Yoga Mudras and Drishtis

Published by : praveen | April 23, 2019 7:05 am

Yoga, which has wide reach and acceptance today was initially a life style practiced by the yogis (Hindu monks) in India. Yoga can be defined as the process of attaining unity of Individual spirit and Universal spirit or God. Maharishi Patanjali defines Yoga as the suppression of the modifications in mind. Following are the details and benefits of Soma Yoga Mudras and Drishtis.

The word mudra indicates ‘attitude’ or ‘symbolic gesture’ and in yoga, they refer to specific postures and attitudes. Mudras help in creating a balance between the five elements and enhance the smooth energy flow in the body. Thus, it catalyzes the restoration of health and assists in achieving the steadiness of body and mind.

Jnana Mudra:

Jnana in Sanskrit refers to knowledge. One of the most important hand mudras in Yoga, this mudra is believed to enhance concentration during the practice of Yoga.

Chinmaya Mudra:

A mudra that promotes awareness of body and mind, Chinmaya Mudra is also one of the most common and most important mudras in Yoga. The word Chinmaya means ‘full of knowledge’ or ‘pure wisdom’ in Sanskrit.

Adi Mudra:

Enhancing the sense of peace and promoting the awareness and connection with self of an individual, Adi Mudra plays an important role in Yoga. Adi mudra in Sanskrit means ‘first’ or ‘primal’ mudra (gesture/posture).

Brahma Mudra:

This mudra is capable of inducing calmness to the body and energizing the body. This mudra is also seen as a symbol of connecting to the divine as the word ‘brahma ‘suggests’.

Nasagra Mudra:

Nasagra in Sanskrit means ‘tip of the nose’. This mudra helps improving concentration and inducing calmness and clarity of mind.

Vayu Mudra (Mudra of the Air):

Capable of controlling the restlessness and nervousness, this mudra can calm the mind. It is also capable of controlling Vata dosha and effective in treating Arthritis, Gas issues, Sciatica, Gout, Knee pain, etc. It is also an enhancing factor in muscle relaxation, endocrine gland overcharge, voice soothing etc. This simple mudra can be practiced anywhere any time. Bend your index finger and press it with your thumb, keeping the other fingers straight. It can either be done for 45 minutes once a day and for 15 minutes thrice a day.

Prana Mudra:

Symbolizing Energy or the Spirit of Life, Prana Mudra enhances energy and health and is beneficial for improving eyesight and immunity power. It helps attain a balance in the body and removes tiredness. Moreover, it helps in controlling hunger during fasting and enhances sleep. The steps involve touching the tip of the thumb with the ring finger and index finger. Make sure that you keep the other fingers straight. Practice this for 30-40 minutes for best results.

Shunya Mudra (Mudra of Emptiness):

This mudra reduces the element of space in the body and can effectively help in reducing ear pain and watering eyes. It helps in improving hearing and strengthens the bones. It opens the heart chakra, thereby assisting meditation and helping reduce the risk of heart diseases. This mudra also helps in fortifying the gums and dealing with thyroid diseases. This mudra involves bending the middle finger in a way that it is kept at the base of the thumb. Then press the first phalanx bone of the middle finger with the tip of the thumb so that pressure is exerted, while the other three fingers are kept straight and stretched. Fifteen minutes of this mudra, three times a day can give good results.

Apan Mudra (Mudra of Digestion):

Effective in dealing with constipation, piles, diabetes and kidney diseases and dental problems, this mudra is also helpful in preventing stomach disorders and heart diseases. This mudra also helps in detoxifying the body, keeping it healthy and pure. The mudra is very simple to practice. Bend the middle finger and the ring finger to press the tip of the thumb. Meanwhile, keep the other two fingers straight.

Surya Mudra (Mudra of the Sun):

This mudra is effective in dealing with obesity and is helpful in maintaining weight. It enhances the element of fire in the body maintains the body temperature and improves vision. It is also helpful in treating loss of appetite, indigestion, shivering, cold, digestive problems, and coldness of body limbs, hands or feet. To practice this mudra. Touch the base of the thumb with the tip of the ring finger, and apply pressure on it while keeping the other fingers straight or relaxed. Practice this for 30 minutes everyday morning for best results.

Varun Mudra (Mudra of Water):

This mudra helps in keeping the body moisturized and softened. Effective in treating various skin diseases, this mudra is known as the seat of mental clarity and controls the water element in the body. Press the tips of the thumb and the little finger and apply pressure keeping the other fingers straight.

Ling Mudra (Mudra of Heat):

Helpful in developing heat in the body, this mudra is effective in winters. It also helps in the control of cold, asthma, cough, sinus and dried phlegm. To perform this mudra, clasp the fingers of both hands together and keep your right thumb erect. Place a little pressure and sit relaxed. 20 to 30 minutes of this mudra every day can be helpful.