Mudras are special hand gestures in yoga that help balance the body’s energy, mind, and soul. According to Patanjali Yoga Sutra and Baba Ramdev’s teachings, mudras influence our body’s five elements—fire, water, air, earth, and sky—and help correct their imbalances, improving both physical health and mental peace.
What are Mudras?In yoga and Ayurveda, a Mudra is a symbolic hand or body gesture that controls energy flow in the body. Each finger tip is connected to different energy centers (nadis). By joining fingers in specific ways, these mudras balance energy, reduce stress, and help manage various health issues.
5 Important Hand Mudras and Their BenefitsGyan Mudra (Mudra of Knowledge)
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How to do: Lightly touch the tip of the index finger to the tip of the thumb, keeping other fingers straight.
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Benefits: Improves concentration, sharpens the mind, removes negative thoughts, controls anger. Great for children to boost intelligence.
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Tip: For added benefits, do Prana Mudra after Gyan Mudra.
Vayu Mudra (Mudra of Air)
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How to do: Bend the index finger and place it at the base of the thumb. Press lightly with the thumb; other fingers remain straight.
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Benefits: Relieves gas, arthritis, joint pain, neck and spine pain, and improves blood circulation.
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Caution: Stop if vata decreases as it reduces air element.
Prana Mudra (Mudra of Life)
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How to do: Join the thumb with the ring and little finger; keep the index and middle fingers straight.
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Benefits: Boosts energy and immunity, improves eyesight, reduces fatigue and vitamin deficiencies, helps in falling asleep, controls hunger and thirst. Ideal during fasting.
Surya Mudra (Mudra of Sun)
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How to do: Bend the ring finger and press it with the thumb; other fingers remain straight.
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Benefits: Aids weight loss, reduces body heat, improves digestion, relieves stress, reduces cholesterol, helps with liver and diabetes problems.
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Caution: Avoid if weak or frail; do not practice too long in summer to prevent heat-related issues like fatigue or burning sensations.
Linga Mudra (Mudra of Heat)
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How to do: Interlock fingers of both hands, keep the left thumb on top, surrounded by the right fist. Hold near the chest while sitting straight.
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Benefits: Increases internal body heat, helps with cold, asthma, cough, sinus, paralysis, low blood pressure, and clears mucus for easier breathing.
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Caution: Increases body heat—stay hydrated, consume fruits, ghee, and milk. Avoid prolonged practice to prevent excessive heat.
