Types and Benefits of Yoga Mudras

It is well-known that yoga can do wonders, and people, who are religious with practicing it, have benefited a lot. Yoga is so much more than just practicing asana that help in twisting the body or strengthening and toning the body. There are many ancient techniques that are helpful in yoga and one of them is that of mudras. A mudra is nothing but an ancient technique that is practiced at the time of meditation of Pranayama. The mudras can also be described as emotional, psychic, aesthetic gestures of hands. Many ancient yoga masters explain mudras as balancing the energy in the body.

Mudras are used to change the mood, perception and attitude of a person. They are also very helpful in increasing awareness and mindfulness in a person. Practicing different mudras may include a combination of different asanas, pranayama, visulaization and breathing techniques at times and at other times it is a simple practice of hand positions. In addition to awakening the pranas, chakras, mudras also help in inculcating a balance in the subtle body which lead to uniting with a higher state of consciousness.

It is never late to start with yoga which is why you should start practicing a few of these yoga mudras as they are highly beneficial. A list of some of the types and benefits of different types of mudras are:

Types and Benefits of Yoga Mudras:

1. Gyan Mudra

This is a yoga mudra made for the mind. It is commonly practiced, and it helps in relaxing the body. It also stimulates the brain, works on the nervous system, helps in relieving stress, improves concentration and lastly, it gives you a peaceful mind. To practice this yoga mudra, sit in a comfortable state of meditation. Now fold your index finger in a way that they touch the inside root of your thumb. Now straighten the other fingers of both hands so they get relaxed and apart from each other. Slowly place your hands on your knees with both of your palms facing in the downward direction. Finally, relax your hands and arms.

2. Surya Mudra

One of the finest mudras for weight loss. This raises fire element in the body which is said to help you lose weight and also improve digestion. It will not only do these two things but also improve vision, keep cholesterol in control, reduces the problem of digestion, energize your body and make you active. To do this yoga mudra, press the ring finger with your thumb. Now straighten the other fingers of both of your hands in a way that they are relaxed and a bit apart from each other. Place both your hands firmly on your knees with your palms facing in the upward direction and relaxing your hands and arms.

3. Prana Mudra

Beneficial for wellness, this provides you with immense energy. It increases the water and earth element in your body that promotes excellent energy. It cures fatigue, sleeplessness, general debility, hypertension, mental stress, and panic attacks. It also removes any low immunity problems, acidity, ulcers, joint ache, and other problems that occur in your body due to low water. To perform this yoga mudra, bend your ring finger in addition to the little finger while touching the tip of both your fingers with the help of your thumb’s tip. Now straighten the other two fingers of both your hands in a way that they become relaxed and apart from each other. Place both your hands firmly on your knees with your palms facing in the upward direction and relaxing your hands and arms.

4. Vayu Mudra

By increasing the air element inside you, this helps in pain relief. It works magic for people suffering from joint pains such as rheumatism, gout, arthritis, people recently undergone any surgeries, etc. It also helps in digestion and helps you relax a lot. To perform this yoga mudra, fold your index finger while pressing the second phalanx bone of your index finger with the help of your thumb. Now straighten the other two fingers of both your hands in a way that they become relaxed and apart from each other. Place both your hands firmly on your knees with your palms facing in the upward direction and relaxing your hands and arms.

5. Varun Mudra

This mudra is made to promote beauty and other health benefits such as dehydration, cramps in the muscles, which occur during pregnancy or menstrual cycles, dryness of your skin, dryness of eyes, mouth, and throat. It also cures constipation and any connected problems with the tongue. To do this yoga asana, start by touching the tip of your little finger to the tip of your thumb. Now straighten the other two fingers of both your hands in a way that they become relaxed and apart from each other. Place both your hands firmly on your knees with your palms facing in the upward direction and relaxing your hands and arms.