The universe is made of five elements, and each of the five fingers is represented by one of these elements. The thumb represents the fire, as well as universal consciousness. The index finger represents air and individual consciousness.
The middle finger represents akasha, or connection. The ring finger represents earth, and the little finger the element of water.
When these five elements are not in balance, we can experience disease in the body. Mudras are one way of creating a balance between all of these elements within us. Read on and attune yourself with some of these common mudras.
Introduction
The sanskrit word “Mudra” is translated as “seal” or “closure” or “gesture.” A mudra is a gesture that may involve the whole body or be a simple hand position. Based on the principles of Ayurveda, mudras are thought to have healing properties and to have an effect on the energy flow of the body. Some Yoga Mudras come natural to us, simply by touching our hands to our fingers we can affect our attitude and our perception and the inherent energetic power can heal the body. Mudras used in combination with breathing exercises enhance the flow of prana in the body by stimulating the different parts of the body involved with breathing. Relating directly to the nerves, mudras create a subtle connection with the instinctual patterns in the brain influencing the unconscious reflexes in these areas. The internal energy is in turn balanced and redirected effecting change in the sensory organs, glands veins and tendons. This adds a whole new dimension to the yoga experience.
Yoga Mudras are typically practiced sitting simply cross legged, in vajrasana, or in lotus posture and even sitting in a chair. However, mudras can also be practiced as part of a specific posture; for example during Warrior 2 or Tree pose. Ideally Ujjai breathing or other pranayama accompany the more simple mudras.
The main texts concerning the use of mudras are the Hatha Yoga Pradipika and Gheranda Samhita. The Hatha Yoga Pradipika describes 10 mudras and the Gheranda Samhita explains 25 different mudras.
At the end of the mudras, you will find a summary of common mantras that can be practiced with the mudra of your choice, or as part of mantra meditation practice. At the end of each mantra, you’ll find a link to a video of the mantra to help you with pronunciation and pacing of the mantra.
Prana vayu Mudra
In Ayurveda, the qualities of the “five elements” of earth, water, fire, air, and ether are connected to and represented by prana vayus. These energies are symbolized by the five fingers of the hand. The thumb represents fire, the index finger is air, the middle finger is ether, the ring finger is earth, and the little finger is water.
There is thought to be a direct relationship between the mudras and the five elements of the body. According to Ayurveda, disease is due to an imbalance in the body caused by lack or excess of any of the five elements, our fingers have the characteristics of these elements and each of these five elements serves a specific and important function within the body. The fingers are essentially electrical circuits. The use of mudras adjusts the flow of energy affecting the balance of air, fire, water earth and ether accommodating healing.
The following five mudras are thought to influence the five vital airs in the physical body. With each mudra, the corresponding vayu is believed to be stimulated and bring a unifying effect to the various pranas.
Prana Mudra- Tips of ring and little finger touch the tip of the thumb.
Apana Mudra-Tips of the ring and middle finger touch the tip of the thumb.
Samana Mudra-Tips of the index, middle, ring and little finger touch the tip of the thumb.
Udana Mudra- Tips of the ring, middle, and little finger touch the tip of the thumb. Vyana Mudra-Tips of index and middle finger touch the tip of the thumb Any of these mudras can be done during meditation with the mind fixed on the particular area of the body were the corresponding vayu is meant to reside. Bringing our conscious awareness to specific areas of the body helps direct the prana.
Prana Mudra
Steps:
- The Prana Mudra should ideally be performed while sitting down in meditative posture or while standing up straight in Mountain Pose.
- Keep your eyes closed and focus on your breath.
- Bring your hands up to your sides. Touch the tips of your ring finger and little finger to your thumb. The index and middle finger should be pointed straight.
- Feel the life force as it rushes through your body.
- The Prana Mudra should be practiced for 10 to 15 minutes.
Benefits:
- One of the primary benefits of the Prana Mudra is its ability to make you feel energized when you are fatigued or depressed. It also helps to strengthen the immune system and is good for the eyes.
Elements:Fire+Earth+Water
Apana Mudra
Steps:
- Stand or sit up straight.
- Bring your hands in front of you and bend the middle and ring finger and thumb so that their tips touch each other.
- Your index and little finger should be pointing straight.
- The Apaan Mudra is usually performed with both hands. The Mudra should be held for 10 to 15 minutes, which can be done in increments.
Benefits:
- It is thought to help purify the body.
- This mudra helps the body get rid of unwanted toxins and is also helpful in dealing with constipation and gas.
- It’s also thought to be helpful for heartburn
Elements:Fire+Space+Earth
Samana Mudra
Steps:
- Stand or sit up straight.
- Join the tips of all the fingers.
- This mudra is usually practiced with both hands and most often with palms turned up or hands at the belly.
- It complements kapalabhati breath or breath of fire.
- It can be practiced for about 10 minutes
Benefits:
- This mudra is said to help with the digestive system and help upset stomach.
- It also helps energize the body, especially the upper body and lungs.
- It’s also thought to help clear the mind and see situations more clearly.
Elements:All
Udana Mudra
Steps:
- Begin in a seated position.
- Sit up tall.
- Bring your elbows into the side of your body with your palms facing up.
- Bring the tips of your middle, ring and little finger to your thumb
- Point your index finger straight out in front of you.
- Stay here for a few minutes
Benefits:
- It is said to help balance the chakras of the crown, brow and thoat.
- It is said to help develop a positive, optimistic outlook.
- It is thought to help encourage growth.
Elements:Fire+Space+Earth+Air
Vyana Mudra
Steps:
- Begin in a seated position.
- Sit up tall .
- Bring the tips of your middle and index finger to your thumb.
- Extend your elbow with your arms out in front of you and palms up.
- Point your ring finger and little finger straight out in front of you.
- Stay here for a few minutes.
Benefits:
- It is said to help balance the entire body.
- It is thought to help circulation
Elements:Fire+Space+Air
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