What exactly are Yoga Mudras

Mudras are hand, body or eye positions that facilitate certain energy flows in the body and
by forming these mudras you can induce certain states of mind and consciousness. Many
meditations and yoga techniques utilise mudras and mudras are a key part of yogic
technology.

Hand mudras generally work by preventing the dissipation of prana (life-force) from the
fingertips. Iin order to do this, one brings the fingers together in various ways, which helps
create certain subtle energy circuits. These circuits then channel prana along particular
pathways to affect the mind/body complex in specific ways.

Although their effects are subtle, the changes they produce can be sensed by those with

refined awareness. Mudras help to complete the energy circuit inside us and allow our life

force to stay within the body, instead of escaping through the tips of our fingers during

meditation and yoga exercises. By adopting a certain meditative or yoga pose and then

sealing it with our hands, we help to preserve and cultivate our life force, or qi.

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Mudra is a very exact and scientific yogic function that helps in quickly balancing the
elements of body. Hand Mudras can heal diseases by changing one’s internal and external
disposition:

 Mental - emotional disturbance, anger, mental stability, freedom from accumulated

thoughts, intelligence etc.
 Spiritual - concentration, wisdom, meditation.
 Physical - in various diseases and illnesses.

Mudras is nothing new to our society. There are over 200 mudras which are not only used
to express, but also to heal our body… yes, hand mudras have great healing power.
The five fingers of the hand regulate the five elements. This whole universe is composed of
five elements: earth, air, water, fire, and ether. It has been scientifically proven that
planetary movements impact our body, since our body is also union of the five elements.
The fingers on our hands are the termination points for these 5 types of forces. Each finger
represents one element:

Thumb (Fire)

 Organs: spleenwort and stomach

 Emotions: depression and anxiety
 Physical symptoms: headaches, skin issues, nervousness, stomach-ache

Index finger (Jupiter)

 Organs: kidneys, urinary bladder

 Emotions: confusion, discontent, fear
 Physical symptoms: digestion issues, muscle pain, toothache, back pain

Middle finger (Saturn)

 Organs: liver, yolky bitter

 Emotions: irritability, rage, indetermination
 Physical symptoms: circulation issues, headaches (especially in the frontal area),
tiredness, menstrual pain, migraines

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Ring finger (Sun)

 Organs: lungs, large intestine

 Emotions: fear, pessimism, sadness
 Physical symptoms: skin conditions, digestion issues, asthma and other respiratory
problems

Pinkie (Mercury)

 Organs: heart, small intestine

 Emotions: anxiety, nervousness, lack of self-confidence

 Physical symptoms: heart disease, bone issues, pain in the throat

Every mudra has different benefits due to its elemental effect. Hand mudras, by joining two
or more fingers and holding them in a certain fixed pattern, create balance for the five
elements, and healing then takes place. Imbalance in the body element impacts the energy
circuit of the body. The five fingers are associated with five chakras and when the right
posture is held by joining the fingers for specific duration, the body becomes energized,
diseases get healed and, gradually, spiritual awakening is experienced.

Mudras are practised by joining two or more fingers. Pressure on the fingers should be very
light and the hands should be relaxed.

 There are mudras which can be done while sitting, standing, talking or walking. But
for certain mudras, it is important to sit in ‘padamasna’.
 Ensure your body posture is symmetrical and centred
 Ensure your mind is relaxed.
 When doing mudras while sitting on a chair, sit straight with the feet in contact with
ground.
 Doing mudras while lying down, resting on back is the best posture.
 It is important to remain comfortable and relaxed, since tension may also impact
the inner flow of energy.
 If you do them while walking, it is important to ensure to take even calm and
rhythmic steps.

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  If done while standing, do so in ‘Tadasna’ or simply keep your legs shoulder distance
apart. The knees should be relaxed, and the tips of the toes must point forward.
 While doing mudras in sitting meditative position it is important to ensure the
following:

 Sit with the spinal column as straight as possible.

 Both knees should be flat on the ground or keep that at same height.
 Keep the hands on thighs in a relaxed position.
 Allow the shoulders to fall back and down in a relaxed way
 The chest should be open and free.
 Pull the chin back a bit, and neck should be long and relaxed.
 Breath should be even, slow, flowing, and gentle.
 It is important not to end the meditation suddenly. Always stretch your ams and
legs vigorously

Practising mudras in a meditative pose provides the most benefit.

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Anjali Mudra

Alternate Name: Namaste Anjali.

The Anjali mudra is used as a
salutation or greeting such
as gassho or namaste.

How to form the Anjali

mudra: Hands are held together
in prayer fashion directly over the
heart/chest.

The Pushan mudra demonstrates

Pushan Mudra the understanding that life energy
moves with ebb and flow motion.

How to form the Pushan

mudra:
Right hand: Thumb, index finger,
and middle finger touch at tips.
Ring finger and pinky fingers are
fully extended.

Left hand: Thumb, middle finger,

and ring finger touch at tips.
Index and pinky fingers are fully
extended

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Apana Mudra

Earth Connection Apana.

The Apana mudra has a grounding force

to help you connect with the earth's
energies whenever you are feeling off
balance or flighty.

How to form the Apana mudra: Tips

of thumb, middle and ring finger are
joined. Pinky and index fingers are
extended.

Hakini Mudra

Rememberance Mudra Hakini Mudra

Rememberance Mudra Hakini Mudra.

The Hakini mudra helps thinking and

concentration. Powers the brain.

How to form the Hakini

mudra: Hands and fingers are open
and spread apart. Join hands together
at the thumbs and fingertips.

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 The Mantangi mudra creates
Mantangi Mudra
an atmosphere of calmness
and serenity. Tames
conflicts. This hand gesture
resembles the trunk of an
elephant.

How to form the Mantangi

mudra: Fold both hands
together with fingers inter-
twined. Extend both middle
fingers outward and point
them toward the skies.

Akash Mudra

The Akash Mudra helps to

"center" your energies. It
nourishes any part of your
body that is lacking.

How to form the Akash

mudra: Thumb and middle
finger are joined. Index, ring,
and pinky fingers are
extended.

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Vajra Mudra

Alternate Name: Fist of Wisdom Vajra.

The Vajra mudra transforms ignorance

into wisdom. Symbolizes the five
elements: earth, water, fire, air, and
metal.

How to form the Vajra Mudra: Right-

handed fist surrounds left index finger.
Remaining fingers of left hand also form
a fist below the right hand.

Gyan Mudra

Grounding Gyan

The Gyan mudra represents the starting

place or home. It takes you back to your
roots, or a simpler time. Clears the
mental faculties.

How to form the Gyan mudra:Thumb

and index fingers touch at tips. Middle,
ring, and pinky fingers are relaxed,
curved slightly.

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Active Gyan Mudra
Practice:

Taken by folding the index finger under the thumb. Other 3 fingers are kept extended. This
is good for active techniques, especially active yoga breathing exercises. It is also good for
some meditations.

Benefits:
 Excellent for active pranayamas.
 Promotes the flow of knowledge.
 Also promotes a meditative state of mind.

Gyan Mudra Active – Front

Gyan Mudra Active – Side

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Ushas Mudra

Stimulates Sacral Chakra Ushas.

The Ushas mudra gesture helps to

spark creativity and enliven
sexuality. Good catalyst for new
projects.

How to form the Kubera mudra:

Females: Interlaced fingers with

palms facing upwards. Encircle right
thumb between left thumb and
index fingers.

Males: Interlaced fingers with palms

facing upwards. Right thumb rests
on top of left thumb with gentle
pressure.

Garuda Mudra

Mystical Bird Garuda.

The Garuda mudra is used to

heighten intuition and enable
communication with the spirit
world.

How to form the Garuda

mudra: Place right palm over the
top of left hand, spreading fingers
apart and crossing thumbs.

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Vitarka Mudra

Reasoning Mudra Vitarka.

The Vitarka mudra, a symbol of wisdom,

is a variation of the Dharmachakra
mudra.

How to form the Vitarka

mudra: Thumbs and index fingers of both
hands join at tips forming circles. Left
hand sits upon lap palm facing upwards.
Right hand is held at shoulder height with
palm facing downwards.

Symbolized Life Force Prana.

The Prana mudra can be used whenever

you feel drained or need an extra boost of
energy. Good to use in the morning to
Prana Mudra
awaken and fully embrace the new day.

How to form the Prana mudra: Thumb,

ring, and pinky are touching. Index and
middle finger are extended.

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Buddha Mudra
Receptivity Buddha.

The Buddha symbolizes being humble and

learning to be grateful. Palms are open to
receive gifts.

How to form the Buddha mudra:Both

palms open. Rest one hand inside the
other hand's open palm. Thumb tips are
touching (traditionally, right hand rests on
left for men, left on right for women).

Alternative Name: Heave Mudra Shunya.

The Shunya mudra assists listening and

speech. Primarily a remedy for ear
Shunya Mudra afflictions.

How to form the Shunya mudra:Lower

the middle finger and place finger pad on

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 the fleshy mound area of your thumb,
cover it with your thumb. Index, ring and
pinky fingers are extended.

Kubera Mudra

Manifestating / Wish Mudra Kubera.

The Kubera mudra is used for

creating wealth and reaching your
goals.

How to form the Kubera

mudra: Tips of thumb, index, and
middle fingers are joined. Ring
finger and pinky are folded into the
palm.

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 Uttarabodhi Mudra
Enlightenment Uttarabodhi.

The Uttarabodhi mudra is a gesture

that identifies with a supreme
power. Symbolizes perfection.

How to form the Uttarabodhi

mudra: Index fingers touch one
another and are extended, pointing
toward the skies. Remaining fingers
are crossed and folded down.
Thumbs are cross or held next to
each other. Clasped hands are held
over the head.

Dharmachakra Mudra
Teaching Dharmachakra.

The Dharmachakra Mudra

symbolizes the role of the
teacher.

How to form the

Dharmachakra mudra:Thumbs
and index fingers are joined.
Middle, ring, and pinky fingers
are extended in a relaxed
fashion. With left palm facing
the body and right palm faced
outward join thumbs and index
fingers of both hands.

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 Bhutadamar Mudra

Protection - Wards Off Evil

Bhutadamar.

The Bhutadamar mudra serves

as a shield keeping negative
energies away.

How to form the Bhutadamar

mudra: Palms are facing
outwards away from the body.
Wrists are crossed. Ring fingers
are placed down toward the
palms.

Ahamkara Mudra

Self Confidence Ahamkara.

The Ahamkara mudra can be used

when you are feeling "less-than" or
fearful.

How to form the Ahamkara

mudra: Index finger is bent slightly.
Place thumb on the middle of bent
index finger. Middle, ring and pink
fingers are extended.

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Dhyana Mudra

Meditation Pose Dhyana. Also called

Cosmic Mudra

The Dhyana mudra is universally

used during meditation and relaxed
states.

How to form the Dhyana

mudra: Hands form a cup or bowl.
Thumbs touch at the tips or
comfortably overlapped.

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 Femininity Yoni.
Yoni Mudra

Feminine Adi Shakti Primal Power

Mudra - The Yoni Mudra
represents getting in touch with
female energies. Symbolizes a
woman's vulva.

How to form the Yoni

mudra: Hands form an almond
shape with joined thumbs
extended upwards. Fingers are
joined at tips extended
downwards.

Prithivi Mudra

Alternate Name: Earth Mudra

Prithivi.

The Prithivi mudra recharges the

root chakra aligning it with earth
energies.

How to form the Prithivi

mudra: Tips of thumb and ring
finger are joined. Remaining
fingers are extended.

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Kapitthaka Mudra

Happiness Kapitthaka.

Smiling Buddha Mudra

How to form the Kapitthaka

mudra: Index and middle
fingers are held beside each
other while extended. Ring and
pinky fingers are tucked inside
the palm. Thumbs rest on
tucked fingers.

Alternate names: Conch or

Shankh Mudra
Shell Mudra Shankh.

The Shankh mudra is

commonly used during worship
or prayer.

How to form the Shankh

mudra: The left thumb is
placed on the center of the
right palm. The right hand
forms a firm grip around the
left thumb. The left hand rests
against the right fist. Right
thumb touching the left index
finger.

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Kalesvara Mudra
Calms Anxieties Kalesvara.

The Kalesvara mudra calms

anxious thoughts and agitated
feelings.

How to form the Kalesvara

mudra: Place both palms
together pairing thumbs and all
fingers at tips. Fold index, ring,
and pinky fingers downward.
Middle fingers are extended
outward. Point thumbs toward
your body.

Linga Mudra
Protective Mudra Linga.

The Linga mudra is used as a

remedy for the lungs, guarding
against colds and cold weather.
Strenghens immune system.

How to form the Linga

mudra: Interlace fingers of
both hands, extending one
thumb upwards, encircle
extended thumb with the index
finger and thumb of your other
hand.

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Mukula Mudra

Closed Lotus Mukula.

The Mukula Mudra's appearance

resembles the bud of a lotus
flower. Represents new
beginnings or start up a new
enterprise.

How to form the Mukula

mudra:All fingers and thumb
are joined together, pointed
upwards.

Surabhi Mudra Alternate Name: Dhenu Mudra

Surabhi.

Balances the five elements: Air

Fire Water Earth and Metal

How to form the Surabhi

mudra: Fingers and thumbs are
joined at tips. Thumbs touching
each other. Left index finger
joins right middle finger. Right
index finger joins left middle
finger. Left ring finger joins right
pinky finger. Right ring finger
joins left pinky finger.

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 Dual Worlds Meditation Pose Mida-no
Mida-no Jouin Mudra Jouin.

The left hand mirrors the right hand

representing two worlds: Enlightment and
Illusion

How to form Mida-no Jouin

mudra: Middle, ring, and pinky fingers
create a flat or slightly curved bed resting
upon the lap. Two circles are formed with
index fingers held together while extended
upwards meeting the tips of both thumbs.

Suchi Mudra
Releasing Suchi.

Helpful for chronic constipation.

Tames uncontrolled behaviors
such as impatience, temper
tantrums, clinging to others, etc.

How to form the Suchi

mudra: Form a fist, extend index
finger pointing up and out away
from the body, preferrably arms
are extended over the head.

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Abhayaprada Mudra

No Fear Abhayaprada.

Abhayaprada mudra is a
protective hand gesture
symbolizes strength or being
fearless.

How to form the Abhayaprada

mudra: Hand is held upward with
palm facing away from your
body.

Varada Mudra

Charity Mudra Varada.

The Varada mudra pose is

customarily used whenever a
blessing is being offered.

How to form the Varada

mudra: Fingers and thumb are
downwards. Flattened palm facing
outwards away from the body

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Ganesha Mudra
Overcoming Obstacles Ganesha.

The Ganesha mudra can be

employed whenever you are
struggling. Symbolizes strength
when facing troubles. Eases
tension.

How to form the Ganesha

mudra: Palm of your right hands
facing your chest. Left hand
grasps the right hand forming a
locking grasp, tugging firmly.

Mahasirs Mudra

Tension Reliever Mahasirs.

The Mahasirs mudra is used to

help give relief for head-related
afflictions. Headaches, stress,
tension, etc.

hHow to form the Mahasirs

mudra: Thumb, index and middle
fingers are joined at tips. Ring
finger is folded into the palm and
tucked into the fleshy part of the
thumb. Pinky is extended.

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 Mushti Mudra

\
Releasing Mushti.

The Mushti mudra is used as an

outlet for "letting go" or releasing
pent up emotions or energies.

How to form the Mushti

mudra: Hold hand in a fist with
thumb placed over the ring finger.

Bhudy Mudra

Intuition Bhudy.

The Bhudy mudra helps you get in

touch with your innermost
feelings.

How to form the Bhudy

mudra: Pinky and thumb tips are
touching. Index, middle, and ring
fingers are extended.

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Namaste Pose
Practice:

Taken by bringing the palms of both hands together and pressing together gently. All
fingers are together and pointing straight up. The traditional mudra for praying and
greeting each other in respect in Hindu, Buddhist and other cultures.

Namaste essentially means, "My Divine Aspect Lovingly and Respectfully Greets Your Divine
Aspect".

Benefits:
 Promotes humility and sense of respect.
 Balances the two hemispheres of the brain.
 Creates a prayerful state of mind.
 Can be used to stimulate the Heart Chakra and also the Third Eye Chakra.

Namaste Pose – Front View

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http://healing.about.com/od/east/ss/mudra-pictures.htm#step20

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