What is Yoga Mudra, and How are they Beneficial?

What are Mudras in Yoga

‘Mudra’ is a Sanskrit word defined as gestures of the hand. When any yoga pose is performed, positioning of hand and fingers is very important as it plays an important role in attracting the right energies which contributes to the complete healing.

Each finger represents an element as mentioned below and when the fingers are joined through the mudras, it brings relief.

• Thumb represents fire

• Index finger represents air

• Middle finger represents space

• Ring finger represents earth

• Little finger represents water

What are the 5 Pranas in Yoga Mudra?

According to Ayurveda, the human body comprises 5 vayus or elements – earth, water, air, fire, and space. These elements are also known as “Maha Tatwas” or “Panch Mahaboot” in yogic science. A suitable balance of these elements is important for overall health and well-being.

Every human’s finger has each of these 5 elements, with each finger representing a specific element.

• Thumb – represents fire

• Index finger – represents air

• Middle finger – represents space

• Ring finger – represents earth

• Little finger – represents water

The philosophy of Yoga believes that prana, or the life force, flows through each finger. This allows individuals to channel their prana to restore balance within their bodies.

The following are the 5 pranas in yoga mudra —

1. Udana (Upward moving air):

It governs the body’s growth, speech, expression, enthusiasm, will, and other upper body actions.

2. Vyana (Outward moving air):

Vyana is necessary for circulation and movement. It circulates oxygen, food, and water throughout the body while facilitating the flow of thoughts and emotions in the mind, fostering vitality and strength.

3. Prana (Forward moving air):

Prana is the foundational energy that drives us in life. It regulates the reception of all types, such as eating food, drinking water, inhaling air, and the reception of sensory impressions and mental experiences. Its propulsive nature sets things in motion and directs them.

4. Samana (Balancing air):

Samana assists in digestion on all levels. It helps the lungs absorb oxygen and supports healthy gastrointestinal tract function. It also works in the mind to unify and process experiences, whether sensory, mental, or emotional in nature.

5. Aparna (Air that moves away):

Aparna helps with all forms of elimination and reproduction. It governs the elimination of stool, urine, sweat, and other fluids. On a deeper level, it helps release negative experiences and energies.

Common Mudras in Yoga and their Benefits

Listed below are common yoga mudras along with their benefits.

1. Gyan mudra

Gyan Mudra, also known as the Chin Mudra, is one of the most widely used mudras in yoga. In this mudra, rest your hands on the knees with palm facing upwards and while keeping the palm open touch the index finger to the thumb.

Benefits:

As this mudra connects air and fire elements in the body, it helps in improving concentration levels, eases anxiety, lowers depression, and brings positive feelings.

2. Namaskar mudra

Namaskar Mudra is a basic mudra where palms of both hands are joined together. When this is done, energy and elements of both sides of the body amalgamate, thereby creating a balance in the body.

Benefits:

It results in instant relief from tension & stress and also greatly contributes to a calmer mind.

3. Vayu mudra

Vayu Mudra helps to balance element of air in the body. Here, 2nd phalanx bone of the index finger needs to be touched with tip of the thumb and while doing this, the palm should be open and facing upwards.

Benefits:

it gives relief from ailments such as bloating, constipation, flatulence, digestive disorders and chest pain. The Vayu mudra has also been used to ease spondylosis and treat dry skin.

4. Dhyana mudra

This mudra is seen in every image of Lord Buddha wherein right hand is placed over left hand and the tip of each thumb touches the other. The aim of this mudra is to balance fire element in the body while allowing other elements to rest.

Benefits:

Dhyana mudra is also known as concentration mudra as it helps to achieve control over the mind. This mudra is extensively used in the treatment of serious mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and phobias.

5. Prana mudra

In this mudra, the thumb needs to connect to tip of the ring and little fingers while the other two fingers lay flat and open. While doing this, the palm must face upwards.

Benefits:

The aim of this mudra is to balance the element of life. This mudra helps in improving blood circulation, lowering blood pressure, better vision, better digestive health and a stronger immune system.

Conclusion

The yoga mudras work along with the yoga asanas to offer some of the most wholesome benefits to the body which is achieved by maintaining the balance between the elements within the body.

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Source: vedanet.com, yogainternational.com, godigit.com

Disclaimer: This blog provides general information and discussions about health and related subjects. The information and other content provided in this blog, website, or in any linked materials are not intended and should not be considered, or used as a substitute for, medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Kindly contact your doctor before starting a new medicine or health regime.

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Published on September 12, 2022