MUDRAS

(Updated March 22, 2016)

(click on images to enlarge)

All students are encouraged to look at the following items first in order to understand the work on mudras:

Lines of Awareness (www.yogirama.com/lines.html)
Cakras and Nadis. (www.yogirama.com/cakrasnadis.html)
Kosas, Sariras and Nadis. (www.yogirama.com/Nadis.pdf)
Cakras Chart. (www.yogirama.com/CakrasChart.pdf)
Cakras Notes. (www.yogirama.com/CakrasNotes.html) Notes for Practice of Mudras:

  • Where tips of fingers are touching the tips of the thumbs maintain the circle formed as circular as possible.

  • In the namaste variation the tips of the fingers touch the sides of the thumbs.

  • Where fingers are shown to be straight, first ensure each finger is straight within its length, then keep the finger in line with the back of the palm.

  • Keep the heel of the palm as wide as possible; the wrist as narrow as possible.

  • Take the firmness of the wrist to the inner and the outer borders of the shoulder-blades.



    • 1. Gyana Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge)

    Touch the tip of the thumb to the tip of the index finger, with the other three fingers extended fully and then kept together. Can be practiced at any time in any posture.

    There is no particular time duration for this mudra. Practice in sitting, standing or lying whenever and wherever you have time. Enhances knowledge.

    The tip of thumb has centers of pituitary and pineal glands. When these centers are pressed by index finger the two glands work actively. Increases memory, sharpens brain. Enhances concentration and prevents insomnia. Helps in psychological disorders like Hysteria, Anger and Depression.




    2. Prithvi Mudra (Mudra of Earth)

    Tip of ringer finger touches tip of thumb. Sense: Smell.

    Can be practiced at any time in any posture.

    Reduces all physical weaknesses. Increases weight for under weight people. Improves skin complexion. Keeps body healthy and active. Muladhara Cakra; Smell.

    3. Varuna Mudra (Mudra of Water)

    Tip of little finger touches tip of thumb, with other three finger fully extended and kept parallel; middle finger and index finger are held together. Sense: Taste.

    Can be practiced at any time in any posture.

    Balances water content and prevents diseases caused by lack of water. Retains clarity in blood by balancing water in body. Prevents pain of Gastroenteritis and muscle shrinkage. Svadhisthana Cakra; Taste.

    4. Surya Mudra (Mudra of Sun - Fire/Agni)

    Bend ring finger pressing down with thumb and other three fingers fully extended and then kept parallel with middle finger touching the index finger. Sense: Sight.
    Practice twice daily for 5 to 15 minutes.

    Sharpens center in thyroid gland. Reduces cholesterol and helps reduce weight. Reduces anxiety. Corrects indigestion. Manipur Cakra; Sight.

    5. Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air)

    Keep index finger on base of thumb, with thumb pressing down and other three fingers fully extended and then kept together. Sense: Touch.

    Practice for 45 minutes for two months.

    Prevents diseases that occur due to lack of air. Cures Rheumatism, Arthritis, Gout, Parkinson’s, and Paralysis. Useful in Cervical Spondilytis, paralysis of face and catching nerve in neck. Corrects gas disorder in stomach. Anahata Cakra; Touch.







    6. Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness)

    Keep middle finger on mount of venus, with thumb pressing down and other three fingers fully extended and parallel; ring finger is in contact with small finger. Sense: Hearing.

    40 to 60 minutes daily until condition cured.

    Ear ache can be relieved in 4 to 5 minutes. Reduces dullness of body. Useful for deaf and mentally challenged (not for inborn ones). Vishuddhi Cakra; Sound.


    7. Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life Force)

    Tips of ring finger and little finger touch tip of thumb with other two fingers fully extended and then held together.

    Can be practiced at any time.

    Improves power of prana. Helps weakness. Reduces clamps in blood vessels. Increases immunity and power of eyes; helps eye related ailments. Removes fatigue and helps with vitamin deficiency.




    8. Apana Mudra (Mudra of Digestion)

    Tips of middle and ring fingers touch tip of thumb with other two fingers fully extended and parallel.

    Practice 45 minutes daily but longer may be desirable for curing.

    Regulates elimination and hence important for general health. Regulates diabetes. Can cure constipation and piles.









    9. Apana Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Heart)

    Bend index finger to touch base of thumb; tips of middle and ring fingers touch tip of thumb while little finger is fully extended.

    Practice many times. For heart patients and those with high BP 15 minutes twice a day is advised.

    Benefits heart, reduce heart attack. Reduces gas content in body. Regulates excretory system and relieves gastric trouble.



    10. Linga Mudra (Mudra of Heat)

    Interlock all fingers with left thumb vertically straight.

    Practice at any when needed but do not overdo as heat in the body may cause other illnesses. Long practice can cause you to sweat even in winter.

    Generates heat in the body. Helped by intake of milk, ghee, more water and fruit juices.Stops production of phlegm, makes lungs powerful. Helps with severe cold and bronchial infection. Invigorates body.