What are Mudras? Increase the benefits of Yoga practice with them

According to the precepts of Yoga, our body is a mini world made of five elements: Agni (Fire), Vayu (Air), Akasha (Aether), Bhumi (Earth) and Jala (Water). Yoga can help us balance them all and one of the ways is by using a mudra.

We’ll show you how these symbolic hand gestures can have so much power in this article on what are mudras.

What are Mudras?

To put it simply, a Mudra is a hand gesture that guides the flow of energy to specific areas of the brain.

There are many types of Mudras designed to bring different benefitsdepending on what we specifically need.

They are done in conjunction with the breath to increase the flow of Prana in the body. Prana is, according to ancient Indian scriptures, the universal vital energy that permeates the cosmos, absorbed by living beings through the air they breathe.

By practicing mudras, we develop a connection with patterns in the brain that influence unconscious reflexes in different areas of our body.

The internal energy is, in turn, balanced and redirected, creating an impact on Organs sensory organs, tendons and veins of the glands.

Mudras and their meanings

Now that you know what mudras are, let’s explain what are the meanings, uses and benefits of mudras. 8 types of basic mudras. Check out!

Gyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge)

This Mudra gives rise to the root chakra, reducing tension and depression. This pose is very calming and spiritually awakening. It stimulates the air element in the body, which leads to an increase in memory power, nervous system and pituitary gland production.

It also increases concentration level, builds mental power and sharpens the brain.

If done regularly, this Mudra can improve your mental and psychological disorders such as anger, stress, anxiety, depression and even insomnia.

How to make

For you to understand what mudras are, you also need to know how to do them.

The Gyan Mudra Pose is performed by touching the index finger with the thumb, keeping the other three fingers in a straight line.

The indication is that this posture is performed for 35 to 40 minutes, early in the morning.

Vayu Mudra (Air Mudra)

This Mudra reduces the air element of the body, controlling restlessness, nervousness and calming restless minds.

It controls Dosha Vata and helps with arthritis, gas problems, sciatica, gout, knee pain or bloated stomach.

This Mudra also relaxes the muscles, overloads the endocrine glands and calms the strained voice. It even harmonizes our natural body energies such as blinking, sneezing or yawning.

How to make

Bend the index finger and press it with the thumb, keeping the other fingers straight.

Do this pose for 45 minutes every day or for 10 to 15 minutes three times a day. This Mudra can be done anytime and anywhere.

Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life)

The meaning of this Mudra in Yoga is energy or spirit of life. It provides energy and health. In addition, it improves vision, increases the body’s resistance to diseases, reduces vitamin deficiency and eliminates tiredness.

This Mudra also reduces the feeling of hunger during fasting and provides a good night’s sleep. It also stimulates the entire body, energizes it and sets the internal organs in motion.

How to make

Touch the tip of the thumb with the ring finger and little finger together, keeping the other two fingers straight. Breathe regularly, inhale and exhale for a few seconds.

You can also sing So-Hum while inhaling and whispering while exhaling. Doing this position for 30 to 40 minutes every day is enough to see results.

Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Void)

The meaning of this Mudra in Yoga is the emptiness of the sky, which reduces the spatial element in the body.

An hour of this Mudra, if done regularly, can reduce earache and watery eyes. It also improves hearing, strengthens bones, reduces heart disease and throat problems.

It also cures thyroid diseases and strengthens the gums, as well as opening the heart chakra and helping with meditation.

How to make

Sit comfortably and bend your middle finger so that it is at the base of your thumb. Then press the first phalanx bone of the middle finger with the tip of the thumb so that pressure is exerted, while the other three fingers are kept straight and stretched.

You can practice this Mudra for fifteen minutes three times a day to get good results.

Apan Mudra (Digestion Mudra)

This Mudra gives relief from constipation, diabetes, kidney defects and dental problems. It is better for stomach and heart diseases.

Whenever we eat food, some of it remains undigested and this causes toxins to form. These toxins are very harmful to the body. It is very important to detoxify the body and Apna Mudra helps with this.

How to make

To do this position, bend the ring and middle finger and touch the tip of the thumb, keeping the other two fingers straight.

Surya Mudra (Sun Mudra)

This Mudra helps control weight and obesity, as well as increasing the fire element in the body, which helps to maintain temperature and improve vision.

Surya Mudra can even help to cure many other problems such as loss of appetite, indigestion, shivering, cold, digestive problems and coldness of body limbs, hands or feet.

How to make

With the tip of your ring finger, touch the base of your thumb and apply pressure to it. Keep the other fingers straight or relaxed.

An average of 30 minutes of this practice in the early hours of the morning is enough to get the results.

Varun Mudra (Water Mudra)

This Mudra reduces skin dryness and helps improve its radiance and smoothness. It also helps to cure many skin conditions. It is known as a place of mental clarity.

It also encourages openness and fluid communication and balances the water element in the body.

How to make

Lightly touch the tip of the thumb with the little finger. Then apply a little pressure and see the difference.

For best results, sit cross-legged. There is no time limit for doing this Mudra. It can be done anytime and anywhere.

Ling Mudra (Heat Mudra)

This Mudra creates heat in the body and can cause sweating even in winters. It helps in controlling cold, asthma, cough, phlegm and dry phlegm.

How to make

To perform this pose, bring the fingers of both hands together and keep the right thumb straight. Put some pressure on and feel relaxed.

You can do this pose for 20 to 30 minutes every day.

As you already know what mudras are and what are the basic mudras positions, see other types of mudras with Yoga teacher Karen Pok, in the video below.