4 YOGA MUDRAS


     

     


    What Are Mudras Or Hand Gestures? 



    Hasta mudras, or hand signals, are the most well-known mudras, and they're often used in yoga, pranayama, and asanas (postures). The Sanskrit word mudra means "seal," and the movements are used to intensify the effects of prana flow. Some movements make you relax, while others uplift you and bind you to something bigger than yourself.

    There are several different hand mudras, but we'll go through four of the most familiar ones in pranayama. We can recommend certain mudras to use while we go over the strategies to help you further your practice.



     

    1. What Is Vishnu Mudra?


    Vishnu Mudra is most often used during the pranayama technique known as nadi Shodhana. Vishnu Mudra is often done with the right hand, regardless of which is the main hand, since it represents the absorption of positive energies.



    Lift your right hand and bend your index and middle fingers in toward your palm, leaving your thumb, ring finger, and pinky finger completely extended to perform Vishnu Mudra. This requires some flexibility, but with practice, it becomes easier.

    This mudra mainly balances the first three chakras (root, sacral, and navel centers) and is used in Nadi Shodhana to alternately block the nostrils. It gives energetic entry to the higher centers since it balances the base three energy centers.

     

    2. What Is Gyan Mudra?


    Gyan Mudra is perhaps the most well-known mudra, as it appears often in images and media depicting yoga, Hinduism, and Buddhism. It's also a mudra that can be used in almost any pose or exercise. This is the mudra to use while you're not sure what to do.



    Attach the tips of your pointer fingers to the tips of your thumbs on each side with your palms turned inward on your knees.

    Enable the remaining three fingers to be stretched.

    The tip of the pointer finger, which represents the lower mind or ego, is connected to the tip of the thumb, which represents eternal knowledge and awareness, in the Gyan Mudra. In essence, you're connecting to the higher mind and gaining access to greater wisdom. This is a more energizing mudra that opens you up to receptivity with the palms turned up on the feet.



     

    3. What Is Chin Mudra?


    Chin mudra, also known as nana Mudra, is a common hand gesture that is used to ground yourself during pranayama and meditation. It's like Gyan Mudra in that it's pretty universal and a wonderful addition to the work.





    Make a circle with your pointer fingers and the tips of your fingertips, leaving the three remaining fingers extended. On your knees, turn your palms inward.

    Chin Mudra is a strong link to the root chakra that grounds you to the earth. This mudra will help you re-ground yourself when you're feeling frantic, nervous, or ungrounded.

     

     

    4. What Is Anjali Mudra? 


    Anjali mudra, also known as prayer hands, can be used in pranayama and meditation, but it is also a traditional salutation or respect gesture in many cultures.




    Bring your hands and fingertips together in front of your sternum or heart chakra, holding the fingers pointed upward, while sitting upright with your shoulders straight down your back.

    The hands meeting in the middle of your body reflect Anjali Mudra, which provides a harmony between the body and mind. This devotional mudra is all about connecting to a deep inner harmony as well as connecting to your spirit.






    ~ Kiran Atma







    FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS:





    What are Yoga Mudras and How Do I Use Them?


    Yoga Mudras are hand motions designed to improve the flow of energy, or Prana, in the body and mind for better health. Mudra is a Sanskrit term that roughly translates as 'hand gesture.' Mudras are used in many Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies, as well as many dance styles, to express deeper significance.


    What are some important mudras?


    Mudra Jnana/Gyan (Psychic gesture of Knowledge)

    Mudra Chinmaya (Awareness)

    Mudra Vayu (Air)

    Mudra of Agni (Fire)

    Varun Mudra is an Indian actor ( Water)

    Mudra of Prana (Life)

    Shunya Mudra is a kind of Shunya Mudra (Sky)

    Surya Mudra is a kind of Surya Mudra (Sun)



    How many different types of yoga mudras are there?



    Mudras are used in a variety of Hindu and Buddhist rites. Yoga, meditation, and dancing all make great use of them. There are around 399 mudras, according to several disciplines.

    How long do you keep mudras on your hands?


    Apply just enough pressure to sense the flow of energy in each Mudra, but not enough to whiten your fingers. Keep a mudra for at least a couple of minutes to get the most out of it, but 15 minutes or more is preferable. You may do this throughout the day, or make it a part of your meditation.



    Which are some of the best yoga mudras?


    1. Agni Mudra is a fire gesture.
    2. Vayu Mudra is an air gesture.
    3. Akash Mudra is a space gesture.
    4. Prithvi Mudra - The Earth's Gesture.
    5. Jal Mudra is a water gesture.
    6. Apana Vayu Mudra is a heart gesture.
    7. Prana Mudra is a key air gesture.
    8. Matangi Mudra - Goddess Matangi's gesture.



    In Pranayama, which mudra is used?


    Practice Brahma Mudra in pranayama to encourage a full, deep breath. As in Aadi Mudra, make light fists with both hands, then press them together at the knuckles, palms up. Then, using both hands, softly push on the pubic bone.



    What are the benefits of yoga mudras?


    The power source of the circuit: the brain, is stimulated by pressing the fingers together in a specific hand motion, such as a yoga mudra. The brain then gets a signal to alter the body's energy rhythm. This is accomplished through controlling the flow of energy (Prana).



    Mudras were invented by who?


    Mudras have been around for thousands of years and may be found in a variety of faiths and traditions, including Hinduism, Buddhism, Christianity, Egyptian hieroglyphics, Tantric rites, Roman art, Asian martial arts, Taoism, and Indian classical dance.



    Which mudra is appropriate for sleeping?


    Gyan mudra is a seal of wisdom and knowledge that aids in the attainment of serenity of mind and is often done during meditation. It's a calming and relaxing hand motion that gives you a feeling of grounding while also releasing tension that might disrupt your sleep cycle.



    What exactly is the bhairava mudra?



    Bhairava mudra is a symbolic, ceremonial hand motion used in spiritual yoga to create a balanced energy flow during meditation. The right hand is put on top of the left hand, palms facing up, in this mudra.



    What is Ashwini Mudra and how does it work?



    The horse gesture is known as Ashwini Mudra. It's a beginner's yoga practice that includes rhythmically constricting the anal sphincter. The sushumna nadi, the body's major energy channel, is used to direct prana, or life force energy, upwards down the spine.



    What is your Garuda Mudra technique?



    Maintain an upright stance while doing garuda mudra. Place the right hand on top of the left, with the right thumb looping over the knuckle of the other thumb. With the palms of the hands facing you, the mudra should resemble the wings of a bird.



    When is the best time to conduct Shakti Mudra?



    Shakti Mudra may be done at any time throughout the day. It is, nevertheless, good to do so in the early hours of the morning. It may be done in Tadasana, or mountain position, or even while seated in a chair. It may be done in any position: standing, sitting, or laying down.






    By Jai Krishna Ponnappan
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