Yoga goes far beyond what we generally perceive it to be. Yoga for many means practicing asanas along with breathing techniques. But there is another branch of yoga called Yog Tatva Mudra Vigyan. Let’s learn more about it in this post.
Yoga connotes the practice of asanas along with the practice of breathing techniques for people in general. But not many know that yoga has another subtle, independent and less familiar branch known as Yog Tatva Mudra Vigyan. It is also known as the science of mudra and the regulation of breath or pranayama in yoga.
Importance of Yoga Mudra
So what is mudra? Yoga is a distinct field of art, which is completely based on the principles of Ayurveda. The Mudras in Yoga are considered a therapeutic modality. Mudra in Sanskrit means gesture. Mudra can be formed using your whole body or it can involve simple positions made with fingers and hands. Mudras performed in conjunction with pranayamas invigorate the flow of prana in the body. This in turn energizes various parts of the body.
How do Yoga Mudras work?
In Ayurveda, it is said that diseases are mainly caused by imbalance in our body. This imbalance is caused by either the access or lack of one of the five elements of the universe.
According to Ayurveda, human fingers are said to have the characteristics of these five universal elements. All these elements fulfill an essential function within our body. Our fingers are like electrical circuits that can be used and adjusted to direct the flow of energy in your body. This, in turn, affects the balance of the five elements of the universe, viz; air, water, fire, earth and ether to facilitate the healing process.
The mudras we made by hand create a delicate connection between the intuitive patterns of the brain and affect the reflexes that lie unconscious. On the other hand, internal energy remains balanced and brings variation in tendons, veins, sensory organs, glands, etc.
Most of the mudras in yoga are done while sitting in Vajrasana (Lotus Pose) with legs crossed. While practicing the mudras, the Ujjayi breathing technique of breathing twelve times into each mudra is followed.
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Different Types of Mudras in Yoga and their Benefits
1. Chin Mudra:
- Lightly hold your index finger and thumb together. Let the other three fingers extend
- Let the index finger and thumb touch each other without exerting any pressure.
- Put the rest of the three fingers in an extended and straight position.
- Place your hands on your thighs in an upward direction.
- Now relax and watch the flow of your breath and its result.
Benefits of Chin Mudra
- Helps improve concentration and retention power.
- Helps improve your sleeping pattern.
- Increases the body’s energy levels and
- It also relieves pain in the lower back.
2. Chimaya Mudra:
- Make a ring with your thumb and forefinger with both hands. Curl the rest of the three fingers in your palms.
- Now, place your hands on your thighs and let your palms face up. Take a deep breath Ujjayi
- Once again, notice the flow of breath and its impact.
Benefits of Chinmaya Mudra
- This mudra improves the flow of energy in your body.
- This is a mudra for digestion.
3. Adi mudra:
- Place your thumb at the base of your little finger. Fold the rest of the fingers over the top of the thumb. This will form a fist in your palm.
- Once again, place your palms on your thighs facing up.
- Focus on breathing as in other mudras.
Benefits of Adi Mudra
- This mudra cools the nervous system.
- Limit the snoring of people when sleeping
- The mudra further expands the flow of oxygen to reach the head.
- It also improves lung capacity.
4. Brahma mudra:
- First use your fingers to do Adi Mudra. Now, place both hands in that mudra.
- Let the knuckles touch
- Now, put your hands close to the navel. Let the fingers remain in the upward direction.
- Once again, notice how the breath flows.
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In conclusion
The practice of yoga improves the development of the mind and body. However, yoga cannot be used as a substitute for medication. Yoga must be learned and practiced under the guidance of a qualified yoga instructor. However, if you have any health conditions, consult your doctor and yoga instructor before practicing the art.
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Frequently Asked Questions: Powerful Yoga Mudras – Types of Hand Mudras in Yoga
What is the significance of the fingers in yoga mudras? Which represent?
According to Ayurveda, if there is an imbalance in the five main essential elements of the universe, they lead to diseases. In Ayurveda, the fingers represent the following:
~ The thumb connotes fire
~ The index finger connotes air
~ Middle or middle finger connotes space
~ The ring finger means earth
~ Finally, the little finger denotes water
Is there a theory behind yoga mudras?
Mudra means gesture in Sanskrit language. Mudra can involve the simple movements of the hand or it can involve the movement of the whole body. Mudra along with breathing techniques awaken the flow of prana in our body. Mudras performed with the help of the fingertips produce a link with the brain. This regulates the reflexes connected to the affected body parts.
What does Anjali Mudra mean?
The Anjali Mudra plays a fundamental role in harmonizing the left and right hemispheres of the brain. It also improves the circulation of oxygen in the blood. Also, it increases intuitive power while maintaining a balance between the adrenal and pituitary glands. This makes your wrists and arms flexible and you can better control your emotions. It also stimulates the memory power of humans.
Which yoga mudra is known to be the most powerful?
There are different mudras that are powerful in their own way:
~ The Chin mudra helps to improve the power of concentration
~ Chinmaya mudra improves digestion
~ Brahma mudra reduces tiredness
~ Adi mudra helps control snoring and relaxes the nervous system
~ Prana Mudra facilitates healing
~ Anjali mudra is helpful in creating positive thoughts
~ Apan Vayu mudra relaxes stress
~ Surya mudra is for better metabolism
~ Varun mudra is to improve clarity in communication
~ Hakini mudra is for the mind
~ Ashwini mudra helps relieve constipation
~ Mudra meditation for concentration
Do you think yoga mudras are effective?
Yes, definitely yoga mudras are effective. There is a strong connection between the fingertips to the brain through neural function. Each yoga mudra works as a link to align the energy connected to it.
Is there a mudra for strength?
Yes, the Prithvi Mudra is associated with strengthening the mind. In addition, there are other mudras such as the Prana Mudra that are associated with vitality. Ganesh Mudra is known to remove obstacles. Kali Mudra helps to overcome difficulties while Anjali mudra is used for peace. Linga Mudra, on the other hand, is for strengthening and firming the lungs and limiting breathing problems.
What is the way to practice power mudra?
There is a powerful mudra in yoga that is stimulated to energize the brain. This is done by placing the fingertips and fingers in a bending, touching, or overlapping posture or gesture. The brain receives signals that help move the pattern of energy in the mind, body, and emotions.