6 Yoga Mudras to Improve Your Energy and Mental Health
What are yoga mudras and how do they work? Learn about these hand gestures and 6 common yoga mudras that you can include in your practice right away to improve your energy and mental health.
Yoga Mudras are often part of every yoga class. When you say thank you to your teacher at the end of your class, you place your hands together in a prayer's position. This is Anjali Mudra.
Mudras exist in many different cultures and have been used for thousands of years. Though they may not be assigned the name mudra, we all make meaningful hand gestures everyday. You've probably been using one your whole life and never realised it. When you cross your fingers for good luck. This is a mudra.
WHAT IS A MUDRA AND HOW DOES IT WORK?
The word mudra literally means "seal” or "gesture” in Sanskrit. They are used to guide the energy flow within the body by using your hands through acupuncture meridians in order to bring your body back to balance.
Hands are considered to be the control panel of the body as it contains all the acupuncture meridians. The five fingers represent the five elements - fire, water, air, sky and earth. These energies need to be in harmony for the body to function at its optimal health.
Different areas of the hands are connected with different areas of the body and the brain. When you move your fingers and hands in a specific way, you are altering the flow of energy or prana, which in turn stimulates specific areas of your brain to help bring a complete balance to your entire body and well-being.
HOW TO PRACTICE YOGA MUDRAS
You can include yoga mudras with your meditation, pranayama, or yoga practice. Add them to any asana or pose to increase the full body benefit, choose any mudra to take with your hands that brings about a feeling you would like to generate during your meditation practice, or increase the flow of energy through your body by combining it with your breathing or pranayama exercises.
You may not feel any different after performing mudras. It takes time to become sensitive to the impacts on your mind, body and soul. But stick with it if you feel it can benefit you in any way.
6 MUDRAS TO IMPROVE YOUR ENERGY AND MENTAL HEALTH
1. ANJALI MUDRA
Performed in nearly every yoga class, Anjali Mudra is a gesture of honour and respect toward yourself, your teacher, and the universe. Anjali means a gesture of reverence or salutation, and this mudra expresses love and gratitude.
ANJALI MUDRA STEP-BY-STEP
Bring your palms to touch at the centre of your heart, making sure to press your palms together with even pressure.
Bow your head slightly, lift your sternum to your thumbs, and lengthen through your back.
2. CHIN MUDRA
Probably one of the most well-known mudras, that even non-yogis recognise it. Chin means "consciousness” in Sanskrit, and the index finger represents the individual consciousness, while the thumb represents universal consciousness. When the two join, the limited self is connected with the universal self and we can begin to transcend from darkness to lightness, from ignorance to wisdom. This mudra calms your mind, improves your concentration, sharpens your memory, and brightens your overall mood.
CHIN MUDRA STEP-BY-STEP
Touch your index finger and thumb gently together.
Keep your remaining three fingers lightly extended.
Rest the backs of your palms on your knees or thighs when in meditation. Or include it in your asana practice (eg. in Dancers Pose).
3. PADMA MUDRA
Padma means "lotus" in Sanskrit. Lotus flowers represent purity and perseverance as they grow above dark, muddy waters. This mudra represents the self floating above the muddy waters of desire, fear and attachment. Use this mudra to calm your mind and help you rise above the negative energy around you.
PADMA MUDRA STEP-BY-STEP
Bring your hands into Anjali Mudra.
Keeping your thumbs, pinky fingers and heels of your palms touching, spread the remaining fingers wide like a lotus flower blossoming.
4. GANESHA MUDRA
Ganesha Mudra is named after the Hindu god, Ganesha, who is said to be the remover of all obstacles. This mudra can help relieve you of all types of obstructions in your life, and give you positivity and courage when dealing with challenging times.
GANESHA MUDRA STEP-BY-STEP
Bring your hands into Anjali Mudra.
Keeping your palms together, turn your hands in opposite directions so your fingers now point to opposite elbows, with your right palm facing your heart.
Bend your fingers and slide your hands away until your fingers lock.
During meditation, inhale holding this gesture, and exhale, gently pull your fingers away from each other without unlocking your fingers.
Repeat the same number of breaths with the palms turned the other way.
5. PRANA MUDRA
Prana means "life force" in Sanskrit and this mudra can help activate the dormant energy residing inside your body, making you feel energised and strong. Practice this mudra whenever you feel tired, low in energy, or drained.
PRANA MUDRA STEP-BY-STEP
Touch your ring and pinky fingers to the tip of your thumb.
Straighten your index and middle fingers.
6. ABHAYA MUDRA
Abhaya means "fearlessness” in Sanskrit and this mudra is used to dispel fear and develop courage. You can practice this mudra when you are facing challenging times. It is most often practiced using only the right hand.
ABHAYA MUDRA STEP-BY-STEP
Bring your right hand in front of you at shoulder height, with your elbow bent towards your waist.
Open your right hand and face your palm outwards.