How Do Yoga Mudras Work?
Different areas of your hands are connected with different areas of your body and brain. There are many types of mudras designed to provide different benefits, depending on our specific needs.
They are practiced in synchronicity with your breathing to increase the flow of Prana in your body. Prana is the universal principle of energy or force. By practicing these mudras, a connection is developed within patterns in your brain that influences the unconscious reflexes throughout different areas in your body.
We have the ability to hold the elements of the universe within the palm of our hands. The universe is made of five elements and each one of your fingers is represented by one of these elements.
- Thumb: Fire
- Index Finger: Air
- Middle Finger: Akasha or Connection
- Ring Finger: Earth
- Pinky Finger: Water
When these five elements are out of balance, it can result in disease in the body. Practicing these simple mudras can rebalance the body, creating a positive impact on your sensory organs, tendons, and gland veins. Read on to help realign yourself with some of these common mudras.
Mudra of Knowledge (Gyan Mudra)
This mudra stimulates the root chakra, which will ultimately reduce tension and depression. It stimulates the air element within the body which in return will improve memory, the nervous system, and increase pituitary gland production. When practiced consistently psychological and mental disorders like anger, depression, stress, and even insomnia will be improved.
How to do it:
Bring the tips of your thumb and index finger together while keeping the other three fingers straight. Keep your palms facing upwards when you’re feeling responsive or rest your palms on your legs when you want to feel more grounded. It’s best to perform this pose in the morning for 35 to 40 minutes.
Mudra of Air (Vayu Mudra)
This specific mudra balances the air element of the body, which controls nervousness, restlessness, and calms an anxious mind. It controls the Vata dosha and helps with sciatica, arthritis, gout, knee pain, relaxing the muscles, and helps regulate overactive endocrine glands.
How to do it:
Fold your index finger and place your thumb on the base of your index finger. Keep the rest of your fingers straight. Perform this pose for 45 minutes everyday or for 10 to 15 minutes three times a day.
Mudra of Life (Prana Mudra)
As the name suggests, the Prana mudra represents the energy of life. It has the ability to improve eyesight, increase our body’s immunity, reduce vitamin deficiency and fight fatigue. It also boosts energy levels while maintaining your organ functions.
How to do it:
Bring the tip of your thumb to touch your ring and pinky finger while keeping the other two fingers straight. Perform this pose for 30 to 40 minutes everyday or for 10 to 15 minutes three times a day.
Mudra of Emptiness (Shunya Mudra)
This mudra represents emptiness and heaven. Shunya mudra can reduce ear pain, improve hearing and reduce heart disease. It can also help strengthen your bones and gums, in addition to healing thyroid disease as well. Shunya opens up the heart chakra and helps with meditation.
How to do it:
Bend your middle finger while placing your thumb over the base of your middle finger. practice this mudra for 10 to 15 minutes, three times a day for the best results.
Mudra of the Sun (Surya Mudra)
Surya mudra increases the fire element within your body, which helps maintain your body’s temperature. This mudra helps indigestion, colds, shivering, digestive problems, and relieves any coldness of the body.
How to do it:
Bend your ring finger and cover the base of that finger with your thumb; apply pressure while keeping the other fingers straight. Practice this mudra early in the morning for about 30 minutes for the best results.
Mudra of Digestion (Apan Mudra)
Apan mudra is extremely beneficial for stomach and heart disease. This mudra has the ability to relieve constipation, diabetes, piles, kidney complications, and oral problems. Apan mudra helps detoxify the body to help get rid of harmful heavy metals and toxins.
How to do it:
Bend your middle and ring fingers and touch the tip of them with your thumb while keeping the other two fingers straight.
Mudra of Water (Varun Mudra)
Varun mudra provides moisture to the skin while reducing dryness and improving your skin elasticity. This mudra encourages fluid communication within the body and promotes mental clarity.
How to do it:
Slightly touch the tip of your thumb with your pinky finger while keeping the rest of your fingers straight. There is no limit for this mudra; it can be done anywhere at any time.
