Mudras or Hand Gestures is a practice to improve your physical, mental and spiritual well-being. Practiced since ancient times in combination with pranayama, asanas, and meditation. Our hands define our karma, and the fingers are the points of power, they are a link between individual pranic force and universal cosmic energy.
The subtle movement of the hand and fingers makes important connections in the nervous system and stimulates specific energy pathways/nadis.
The human body is an amalgam of 5 elements of nature, Earth, Air, Water, Ether and Fire, and each finger acts as a representative of an element.
Yogis believed that if one wanted to cure a disease, one could take advantage of the energy of the elements, and rectify the imbalance, with the practice of proper mudras. From the thumb, the fingers represent Fire, Air, Ether, Earth, and Water, as shown in the image.
The Mudras redirect the flow of energy to the upper Chakras, and gradually establish a link between all the Koshas (layers) of the body.
We will teach you these 7 mudras, their benefits, and duration to improve our mental, spiritual and physical health:
Table of Contents
1. Gyan Mudra (Knowledge Mudra):
Gyan mudra is the mudra of knowledge. The gesture of knowledge or gesture of wisdom activates the pineal gland, relaxes the mind and improves concentration. This mudra increases the vayu element (air) inside the body.
In this thumb of mudra Brahma (supreme reality) is represented and the index finger is an individual soul, and its union creates eternal knowledge and wisdom.
Method: To perform this mudra, gently join the tip of the thumb and index finger, while the other three fingers simply stretch or release and bend slightly.
Duration: You can practice this mudra at any time of the day or while doing yoga poses or during meditation.
Benefits: Gyan mudra increases concentration, memory, reduces sleep disorders, helps release stress and anger, relieves depression and headache.
2. Vayú Mudra (Air Mudra):
The air gesture is best for Vata body types, and reduces any constriction in the body, due to excess air in the body. Vayú mudra balances the air element inside your body.
Method: It can be done sitting, standing or lying down. Just bend your index finger and you can see the phalanx bones. Press the second phalanx bone with the tip of the thumb, and the tip of the index finger should touch the base of the thumb.
Duration: You can practice this mudra at any time of the day, whether on a full or empty stomach.
Benefits: Eliminates excess gases, and air-related problems such as gout, flatulence, and constipation. It helps in diseases such as arthritis, neck pain, tremors in Parkinson’s disease, paralysis, and cervical spondylitis.
3. Prithvi Mudra (Earth Mudra):
This mudra amplifies the earth element of the body. Earth elements are a vital component of bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc. The practice of Prithvi mudra builds, and invigorates these tissues and strengthens the bones. It produces stability, confidence, and strength.
Prithvi Mudra is also called the earth mudra. It activates the body and reduces physical weaknesses.
Method: Sit in a lotus pose or in an easy pose to perform this mudra. Gently touch the tip of the ring finger and thumb, while the other three are stretched or free.
Duration: 30-45 minutes every day, together or in 3 parts during the day.
Benefits: Reduces stress, weakness, helps in weight gain, increases blood circulation and Kapha, increases self-esteem and confidence. In addition, it increases determination and directs individuals towards spirituality. It improves digestive power, develops vitality and eliminates vitamin deficiency.
4. Agni Mudra (Fire Mudra):
The gesture of the hand of fire is a powerful mudra with a significant healing capacity. It increases the fire element in the body and reduces the earth element. The Agni element (fire) is associated with body temperature and metabolism. The practice of Agni mudra helps maintain body temperature and keeps the metabolism going.
This mudra increases the element of fire in the body.
Method: Practice only in a sitting position and on an empty stomach every day to reap the benefits of this mudra. Bend the ring finger, and touch the tip of the base of the thumb, while the tip of the thumb presses the second phalanx of the ring finger.
Duration: You can practice 20 minutes every day, but avoid practicing when you have heartburn or digestion problems.
Benefits: Dissolves excess fat in the body, reduces cholesterol, accelerates digestion, stimulates metabolism and the immune system, controls low blood pressure and regulates the thyroid gland.
5. Jal Mudra (Water Mudra):
It works on the largest element of the body, water, increasing it to an optimal level. It prevents all diseases, due to lack of water or any type of dryness. It helps rehydrate cells, tissues, muscles, skin, articular cartilage, etc.
Jal mudra balances the water element in your body.
Method: Sit in an easy pose or just lie down and lightly touch the tip of your thumb with your little finger. The rest of the fingers can be left free, without stress.
Duration: It is an easy mudra and can be performed at any time of the day.
Benefits: The water element is also associated with language and taste. Therefore, this mudra can be used to overcome disorders, such as loss of sense of taste, dry mouth, etc. Jal mudra nourishes the skin, making it shine. Eliminates skin diseases, increases blood flow and reduces muscle aches.
6. Shunya Mudra (Ether Mudra):
The mudra of the emptiness or mudra of the sky reduces the spatial element within the body. Because this element is associated with the ears, it helps to get rid of earaches and many hearing disorders. It also helps the practitioner open his heart chakra, and is suitable for meditation practices.
Shunya mudra can quickly cure earaches if it is maintained for a long period of time.
Method: To perform this posture, sit in any easy posture, bend the middle finger and place it on the ball or thumb mount, then press the first phalanx bone of the middle finger, with the tip of the thumb. The other fingers should be stretched, and practice the same position with the other hand as well.
Duration: Practice this mudra for 15 minutes, three times a day. If you practice this mudra at the same time every day, it acts as a catalyst to achieve the desired results.
Benefits: Shunya mudra is effective for any ear, nose or throat problem. This mudra helps to listen and speak and heals any numbness in any part of your body. It is also useful for overcoming dizziness and vertigo. Release your fingers as soon as the symptoms disappear.
7. Prana Mudra:
Prana mudra can be used whenever you feel exhausted or tired, and need an extra boost of energy. It helps the optimal flow of prana in the body, activates the root chakra and increases vitality.
Prana mudra/mudra of life creates energy within the body and improves strength and immunity.
Method: Sit in a lotus pose, perfect pose, lighting pose or chair (you cannot sit in any other pose). Place the ring finger and little finger on the tip of the thumb gently, and keep the other two fingers stretched.
Duration: There is no specific length of time, you can practice at any interval and amount of time, or start with 5 to 6 minutes three times a day, and increase it to 15 minutes.
Benefits: With an innate ability to control the subtle energies of our aura, this mudra cleanses our aura. The magnetic force generated by this mudra creates an internal focus, clarity and a desire to delve deeper inside. This mudra also has to do with vision. It’s not just about improving the vision of your eyes, but also about having a vision for your life. Increases vitality, reduces fatigue and nervousness. Prana mudra should be avoided if you are suffering from cough and cold.
Relax, breathe and feel the flow of energy inside you, as each cell is completely revitalized. These mudras can be done anywhere, and integrating this ancient healing tool into your daily life will help you connect with your inner being and universal energy. Mudras instill tranquility, balance, and serenity for you and for everyone!
