YOGA MUDRAS

Mudras are different hand positions which direct the body’s energy during the practice of yoga or meditation.

The nerve endings found at our fingertips are directly connected to our body organs and can, therefore, influence them by relaxing, stimulating or balancing them.

We use these hand positions in yoga to send signals to the body and mind as each area of the hand reflexes to a certain part of the mind or body. When we stimulate these nerve terminals in our hands, waves of energy are sent through the body’s nervous system, activating areas of the body and brain that connect with these channels. Breathing exercises can be done along with the mudras in order to help direct the energy, deepen the breath, and strengthen the lungs.

Thus, there is a tremendous flow of energy in our hands. By holding the hands in a particular position, even for a few seconds, very significant energy movements can be affected, helping to heal illness, rejuvenate the immune system and increase overall well being at every level.

These sacred hand positions relate to the energy flow of a particular meditation. They enhance the asana (posture) and sound current (mantra) during yoga or meditation practice.

COMMONLY USED MUDRAS IN YOGA

ANJALI MUDRA (PRAYER MUDRA)

Anjali means "offering". Anjali Mudra is often accompanied by the word “Namaste”. This salutation is at the essence of the yogic practice of seeing the Divine within all of creation. Palms pressed together, neutralizing and balancing yin & yang, for centering.

”As we bring our hands together at our heart center, we connect the right and left hemispheres of our brain. This is the yogic process of unification, the yoking of our active and receptive natures. In the yogic view of the body, the energetic or spiritual heart is visualised as a lotus at the centre of the chest. Anjali Mudra nourishes this lotus heart with awareness, gently encouraging it to open as water and light do a flower.”

GUYAN MUDRA

The tip of the thumb touches the tip of the index finger, stimulating knowledge and ability. Guyan Mudra imparts receptivity & calm.

SHUNI MUDRA

Tip of middle finger touches the tip of the thumb, giving patience.

SURYA or RAVI MUDRA

Tip of the ring finger touches the tip of the thumb, giving energy, health and intuition.

BUDDHI MUDRA

Tip of little finger touches tip of thumb for clear and intuitive communication.

VENUS LOCK

Interlace fingers with left little finger on the bottom, with the right index finger on top for men and the left for women. The Venus mounds at the base of the thumbs are pressed together channeling sensuality and sexuality, and glandular balance, helping to focus and concentrate.

JUPITER MUDRA

With the two index fingers together, the power of Jupiter, or good luck and expansion is activated. Together they focus your energy to break through barriers.

BEAR GRIP

Left palm faces out from body with thumb down, and right palm faces body, thumb up, and fingers are curled and hooked together to stimulate the heart and intensify concentration.

BUDDHA MUDRA

Right hand rests on left for men, left on right for women, palms up, thumbs tips touching each other in a receptive gesture.