As you practice pranayama you will notice that it is not just your physical body that is active but also relief your mind stress. Our mind is a very powerful asset and during pranayama, we need our mind to focus on the positive energies and be one with the surrounding environment, this is where mudras come into play.
Mudra is a hand gesture that basically works as a MPS (mind positioning system). It helps the mind flow and stay on track while practicing pranayama. There are various mudras and each of them provides various benefits.
Here are some of the most common and powerful mudras used in basic pranayama techniques.
Gyan Mudra
It is the most common mudra associated with beginner's pranayama. The word Gyan in Sanskrit is translated to Supreme knowledge.
Steps;
- With your palms open, bring the index finger to the thumb touching lightly without applying any pressure.
- Now straighten out the rest of the three fingers.
- Place the mudra on your knees and perform the pranayama.
What does it symbolize?
This mudra is associated with knowledge and it is spiritually awakening as it brings about the unity of air and fire elements.
Benefits
- Improves memory and level of concentration
- Strengthens the nervous system
- Calms the mind and promotes mental health.
Buddhi Mudra
This mudra when accompanied by pranayama helps de-fog the mind and clarify your thoughts.
Steps;
- With your palms open, bring the little finger to the thumb touching lightly without applying any pressure
- Now straighten out the rest of the three fingers
- Place the mudra on your knees and perform the pranayama.
What does it symbolize?
This gesture brings the space and earth elements in harmony, it symbolizes openness and enables you to connect with your subconscious mind.
Benefits
- Helps relax an over-burdened and exhausted mind.
- Promotes and helps strengthen intuitive knowledge.
Shuni Mudra
This hand gesture improves our awareness by awakening our sensory power.
Steps;
- With your palms open, bring the tip of the middle finger to the thumb.
- Now straighten out the rest of the three fingers
- Place the mudra on your knees and perform the pranayama.
What does it symbolize?
The elements at work here are space and fire that boost our intuition and align our mind with the universe. This mudra symbolizes emptiness and hence reduces the space element in the body
Benefits
- Strengthens the ears.
- Fortifies the gums.
- Helps maintain a clear and healthy throat.
Apan Mudra
This mudra is known to assist the healthy removal of toxins from the body and also promotes digestive health.
Steps;
- With your palms open, bend the middle and the ring finger towards the thumb touching the tip.
- Straighten the rest of the two fingers.
- Continue with the
What does it symbolize?
The elements activated here are space, fire and water. This mudra helps promote digestive health.
Benefits
- Promotes digestive
- Helps with natural cleansing of the body.
Prana Mudra
Prana in Sanskrit is known as “Life”, and this gesture helps awaken the vital force within you and helps you tune your prana to your surrounding prana.
Steps;
- With your palms open, bend the ring finger and the little finger towards the thumb touching the tip.
- Straighten the rest of the three fingers.
- Continue with the pranayama.
What does it symbolize?
Space and water elements are in unity while performing this hand gesture. It helps rejuvenate your energy and spirit.
Benefits
- Strengthens the eyes.
- Bolsters the immune system.
- Increases energy levels.
Surya Mudra
The word Surya in Sanskrit means “Sun” and this gesture helps harness the inner fire element thereby increasing the body temperature.
Steps;
- With your palms open, bend the ring finger all the way to the base of the thumb making sure the tip of the thumb is touching the knuckle of the ring finger.
- Straighten the rest of the three fingers without stressing the hand
- Continue with the pranayama
What does it symbolize?
The elements at work here are air and water, but the mudra also helps in reducing the earth element which is associated with body fat. It increases the fire element which kindles the Agni within our body.
Benefits
- Improves metabolism and digestion
- Supports healthy weight
- Strengthens the immune
- Increases body temperature warming up cold hands and feet.
Vayu Mudra
Vayu depicts the air element within the body, and this gesture helps decrease the air element which helps ease anxiousness and restlessness.
Steps;
- At a glance, Vayu mudra may look similar to Gyan mudra but there are subtle differences.
- With your palms open, bend the index finger and place the thumb over the hump of the index finger, apply a gentle pressure
- Straighten the rest of the three fingers without stressing the hand.
- Continue with the pranayama.
What does it symbolize?
The mudra symbolizes the element of air decreasing and this gesture especially helps in Vata related problems.
Benefits
- Soothes the mind and supports mental health.
- Bolsters the digestive system, promotes joint health.
