Mudras (gesture) in yoga and their benefits

Yoga Mudras or hand Gestures are additional hand movements which help in yoga posture and aid in gaining extra benefits from the yogic postures.

Mainly these yogic mudras are practiced in sitting yoga poses like Lotus posture. You can use these mudras with pranayama (breathing practice) and yoga postures both with ease.

There are some tips before I start telling you about them:

• For good results, you must perform these gesture in Lotus Position (Padmasana) or decent position (Sukhasana).
• Try these gestures at Morning after nature's call on a Mattress. Before gestures, do inhale and exhale practices for some time, then try the yogic mudras.
• Perform these gestures with both hands simultaneously.
• For easy understanding of hand gestures, I recall the common names for fingers here. The first finger after your thumb is also known as Index finger, while the third finger from index finger is known as the ring finger. Rest are commonly known and easily recognized as Middle finger (the middle one from both side) and little finger (Fourth one from index one).

Now let us start studying the mudras one by one:

Gyan Mudra (Knowledge Gesture)

Gyan Mudra Meaning

It is a commonly viewed gesture because every spiritual person or yogi sit while performing yoga or meditation in this gesture. It associate to the Jupiter planet and known as gesture of knowledge. The mudra signifies connection of oneself with cosmic energy or supreme soul. The thumb of the hand represents the universe, the index finger refers to yogi, the middle finger middle means simplicity and enlightenment, the ring finger refers to passion or act and last little finger represent darkness or ignorance. Performing Gyan mudra will show the path of progress from confusion or darkness to enlightenment or knowledge.

Gyan Mudra Benefits

It is called knowledge gesture because the constant practice of this gesture makes the brain and nervous system work faster. The reason behind this fact is that acupuncture point of the brain is situated at the tip of the thumb and this gesture deal with touching this point. It cures indigestion by improving the flow of prana. Increases focus and effective on sleeping disorders. Improve memory and reduces stress and anger.

How to do Gyan Mudra

Fold your index finger so that it touches the thumb of your same hands. Meanwhile, the middle finger, ring finger and little finger must remain in a straight direction. Remain in the gesture for 5-6 min.

Ling Mudra (Thumb Gesture)

What is Ling Mudra

In Sanskrit language word Linga means phallus (human male genital organ). It also signifies regeneration and often joined with Yoni. This mudra is a connection of both masculine and feminine energy which build the fire of love and passion in life.

Linga Mudra Benefits

It is the gesture which is enemy of the cold. It generates heat in the body; therefore it helps in cough and cold problems in winter. May help in lack of sexual desires, impotence and self-confidence.

How to do Ling Mudra

Put your fingers of both hand in each other and attach them as you fold them in prayer. Now try to move your right hand thumb upwards in a straight manner. Stay in the gesture for 3-4 min.

Shunya Mudra (Zero Gesture)

What is Shunya Mudra

In Sanskirt Shunya means void, zero, emptiness or nothingness. It also represents the sky or heaven. The shunya mudra is designed to reduce the space component from the body.

Shunya Mudra Benefits

Shunya Mudra helps in reducing the earache. If somebody is having a puss in the ear, then practicing this gesture will help them a lot. This mudra is useful while practicing meditation. It is effective in balancing issues like Motion sickness and Vertigo.

How to do Shunya Mudra

Fold your middle finger so that its tip touch at the root of the thumb and Thumb’s front part will touch middle finger’s part where its nail ends.

Prithvi Mudra (Earth Gesture)

What is Prithvi Mudra

Prithvi Mudra is also known as Prithvi Vardhak Mudra is a ritualistic hand gesture used in Ayurveda or yoga. Prithvi word meaning in Sanskrit "earth" or "the vast one".

Prithvi Mudra Benefits

It is considered very powerful mudra that can decrease fire element within the body. It can heal nail, hair and skin related problems. It is also useful in weight loss, osteoporosis, paralysis and chronic fatigue. Prithvi Mudra improve the blood circulation in the whole body. It also strengthens bones, grows weight in skinny people and reduces weakness of body and mind.

How to perform Prithvi Mudra

Touch your Ring finger tip to the thumb’s tip for around 3-4 min. Rest of the fingers must remain in the straight position.

Surya Mudra (Sun Gesture)

Surya Mudra Meaning

Surya word meaning in Sanskrit is "Sun" the biggest start in our solar system. It also known as Agni Vardhak Mudra which means Fire Enhancer Gesture. It helps to increase fire element and decrease elements of the earth in the body.

Surya Mudra Benefits

Try this mudra in winter season or treating cold and flu problem. This posture helps in reducing cholesterol level and also a boon for killing extra fat from your body at a faster pace. It also improves digestion and metabolism.

How to do Surya Mudra

Touch your Thumb’s tip to the above of the edge of the nail of the ring finger. Other fingers remain in the straight direction. Surya Mudra works well if it should be performed one or three times a day for 10 to 15 mins, over-performed could produce extreme heat in the body.

Prana Mudra (Force Gesture)

Prana Mudra Meaning

Prana Mudra is one of simplest yoga gesture to turn on the inactive energy to vitality. Prana means "life" in Sanksirt this gesture represents life force or energy. It is recommended to practise in padmasana or lotus pose in a quiet place to awaken the inactivity energy.

Benefits of Prana Mudra

This posture gives the performer’s body enormous energy. It improves the immunity system. By regular usage, this gesture also helps to get rid of the spectacles. Prana Mudra improves eye vision and cures all kind of eye disorders.

Prana Mudra Steps

Fold your Little finger and Ring finger simultaneously so that it can touch the tip of the thumb. Let your Middle finger and index finger in a straight direction. Do this gesture for 3-4 min.

Varun Mudra (Water Gesture)

What is Varun Mudra

Sanskrit word "varun" means water and this mudra is used to balance water element in the body. It is also popular known as Jal Vardhak Mudra.

Benefits of Varun Mudra

Varun Mudra as it name implies helps the body to gain the water loss and other water-borne diseases like Jaundice etc. It glorifies the skin. It cures digestive problems like indigestion and constipation. It is helpful in blood-related disease and skin disorders.

How to do Varun Mudra

Touch your middle finger’s tip with the tip of the thumb. Let other fingers remain in a straight position.

Vayu Mudra (Air Gesture)

What is Vayu Mudra

The Vayu word is the Sanskrit language which means air. This Mudra helps in regulating the air element in the body.

Vayu Mudra Benefits

Air gesture helps you in ailments like leg pain, paralysis, joint pain etc. Air gesture with Energy gesture gives better and best results. It is good to treat problems related to gas and bloating.

How to do Vayu Mudra

Touch the tip of the thumb to the edge of the index fingernail upper part. Let other fingers remain straight in direction.