Mudras are hand gestures used in yoga and meditation, which mean ‘mark’ or ‘seal’ in Sanskrit. In the Mudra philosophy, it is believed that our 5 fingers correspond to the 5 elements of the universe - water, earth, ether, air and fire. Each of these elements has a distinct role in the balance of our physical body, state of mind and mental well-being. Every organ and bodily part is connected to your hands. Mudras have unique hand motions that, when sustained with focus, can directly stimulate healing processes within the body. Every posture or gesture or body changes the flow of our energy. As we saw some yogis doing these hand gestures, we never think that they hold any meaning, but they really do. As told in acupuncture and acupressure techniques, every organ in our body is connected to our hands, and when you pressure them or pin them, they stimulate the connected organ. Same is with hand gestures. Our energy flows in or around us in a very specific way, and it matters how it flows. Hand gestures are the techniques that change the flow of it, positively.
List of all the Mudras mentioned in this blog.
1. GYAN MUDRA
You can practice this mudra anytime during the day or while you are performing yoga postures or during meditation. Gyan mudra helps to increase concentration, memory, reduces sleep disorders, helps to release stress and anger, eases depression and headache. This mudra has been used extensively for thousands of years by yogis as it brings peace, calm, and spiritual progress.
2. PRITHVI MUDRA
Earth element is a vital component of bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, internal organs, etc. Practice of Prithvi mudra builds and invigorates these tissues and strengthens the bones. It produces stability, confidence and strength.
To practice this mudra Sit down in lotus pose or easy pose to perform this mudra. Gently touch the tip of the ring finger and thumb, while the other three are stretched or free.
This, if done 30-45 minutes every day (together or in 3 parts during the day), helps reduce stress, weakness, helps in weight gain, increases blood circulation & Kapha, boosts self esteem & confidence. Also, it increases determination and directs individuals towards spirituality. It improves digestive power, develops vitality and removes deficiency of vitamins.
3. PRANA MUDRA
Prana mudra can be used whenever you feel drained or tired, and need an extra boost of energy. This mudra cleanses our aura due to its innate ability to control the subtle energies of our aura. It is considered beneficial for all types of diseases and is also said to impart special power to the eyes. Prana mudra is said to help activate the dormant energy in the body (chi or qui).
4. SURYA MUDRA
The fire element is associated with body-temperature and metabolism. Practice of Surya mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the metabolism going. It is a very powerful mudra with significant healing capacity. It increases the fire element in the body and reduces the earth element. It is advised that this mudra should be practiced only in a sitting position and on an empty stomach every day.
If practiced 20 minutes every day, it helps dissolve excess fat in the body, reduce cholesterol, quickens digestion, boosts metabolism & immune system, controls low BP and regulates the thyroid gland.
5. VARUN MUDRA
Water is the biggest element of the human body and that is what this mudra works on. It prevents all diseases which come due to the lack of water or any kind of dryness. This mudra when performed anytime during the day helps balance the elements related to the tongue and taste. It eliminates skin diseases, increases blood flow, and reduces muscle aches.
6. VAYU MUDRA
This mudra relates to the air element. It is great for the Vata body types and reduces any constrictions in the body due to excess air in the body. When practiced regularly this mudra helps eliminate excess gas/air related problems like gout, flatulence, constipation. It helps in diseases like arthritis, neck pain, trembling in Parkinson’s disease, paralysis and cervical spondylitis.
7. UTTARABODHI MUDRA (AWAKENING)
It has the powder to invoke enlightenment as well as a greater awareness and consciousness of the spiritual. It helps you overcome your fear, relax your body, and restore your energy.
8. KUNDALINI MUDRA
Kundalini mudra will help in eliminating any sexual tensions from the body which have occurred due to stress such as lack of interest, early orgasm, reproductive problems, etc. It increases libido, vigour and helps to conceive the women.
9. YONI MUDRA (ENLIGHTENMENT)
Your nervous system will quiet down, and you'll have more control over your senses. It assists you in developing inner awareness and improving your communication skills so you can impress everyone in the room.
10. KALESVARA MUDRA (ILLUMINATION)
It will slow down your thoughts and make you more aware of addictive behaviors. It improves your memory, clears your mind of competing thoughts, and helps you concentrate. Calm the mind and take control over thoughts and emotions. Mudras help to direct the flow of prana or energy within the body, and each has a particular focus or symbolism. This mudra is dedicated to Kalesvara, otherwise known as the Lord of Time.
11. UNBREAKABLE TRUST MUDRA
It will instill unshakeable self-confidence in you as well as inner strength and faith in a higher power. With this, your self-assurance will soar, enabling you to decide how your future self will live.
12. KALI MUDRA
It will be useful in getting rid of some unnecessary heart baggage and giving you the strength to get through a trying day. It promotes optimism in the body while unclogging channel blockages.
13. APANA MUDRA
It helps to increase the balance of the elements of the space & earth within the body. It strengthen the stomach region. It controls the gas & diabetes problems. It removes kidney stones. It Controls high blood pressure. It removes dental pain.
14. APANA VAYU MUDRA
This mudra is mostly concerned with healing heart-related diseases. It helps prevent heart attacks as well as their recurrence, lessen heart palpitations, and relieve heaviness in the heart. helps relieve heartache, anxiety, panic, grief, sadness, overwhelm. helps balance the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) as well as can help improve digestive fire as well as lung capacity.
15. SHUNYA MUDRA
The practice of Heaven (Shunya) mudra is useful to balance for the people who have tri-dosha. In the deafness of the ears, this mudra acts as a panacea. Its regular practice awakens intuition in a person. It used to decrease space elements within the body. It also helps in the Vata constitution. if there is numbness in any part of the body, applying this mudra removes numbness. Numbness occurs only where blood circulation is not well. This mudra increases blood circulation. With the continuous practice of this mudra, diseases related to the ear can be removed. Like when there is deafness in the ears, the ear is flowing, there is a pain, or some kind of sound comes from the ear. Willpower is strengthened by its regular practice.It is also immensely helpful in the case of thyroids. This mudra reduces mental stress. Heart disease and throat diseases are also removed.
16. SHIVA LINGA MUDRA
Shiva Linga Mudra is a powerful hand gesture representing both God and Goddess, symbolizing masculine and feminine. The masculine god is Shiva, and the female goddess is Parvati. In short, the Shiv linga mudra symbolizes the integration of the energies of Shiva and Shakti. This mudra is also called upright posture, where the thumb represents masculine energy and the palm on which it rests represents feminine energy. Shiv linga mudra can be practiced in the morning and evening for 5 minutes. This mudra accelerates healing.
To increase energy & remove anxiety and gain confidence. It mainly relieves tension, restlessness, and lethargy in the body. When done correctly and for the right duration, the Shiva Linga Mudra can balance the body’s energy, either increase the energy in the body or maintain its correct balance. When there is increased energy in the body, it helps to keep coughs and colds away, thus making sure the immune system is in control.The practice of Shiva Linga mudra is additionally said to assist in flushing out toxins from the body, including excess weight. By increasing the fire element in the body, it helps in controlling digestion.
17. LINGA MUDRA
This mudra generates immense heat within the body and is very useful for fighting the cold. It also helps to boost the immune system and makes the body more resistant to cold and cough infections. Moreover, it also helps with weight loss and improves the function of the respiratory system.
18. BHAIRAVA MUDRA (RIGHT HAND ON THE TOP OF LEFT HAND)
Bhairava increases your ability to step back to feel and to notice all aspects of who you truly are. When you ‘observe’ as the Witness called Vijnanamaya Kosha in Sanskrit, this part of you who accepts and loves all your levels of being (koshas): physical, energy-breath, mind-emotions, wisdom-witness, bliss-unity levels, you grow in wisdom and spiritual maturity.
Creates a sense of inner balance and completeness. Calms the breath thereby increasing relaxation. Activates and nourishes all Five Elements, Chakras, Pranas, Doshas, and systems of the body as this is a mudra of pure balance. Enhances wisdom and unity within. Instills deep peace and inner silence.
19. BHAIRAVI MUDRA (LEFT HAND ON THE TOP OF RIGHT HAND)
Brings balance between the right and left hemispheres of the brain. It is known to minimize the opposing forces occurring in the body and mind to a very great extent. It instills stability in you and enables you to balance yourself. Remedy for those suffering from anxiety, stress and mood swings. When in combination with Siddhasana, it sublimates sexual energy, awakens it in a new state of awakening Kundalini energy. Siddhasana directs the prana energy to the sushumna i.e. spinal column and is also an ideal asana which helps in brahmacharya i.e. celibacy. These two form an ideal combination and bestow immense benefits. Bhairavi Mudra is said to cause a condition of urdhvareta i.e. upward movement of semen. In these people the ejaculation doesn’t take place for a long duration. This can be used as a remedy for premature ejaculation. Yogis use this mudra because they should not indulge in ‘sex while in spiritual practices. It helps one to become calmer and more trusting. You can feel your inner silence & stillness and realize that you are whole. Calms breath, increases relaxation. Activates and nourishes all five elements, chakras, pranas, doshas and systems of the body. Enhances unity and wisdom within oneself. Instills deep peace and inner silence.
20. DHYAN MUDRA
Dhyana mudra is specially designed to deepen the levels of meditation. While practicing this mudra, the left and right parts of the body, as well as the brain, are active. As a result, the practice of Dhyana Mudra brings balance between the left and right regions of the brain, as well as, the body. This mudra brings calmness and relaxation to the mind. Thus, it reduces negative emotions such as anger, anxiety, depression, stress, etc.Moreover, this mudra stimulates the Ida and Pingala Nadis (astral channel) of the body. This makes you attentive and focused. When one practices Dhyana Mudra regularly, it keeps him/her away from all the physical and mental illness.
21. HAKINI MUDRA
Hakini mudra is related to the third eye chakra. It enhances the memory power. Improves concentration. Calms the mind and opens it towards clear thinking. Improves and deepens the breathing, enables good oxygenation to the brain and hence improves brain functions. It is a good gesture by the students, and improves their academic performance. Promotes coordination between the right and left hemispheres of the brain, hence it coordinates creativity and logical thinking. Promotes clarity of thoughts and hence helps in making proper decisions. Develops one's connection with the third eye chakra and promotes intuition. It helps in reducing depression, anxiety and stress. It helps balance blood pressure. It helps children suffering from autism.
22. SHAKTI MUDRA
It has an intensifying effect on your lower chest area. It activates the immune system. This helps make the entire system activated. It would ultimately keep one healthy and fit. It has a calming effect on the body and mind. This in turn provides peace and stability. It has a good impact on your sleeping pattern. It is helpful for those who are suffering from disturbed sleep or sleeplessness. It has a calming effect on your pelvis area. It releases tension from this region. Thus it is beneficial in the cure of menstrual cramps and spasms, intestinal spasms and similar disorders related to pelvis. It relieves one from psychological stress. It provides physical and mental energy. It calms the nervous system. It relieves problems related with prostate glands and rectifies related to urination, mainly delayed micturition. It's beneficial for the players. In them, it relieves physical exertion. It's also said to be beneficial for those suffering from back ache and slip disc. It's a good remedy for trembling of the body. It provides radiance and glow to the face.
23. KASHYAP MUDRA
Grounding and centering, balances masculine and feminine qualities, protects against negative energies and unfriendly or confued spirits. (Sometimes called "orphan spirits")
24. PADMA MUDRA (LOTUS)
Practicing Lotus Mudra helps develop feelings of compassion, affection, kindness and love towards others. This Mudra helps your body eliminate negative feelings like hatred, misunderstanding and anger. Lotus Mudra connects us to the Anahata Chakra or the Heart Chakra while opening up the chakras in our body.
25. ADI MUDRA
Adi mudra benefits the digestive system. Relaxes the nervous system. Improves the flow of oxygen to the head. Increases the capacity of the lungs. Helps to reduce snoring, bringing more oxygen to the throat and head. Brings balance in the body, as the focus is on all the elements or energy points. It helps to balance and heal the sense organs. It stimulates the brain, thus activating the Sahasrara Chakra (Crown). It has soothing effects on the nervous system and hence best done at the end of the yoga session along with pranayama.
26. BRAHMA MUDRA
It cultivate a clear, focused, calm, and tranquil mind. Helps to reduce stress and releases negative energy. It opens the whole of the lungs and removes toxins. Relieves disorders of the cervical spine. Stimulate digestive and strengthens the whole nervous system. Helps to reach a higher meditative state. Strengthens retinas, memory, neck and shoulder.
27. ANJALI MUDRA
Angali mudra is most commonly used for meditation. Effective mudra for anger control. It brings peace to mind. All nervousness is removed from the body. It can calm the mind and also brings balance to the right and left hemispheres of the brain. Relieve anxiety. We express our thanks to the divine through the Anjali Mudra. This gesture symbolizes our entire submission to the almighty energies and our utter surrender. This gesture is a way to show thanks and respect.
28. SHAMBHALA MUDRA
Lifts the mood and promotes vitality and positive thinking
29. NASAGRA MUDRA
Nasgra mudra is believed to harmonize the right and left hemispheres of the mind. When used in conjunction with pranayama, nasgra mudra improves concentration, calms the mind and helps clarify thinking.
30. VISHNU MUDRA
Vishnu mudra is a sacred hand gesture or "seal," used during yoga and meditation practice as a means of channeling the flow of vital life force energy called prana. Otherwise known as the "gesture of universal balance," this mudra is named in honor of Lord Vishnu, one of the principal deities of Hinduism.
31. DETOXIFICATION MUDRA
Detoxification Mudra encourages the body to rid itself of impurities and the mind to let go of bad energy. This mudra can assist you in visualizing thoughts, feelings, or events that you wish to eliminate from your life, as well as harmful behaviors that are keeping you stuck.
32. ABHAYA MUDRA
The abhayamudrā represents protection, peace, benevolence and the dispelling of fear. The Hindu god Nataraja is depicted with the second right hand making the Abhaya Mudra, bestowing protection from both evil and ignorance to those who follow the righteousness of dharma.
33. TATTVA MUDRA
The practice of Tattva Mudra (Truth Seal) stimulates and brings balance in the earth and fire element. The fire (with the tip of the thumb) when pressed at the earth (root of the ring finger) encourages the earth element to be stimulated - bringing balance in the same.
34. FLYING LOTUS MUDRA
35. JAL SHAMAK MUDRA
Jal-shamak mudra is useful to reduce water elements within the body. Water is the major part of Kapha and Pitta Prakriti. Jal-shamak mudra is helpful to decrease Kapha dosha and pitta dosha.
36. SHAMBHAVI MUDRA
Shambhavi mudra is also called mukha mudra since it is performed with the eyes. It has multiple benefits, like strengthening the eye muscles and reducing stress and depression. Even so, you may avoid this mudra if you feel pain in the body while practicing it.
37. SHANKH MUDRA
Feverish feeling in the body. Burning in the body/ body parts. Allergic disorders especially skin rashes. Voice larynx and throat pharynx problems.Flabbiness. Weakness, paralysis of muscles. This mudra plus pressure on the point of thyroid gland, thus making it active to remove illnesses related to thyroid gland, so obesity is regulated. This mudra makes the voice melodious and clean. Removes strain in the voice. Therefore singers, teachers, doctors, lawyers and leaders must perform this mudra every day for 10 minutes. This mudra relieves allergies, caused by dust and smoke, so the throat becomes clean; also pacifies skin rashes. Tonsillitis and other throat infections are cured. Any trouble of stammering, stuttering in speech can be rectified by this mudra. After a paralytic attack, this mudra helps in dealing with speech problems and speech becomes clear. Helps in increasing height of children. Kidney problems are cured.
38. GARUDA MUDRA
The garuda mudra is used to balance the air -- or vata -- energy in the body, creates inspiration and energizes the yogi. The word garuda means “eagle” in Sanskrit and mudra means, “gesture of.” By activating blood flow, the garuda mudra invigorates and balances the vata energy on both sides of the body.
39. SHANMUKHI MUDRA
Useful for managing anxiety and removing negative mental patterns. Ajna chakra is stimulated. Stimulates sensory organs and later stages sense withdrawal. Brings about calmness, focus and introversion. Increases sensitivity to subtle stimuli. Great for facial muscles and appearance as the heat and prana of the hands and fingers stimulates and relaxes facial muscles. Creates balance between the materialistic and spiritual aspects.
40. AGNI SHAKTI MUDRA
Agni Shakti Mudra helps to focus and stimulate the fire energy within. It is therefore particularly helpful for those with low blood pressure, poor digestion or anxiety.
