Yoga Mudras

Yoga mudras are hand gestures that are intended to connect parts of the body to the brain and combined with pranayama (breath) are said to have healing qualities.

As we know, the physical body is made up of a combination of five basic elements, space, air, fire, water and earth and each of our fingers have a connection with each of these elements:

• Thumb – Fire (Agni)
• Index Finger – Air (Vayu)
• Middle Finger – Space (Akash)
• Ring Finger – Earth (Prithvi)
• Little Finger – Water (Jal)

Yoga mudras can be performed almost anywhere and usually sitting in a lotus position.

Gyan Mudra (Knowledge Mudra)

• Touch the tip of your thumbs to the tip of your index fingers, keeping your other three fingers straight.
• Pressing gently into the pad of your fingers turn your palms up to face the ceiling or the sky and place the back of your hands on your knees.
• Breathe gently and focus on a particular spot or close your eyes and relax.

Gyan mudra helps with concentration, aids memory and helps eliminate negativity.

Prithvi Mudra (Earth Mudra)

• Touch the tips your thumbs with the tips of your ring fingers.
• Turn your palms up and rest the back of your hands on your knees and breathe gently.
• Keep the other three fingers straight and close your eyes or focus on a particular spot.

Phrithvi mudra helps eliminate weakness in the body and is good for the digestive system. This is the mudra to perform when you’re feeling zapped of energy and feeling lethargic.

Namaste (Salutation Mudra)

• Bring the palms of your hands together at your heart’s centre in front of your chest.
• Press your thumbs gently against your sternum.
• Bow your head and keep your shoulders relaxed.
• Close your eyes and breathe gently.

This mudra is a great way to start or end your practice and is great for meditation.