps to calm the mind and body, allowing practitioners to enter a deep state of relaxation and mindfulness.
• Practising certain mudras can help strengthen the immune system by improving circulation, reducing stress and enhancing the flow of vital energy.

Also Read: Health Benefits of Natrajasana

It is difficult to break and make habits. You will have to put in some effort if you want to incorporate yoga and yoga mudras in your day-to-day life. Moreover, it requires a lot of patience and consistency when it comes to making time for new things such as these.

But slowly and steadily, you will definitely get these. Here are a few guidelines that you can follow to reach your goal:

• Begin Gradually: It is not going to happen overnight. You will have to start with a few minutes of practice per day while focusing on a specific mudra that addresses your health goals. Do not rush yourself into it. That way, you risk giving it up altogether.

• Consistency is Essential: Consistency is essential in any workout or wellness practice. Try to include yoga mudras in your daily practice. Be a little strict with yourself by putting it up as a reminder or writing it on your to-do list.

• Seek Instruction: If you are new to yoga mudras, consider obtaining instruction from a trained yoga instructor who can teach you the right techniques and mudras for your specific needs.

• Combine with Other Practises: Yoga mudras can supplement your current wellness practice. For total wellness, combine them with yoga postures, meditation and a healthy diet.

Knowing all about the yoga mudra pose is crucial to living a healthy lifestyle. These yoga mudras offer various advantages, such as balancing the energy flow, emotional stability and more. Due to this, various individuals incorporate yoga and mudras into their lives.

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