A Guide To Mudras - 12 Mudras To Use In Your Yoga Practice
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Really love the info graphic poster… Thank you
Really interesting! I find this type of information so fascinating. Thank you
I love this! Perfect reference guide!
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