A Guide To Mudras - 12 Mudras To Use In Your Yoga Practice

Man with hands in Anjali mudra or prayer hands wearing So We Flow...

A Guide to Mudras

Picture this. You're in your first yoga class and you're just getting the hang of it, only for the teacher to start instructing the class to perform bizarre hand gestures - touching this on that and that with this. Yoga is certainly susceptible to cultish undertones, but fear not, you haven't unknowingly been initiated into a local gang. These hand gestures are called Mudras, and constitute an important part of yoga philosophy. Here you'll discover the meaning of the Mudras and 12 of our favourites you can have a shot at during your yoga or meditation practice. So roll out your Honest Yoga Mat, pull on an E.C.O. tee and let's get started.

What Are Mudras?

Mudras are hand gestures used in yoga and meditation, which mean ‘mark’ or ‘seal’ in Sanskrit. In the Mudra philosophy, it is believed that our 5 fingers correspond to the 5 elements of the universe - water, earth, ether, air and fire. Each of these elements has a distinct role in the balance of our physical body, state of mind and mental well-being.

Thus, through pressing, touching, curling or pointing our fingers or hands in different ways, we can direct energy flow to specific parts of the body and brain, stimulating particular emotions, reactions and effects.

Whether you believe that Mudras have genuine power or that they are hippie woo-woo, many of us feel something exquisite when we introduce Mudras into our practice. Even the most skeptical of us habitually incorporate a couple of 'household' Mudras into every yoga class - think thumb and index finger touching when in seated meditation (Gyan Mudra), or hands in prayer to close our practice (Anjali Mudra).

So you may as well give it a try, you never know...

12 Mudras to Use in Your Yoga Practice

1. Gyan Mudra

Illustration of Gyan Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Gyan Mudra

Touch the tip of the index finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers.

Benefits of Gyan Mudra

Increases concentration, memory, creativity and reduces negativity.

2. Prithvi Mudra

Illustration of Prithvi Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Prithvi Mudra

Touch the tip of the ring finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers.

Benefits of Prithvi Mudra

Strengthens the tissues of the body such as muscles, bones, tendons and nails.

3. Varun Mudra

Illustration of Varun Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Varun Mudra

Touch the tip of the little finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers.

Benefits of Varun Mudra

Amplifies the ability to communicate effectively and promotes the circulation of fluids in the body.

4. Prana Mudra

Illustration of Prana Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Prana Mudra

Touch the tip the the thumb with the tips of the ring and little fingers. Extend the other 2 fingers.

Benefits of Prana Mudra

Energises the body, alleviates tiredness and enhances eyesight.

5. Apan Mudra

Illustration of Apan Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Apan Mudra

Touch the tip of the thumb with the tips of the middle and ring fingers. Extend the other 2 fingers.

Benefits of Apan Mudra

Balances the body, stokes the metabolism and helps stimulate digestion.

6. Vayu Mudra

Illustration of Vayu Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Vayu Mudra

Touch the tip of the index finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb.

Extend the other 3 fingers.

Benefits of Vayu Mudra

Balances air in the body, relieving both flatulence and joint pain.

7. Shunya Mudra

Illustration of Shunya Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Shunya Mudra

Touch the tip of the middle finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb.

Extend the other 3 fingers.

Benefits of Shunya Mudra

Improves hearing and can be restorative for throat and thyroid conditions.

8. Surya Mudra

Illustration of Surya Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Surya Mudra

Touch the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb.

Extend the other 3 fingers.

Benefits of Surya Mudra

Raises metabolism, heats the body and aids digestion.

9. Adi Mudra

Illustration of Adi Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Adi Mudra

Fold the fingers into a fist over the thumb with the thumb touching the side of the little finger.

Benefits of Adi Mudra

Expands lung capacity, stimulates blood flow and improves the function of vital organs.

10. Anjali Mudra

Illustration of Anjali Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Anjali Mudra

Press the palms firmly together with the fingers facing upwards.

Benefits of Anjali Mudra

Alleviates stress and anxiety, boosts focus and lends a hand in achieving  a meditative state.

11. Hakini Mudra

Illustration of Hakini Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Hakini Mudra

Touch the tips of the fingers with those of the opposite hand, mirroring each other. Keep the palms separated from one another.

Benefits of Hakini Mudra

Boosts memory, brain power and concentration.

12. Shambhala Mudra

Illustration of Shambhala Mudra by So We Flow...

How to Do Shambhala Mudra

Create a fist with one hand and a flat palm with the other. Press the fist into the palm of the straightened hand.

Benefits of Shambhala Mudra

Lifts the mood and promotes vitality and positive thinking.

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That's all folks. We hope you enjoy incorporating Mudras into your yoga practice. We've included a handy infographic below so you can keep all your Mudra info in one place. Let us know how you get on by tagging us on Instagram @SoWeFlow 

 A Guide to Mudras Infographic

So We Flow... A Guide To Mudras Infographic 


3 comments

  • Joe Trickett

    Really love the info graphic poster… Thank you

  • Serina Lopez

    Really interesting! I find this type of information so fascinating. Thank you

  • Malorie Mehaffey

    I love this! Perfect reference guide!


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