There are mudras in every yoga class, sometimes there are several in one class, but if you have seen it, can you point it out? Each mudra represents something different and meaningful. With so many out there, how do we know what to use and why in our yoga and meditation practices?
Mudra means “seal” or “close”. Often these types of gestures are included in meditation or pranayama practices. Hands have special meaning to our bodies and to circulating energy. Through mudra gestures, we are able to direct different areas of the brain. So we can change our mood with a simple gesture.
But as mentioned earlier, many gestures have different meanings. Let us guide you through ten yoga mudras that will deepen your practice.
Basic knowledge of mudra
Basic knowledge of mudra
These gestures are derived from the holistic healing system of Ayurveda. They explain that practicing these mudras activates our life force through our bodies and strengthens our practice. Help us get more out of his practice. Each finger represents a specific element or role in our body. These include:
thumb = fire
index finger = wind
middle finger = space
ring finger = earth
little finger = water
Mudras are often accompanied by pranayama or yogic breathing exercises. You will often see them in poses like Sukhasana (or Relaxed Pose) or Padmasana or (Tadasana). While there are many poses that go with them, these are usually the most common mudras you’ll see in practice.
When we close our hands to form a mudra, our fingers help this current flow through our body. Let the energy flow through your body. Find out the benefits of each mudra that suits your needs.
What is the science behind mudra?
What is the science behind mudra?
We don’t yet have the precise technology to help us understand the real power behind these gestures. Like until recently, thanks to innovations in CT scanning, we didn’t have the technology to understand how meditation affects our brains. In short, when we use mudra, we close our inner energy circuits during contemplation and meditation. When we do asanas, our body is filled with energy. In choosing an intention, we focus on that energy and feel it circulating through us. When we do namaste in gestures or mudras, all these pulsating energies are turned off. This continues the momentum of this energy flow.
On a physical level, we know that our fingers are most sensitive to neural responses, but they are also related to our endocrine glands. These glands generate an electromagnetic response when we hold our fingers together.
As mentioned, we currently do not have the technology to demonstrate the results of this energy cycle. This is because we have not tested the technique of electromagnetic body currents in these poses. However, this is a subtle understanding of how mudras channel our energy.
Origin of Mudra
The origin of the mudra remains a mystery. They have existed for thousands of years and can be seen in many cultures. Mudras are found in religions such as Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, and Taoism. Handprints also appear in Roman art and Egyptian hieroglyphics.
Although these cultures vary, these gestures or mudras can have different meanings depending on the culture. From channeling energy to focused intentions, powerful healing properties or psychic abilities. Recently, a total of 399 mudras have been found in rituals, meditations and postures of all these different faiths. In essence, all of these mudras are expressions of love or overcoming inner turmoil to better one’s physical or spiritual self.
Ten Yoga Mudras to Get You Started
1. Ji’an handprint
Ji’an handprint
The purpose of Gyan mudra is to improve our concentration and enhance our memory. Since it is very stimulating to the brain, this is also a mudra that encourages creativity. Ji’an is Sanskrit, meaning “knowledge” or “wisdom”.
This pose is often called the mudra of knowledge. This mudra directs the energy and focus of the person performing it. Most people practice this mudra sitting down, but some may do it standing up.
Since mudras are said to promote stability, they are most often found in poses such as the lotus position or lotus pose. Combining this mudra with thoughtful breathing techniques can help us experience its full benefits.
To enter this handprint:
- Keep your palms facing the sky.
- Breathe in and feel the energy flow through you.
- When you’re ready to feel more grounded and balanced, return your palms to your legs.
2. Bodhi Mudra
Buddha handprint
This mudra design is said to enhance our mental abilities and bring clarity to our thoughts and decisions. This mudra is able to heal our mind and thoughts. In order to practice Bodhi Mudra, we instinctively create a closer connection with ourselves. In order to understand what is going on inside, we can become more aware and clear about our decisions in the outer world.
To enter this handprint:
- By touching the tips of the pinky and thumb together.
3. Ganesha Mudra
Ganesha mudra
This mudra gets its name from the Hindu god Ganesha. In Hindu belief, Lord Ganesha is a person who helps remove obstacles in one’s life. This mudra is designed to remove stress and tension from the person.
This mudra also has a strong connection to the heart chakra because of its ability to remove fear, it also opens