63 Powerful Yoga Mudras Explained with Benefits – Fitsri Yoga

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Welcome to the world of yoga mudra, where the subtle language of the body takes center stage. In this article, we uncover the significance of mudras – yoga gestures that go beyond mere movements. These silent expressions, used during meditation, asanas, and pranayamas, hold the power to shape our mental state and enhance our well-being.

Mudras, in their simplicity, become a key to improving the connection between mind and body. From promoting a calming state of mind to addressing various health conditions, practicing some mudras everyday offer a unique path to physical and mental healing.

In this comprehensive guide on yoga mudras, we unravel the meanings and benefits of these simple yet powerful gestures. We will see different types of yoga mudras which are not limited merely to hand gesture but also involve eyes, tongue, ear or even whole body. We will also understand the working of mudras and their scientific aspect.

In nutshell, mudras not just about hand gesture; it’s about understanding the language your subtle body speak in the realm of yoga. Let’s explore together.

What are mudras in yoga?

In yoga, a mudra isn’t just a hand gesture; it’s like a symbol that connects to your inner feelings. Symbols show ideas visually, and mudras are like lively yoga symbols expressing different feelings inside you.

For instance, consider the “Anjali Mudra,” where you bring your palms together in a prayer-like gesture. This mudra symbolizes respect, gratitude, and the unity of opposites. When you perform the Anjali Mudra, it’s not just a hand movement; it’s like activating a symbol that brings forth a sense of reverence and connection within your yoga practice. Much like how the heart symbol instantly triggers thoughts of love, a mudra symbol can evoke specific feelings and states of consciousness during your yoga journey.

Think of mudras as special hand movements in yoga. They don’t just make your body move; they also boost the energy flowing inside you. The word “mudra” means more than just a movement – it’s like sealing in energy. It helps keep the energy inside you, making your mind and body work together better.

So, doing mudras isn’t just about moving your hands; it’s like creating a seal for your energy. This helps you concentrate during yoga and can even make your body and mind feel better, helping with both physical and mental health.

Meaning and significance

Mudra, from the Sanskrit phrase “Mudam anandam dadati iti mudra,” translates to actions that bring pleasure or bliss. According to the ancient tantric text, “Kularnava Tantra,” Sanskrit word ‘mudra’ comes from ‘mudam’ meaning ‘bliss’ and ‘drava’ meaning ‘to draw forth.’ This suggests that mudras possess the unique ability to draw out the hidden joy within us.

Engaging in a mudra directs the flow of Prana, or life force, in a rhythmic manner. The longer we maintain the mudra, the smoother the prana flow becomes. This rhythmic flow induces a shift in consciousness, fostering a serene state of mind.

While yoga harnesses mudras for therapeutic purposes, these hand gestures extend beyond to traditions like Hinduism, Buddhism, and Jainism. In these traditions, mudras play roles in classical rituals, folk dances, and mantra chanting, revealing their multifaceted nature that combines artistry with profound meaning.

How many types of mudras are in yoga?

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In yoga, there are five types of mudras, each categorized by the body parts involved in creating the gesture. The most commonly practiced ones are hand mudras, known as “hasta mudra.”

Hasta Mudra (Hand Gestures): Executed using hands and fingers.

Kaya Mudra (Postural Gestures): Encompasses the entire body.

Mana Mudra (Head Gestures): Engages sense organs such as eyes, nose, tongue, lips, and ears.

Bandha Mudra (Lock Gestures): Utilizes three bandhas, specifically subtle skeletal muscles like vocal, respiratory, and pelvis.

Adhara Mudra (Perineal Gestures): Involves the muscles of the pelvis.

Let’s explore each of these types of mudra one by one;

1. Hand mudras

Hand mudras take precedence among various types, finding significant application in meditation and pranayama. Rooted in the five elements theory, these mudras are renowned for their therapeutic advantages.

In the practice of hand mudras, diverse gestures are formed using a combination of fingers, and practitioners often hold them for extended periods. The ensuing list delineates various hand mudras, each carrying distinct meanings and associated benefits.

*Scroll the table horizontally to see mudra pictures and benefits

S.N.Mudra PictureDescriptionBenefits1.Gyan MudraIndex fingertip joins thumb, palm upwards. Rest three fingers extended.Enhances memory, and concentration. Gives a sense of security, and groundedness.2.Apana MudraMiddle and ring fingertips join thumb. Rest two fingers extended.Helpful in diabetes and constipation. Strengthens leg joints3.Prana Mudra Ring and little fingertips join thumb. Rest two fingers extended.Prevents hair fall and Increases lung efficiency.4.Surya MudraThumb pressing on second phalanx of ring finger and ring fingertip touches the base of thumb. Rest three fingers extended.Panacea mudra for weight loss, maintain metabolism and reduce Cholesterol.5.Varun MudraThumb joins little fingertip. Rest three fingers extended.Helpful in dehydration, clears blood and glows skin.6.Back MudraRight hand – Thumb touches middle and ring fingerLeft hand – Thumb touches index fingerRelieves back pain and muscle cramps.7.Apana Vayu MudraThumb joins middle and ring fingertip while index finger bend to the base of thumb.Best mudra for heart problems, prevents heart attack and improves digestion.8.Shunya MudraThumb pressing second phalanx of middle finger. Rest three fingers extendedTreat ear-related problems, cure numbness and motion sickness.9.Rudra MudraThumb touching tip of ring and index fingers. Rest two fingers extended.Cure of dizziness, lowers blood pressure and burn belly fat.10.Adi MudraThumb fold inside the curled fingers.Increase oxygen flow in blood, gives mental clarity11.Linga MudraBoth hands fingers clasped and left thumb is erectCures breathing disorders, Prevent hypothermia12.Anjali MudraBoth hands finger align in front of each other, tip upwardBalance left and right hemisphere, improves focus.14.Akash MudraThumb touches tip of middle finger. Rest three fingers extended.Helpful in migraine, hearing loss, and overcome calcium deficiency.15.Padma MudraLittle finger and thumb touches side-by-side then spread all fingers in a circular direction.Brings creativity, calms the anxious mind, and balances heart chakra.16.Ganesha MudraRight hand back, left hand forward – interlock fingers at second phalanx from inside.Increase lung capacity, reduce neck pain, and boost self-confidence.17.Matangi MudraInterlace both hand fingers and then point both middle fingers up.Evoke self-confidence, helps in insomnia and relax jaw muscles.18.Dharmachakra MudraMake gyan mudra with both hands. Now touch right gyan mudra with left middle fingertip facing outside.Deepen meditation, gives grounding sense, and calms the mind.19.Brahma MudraFold thumb inside curl fingers then press fingers at knuckles.Balance thyroid gland secretion, helpful in irregular menstrual cycle.20.Vajra MudraMiddle, ring and little fingertips touches thumb. Index finger extended.Removes stiffness of muscles, detoxes the lungs.21.Surabhi MudraRing fingertips of both hand touches opposite little fingertips, and in same manner, middle fingertips touches opposite index fingertipsEnhances creativity and helpful in getting wish fulfillment.22.Bhumisparsha MudraLeft hand on lap facing upward, and the right hand points to the ground touchingIncrease concentration removes negativity and aggression.23.Shankh MudraEncircle left thumb with 4 fingers of right hand and then extend left hand 4 fingers and right hand up.Overcomes fear of speaking, purifies nadis, and improve functioning of the larynx (voice box).24.Hakini MudraJoin all fingertips and thumb of both hands each other and spread fingers wide.Best mudra to increase brain power and balances 3 doshas.25.Kubera MudraJoin the index and middle fingertips to the thumb tips. Then curl the little and ring fingertips to the palm.Gives luck, confidence, and peacefulness. Opens blocked nose and ear.26.Yoni MudraJoin all fingertips to each other, stretch thumb upwards, then bend middle, ring, and little finger so that the back of the fingers are touching.Helpful in fertility problems, and removes all tiredness and stress when practiced at night before going to sleep27.Jnana MudraThumb and index fingertip touching, rest fingers extended. For beginners – Index fingertip touching inside root of thumb.Palm facing upImproves concentration, endocrine system and calms the mind.28.Vishnu MudraIndex and middle finger bend down towards palm.Reduce anger, purify nadis, and helpful in heart diseases.29.Vayu MudraThumb pressing second phalanx of index fingerOvercome gastric problems and builds immunity.31.Shakti MudraEncircle thumb inside index and middle fingers, touch them at back, raise ring and little fingertips – extend them up.Helpful in sleeplessness, rectifies the painful urination problem and menstruation discomforts31.Abhaya MudraLift right hand to the chest level then open palm facing to the front.Helps in conquering the fear and settle emotions.34.Dhyana MudraPlace right hand over left hand so fingers aligning each other. Now touch both thumb tip.Deepen the levels of meditation and activate left and right side of brain.35.Chinmaya MudraCurl middle, ring and little finger to palm and touch index fingertip with thumb.Prevents memory loss and cures insomnia.36.Prithvi MudraRing finger tip touching thumb. Rest three fingers extended.Weight gain and healing body tissues.37.Karana MudraMiddle finger tip touching thumb, ring finger curl parallel to middle, and rest two fingers extended.Fill mind with positivity, drives energy forces inwards.38.Bhramara MudraIndex finger curl down to base of thumb, thumb touching outside of middle finger, and rest two fingers extended.Beneficial to get rid of allergies, and treats common cold, running nose, tonsillitis.39.Pushan MudraRight hand – touch index and middle finger tip to thumb tip. Left hand – touch ring and middle finger tip to thumb tip. Rest two fingers extended.Best mudra for digestion, eliminate blockage and toxins. Also, cures nausea, flatulence, constipation.40.Mushti MudraHold hand in a fist with thumb placed over the ring finger.Relieve negative emotions and lower blood pressure.41.Garuda MudraHold onto your thumbs. Place right hand on the apex of left hand.Inculcate fearlessness, and useful in get rid of lethargy and fatigue42.Vitraka MudraJoin the tips of the thumb and the index fingers together, palm facing forward at the heart level.Encourages wisdom, uplifts energy, and develops a sense of clarity43.Merudanda MudraExtend thumbs of each hand upward, and curl other fingers into the palm.Strengthens the spine and eliminates restlessness from the mind.44.Varada MudraRight hand held out, with palm uppermost and the fingers pointing downwards.Make seeker humble, cultivate forgiveness quality,45.Bhairava MudraPlace right hand on the cup of your left hand. Tips of the fingers of both hands facing opposite directions.Soothing and instant relieving effects on anxiety, stress, and mood swings46.Asthma MudraBend and press middle fingers of both hands at the fingernails. Palms should press together gently with the other fingers remaining straight.Improves breathing, removes blockage and toxins from lung,47.Uttarabodhi MudraInterlock both hand fingers. Now extend index fingers up, touching tip together and thumb downwards.Boosts confidence, promotes optimism and inculcates fearlessness48.Ushas MudraClasp hand together with finger interlaced. Thumb pointing up.Regulates irregular menses, regulates the proper hormonal flow.49.Mahasirs MudraTouch index and middle finger tip with thumb tip, curl ring finger to base of thumb, and extend little finger.Cures sinus issues, relieves eye strain and improves concentration50.Kalesvara MudraJoin first and second phalanx of both hand fingers, extend middle fingers up and join them. Join thumb below creating a heart shape.Helpful to get rid of the habit of procrastination, brings serenity, and develops adaptability

2. Kaya Mudra (Postural Gesture)

Kaya mudras involve using your whole body to make a gesture, kind of like striking a pose. They’re also called postural gestures because, just like in different yoga poses, your entire body gets involved. Holding these mudras needs strong focus and concentration, much like when you’re holding a specific yoga position.

*Scroll the table horizontally to see mudra pictures and benefits

3. Mana Mudra (Head Mudra)

Mana means head. Mana mudras are mudras in which sense organs (eyes, nose, tongue, lips and ears) are involved to form the gesture. They are widely used to focus the mind in meditation (mainly in kundalini meditation), hence called head mudras.

Head mudras are so powerful that they can snap out us from instinctive habits (which become an obstacle in meditation) even in short periods.

*Scroll the table horizontally to see mudra pictures and benefits

S.N.MudraMeaningPictureDescriptionBenefits1.Shambhavi MudraEyebrow centre gazing gestureEyes gaze turned inward & up on centre between eyebrows.Gives psychic power, open third eye, reduce perceived stress2.Shanmukhi MudraSix gates closing gestureUsing five fingers 2 ears, 2 eyes, nostrils, and mouth is closed.Facial glow and improves hearing ability3.Khechari MudraTongue lockThe tongue is rolled up to the hard palate then extended back & up with time.Opens blocked salivary glands, draw mind inwards and stimulates master gland4.Bhoochari MudraGazing into nothingnessFirst, a point is fixed at 4 to 5 inches from nose tip using the hand. Then the hand is removed and concentrate on that point.Increases awareness and reasoning power.5.Kaki mudraCrow’s beak gestureAir is sucked in through rounded lips keeping the tongue relax in the mouth.Prevents the signs of aging like wrinkles, cures respiratory diseases6.Nasikagra DrishtiNosetip gazingThe gaze is fixed down at the tip of the nose.Good for calming and stability of the mind, stress relief, improves concentration7.Unmani MudraAttitude of mindlessnessEyes open widely, awareness is fixed at Bindu, and then with breathing out, awareness is drawn one by one to lower chakras.Stimulates all the energy chakras and balances doshas.8.Bhujangini MudraCobra gestureFrom a sitting posture, lean forward, lift the chin up then air is gulped through the mouth to the stomach.Cures digestive disorders, improves respiration and regulates eating habits.

4. Bandha Mudra (Locks)

Bandha mudras involve using certain muscle locks called bandhas. These bandhas, when combined with mudras, engage specific skeletal muscles like those in your throat (vocal), chest (respiratory), and pelvis. By holding the life force or Prana using these muscle locks, it helps in kundalini awakening in your body.

*Scroll the table horizontally to see mudra pictures and benefits

S.N.MudraMeaningPictureDescriptionBenefits1.Jalandhar BandhaThroat lockChin to chest locking throatcorrects double chin and prevents all the disorders of the thyroid gland2.Uddiyana BandhaAbdominal lockPulling abdominal muscles in and upStrengthens abdominal muscles and diaphragm. improves digestion3.Mula BandhaRoot lockContract pelvic floor muscles and pull them upKundalini awakening, stimulates the nervous system4.Maha MudraGreat sealAll three bandhas are performed altogether after sitting in Janu sirshasana.Destroyer of all 5 kleshas (sufferings), muscle strengthening, enhances immunity

5. Adhara Mudra (Perineal Mudra)

Adhara mudras engage the pelvic floor organs; “Adhara” translates to Perineal, earning them the name Perineal mudras.

By practicing Adhara mudras, you stimulate the sacral chakra, balancing sexual energy within the body. This practice aids in redirecting energy into the solar channel (Pingala Nadi).

*Scroll the table horizontally to see mudra pictures and benefits

S.N.MudraMeaningPictureDescriptionBenefits1.Vajroli MudraThunderbolt gestureAwareness is cultivated in the muscles around genital organ and then with full efforts, muscles are contracted.sexual potency, prevents premature ejaculation, and improves the vigor2.Ashwini MudraHorse gestureThe anal sphincter muscle is rhythmically contracted.Effective in piles, Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and urinary incontinence.3.Maha Vedha MudraThe great penetrating mudraAwareness is focused on the root chakra to activate it.Awaken psychic faculties, stimulates your endocrine system4.Maha Bheda MudraThe great piercing mudraAwareness is lifted from the root chakra up piercing all chakras one-by-one to the crown chakra.Prepares the mind for meditation, and removes fear of death and decay.

Benefits of Yoga Mudras

Mudras, powerful physical gestures in yoga, exert subtle effects on the body to replenish and revitalize energy. Each hand mudra corresponds to elemental energies, influencing specific brain centers. By balancing air, fire, water, earth, and ether elements, mudras facilitate healing and health restoration.

Various mudras offer diverse mind-body benefits, including:

Stress, anxiety, and depression relief

Improved brain health and focus

Enhanced immunity

Healing support

Alleviation of body pain

Reduction of high blood pressure

Fatigue relief, especially during convalescence.

Spiritually, mudras serve as a pathway to transcendental consciousness, with some having the potency to stimulate the third eye chakra. These hand gestures channel the body’s energy flow, awakening chakras and Kundalini.

Regular practice of mudras yields significant benefits:

Enhanced Concentration: Yoga mudras prevent energy dissipation, leading to increased concentration.

Holistic Healing: Certain hand mudras effectively address physical and mental ailments such as insomnia, arthritis, diabetes, and heart problems.

Metabolism Boost: Mudras balance the body’s elemental proportions, promoting metabolism. This aids in weight loss and reduces bad cholesterol levels.

Improved Blood Circulation: Holding a yoga mudra for 10 to 15 minutes enhances blood circulation, elevating oxygen levels and reducing the risk of heart problems.

Pain Relief: Mudras, especially hand mudras, aid in healing various body pains, increasing joint mobility and alleviating tension.

Longevity: Yoga mudras elevate prana levels, contributing to increased life expectancy.

How do mudras work?

Mudra is the practice of influencing energy flow throughout the body using hand gestures. With the highest concentration of nerve endings, our hands create an ‘energy circuit’ when pressed or positioned in specific ways. This aligns our energy body through acupuncture meridians, promoting balance.

Hand mudras operate on the principle of the body’s five elements, known as Panch Tattva. Each finger represents a vital element. When a finger is pressed during mudra practice, it stimulates the corresponding element, fostering harmony within the body.

Thumb – Fire element – responsible for our needs like hunger, thirst, and sleep.

Index finger – Air element – responsible for movement and breath.

Middle finger – Ether element – responsible for inner wisdom, intuition and overcoming emotional fear

Ring finger – Earth element – responsible for body structure like bones and tissues, flesh and skin, and hair.

Little finger – Water element – responsible for body fluids such as saliva, blood, sweat, urine, and semen.

Ayurveda teaches us that an imbalance in the five elements can disrupt Doshas, leading to negative impacts on both the mind and body. Yoga mudras play a crucial role in balancing energy within specific body parts, offering a means to enhance or diminish energy as needed. By employing mudras, we gain the ability to regulate our energy and, in turn, maintain overall health and wellness through strategic manipulation of the body’s internal energy flow.

A Perfect Analogy

To understand ‘how mudras work’ in a simple way, consider the human body an electric circuit in which current (the energy) is flowing through nadis or energy channels (similar to wires in an electric circuit). The five fingers are like the five terminals of a human electric circuit which are connected to specific parts of the body and mind.

When we hold or press a finger in a mudra, it completes the circuit. Therefore, corresponding body part or gland to that finger gets stimulated in the brain (Power supplier of the circuit). As soon as brain receives a signal to alter the energy pattern within the body, it channelise the energy to the corresponding part.

The way we arrange fingers in a mudra shows whether it will increase or decrease or balance one of five elements;

Mudra to balance the effect of an element – The corresponding fingertip is joined with the tip of the thumb. For example, gyan mudra balances air element (which is corresponding to index finger).

Mudra to increase the effect of an element – The thumb is pressed at the base of the corresponding finger. For example, aditi mudra increases earth element (which is corresponding to ring finger).

Mudra to decrease the effect of an element – The corresponding finger is bent down to the base of the thumb. For example, vyana mudra decrease air and ether element (which is corresponding to index and middle finger).

Mudras create a loop of flowing energy

Keeping hands or whole body in a mudra for an extended period creates the pranic circuit (a loop of energy) in our subtle body. A pranic circuit can be understood as the closed-loop of Nadis which facilitates the flow of energy.

In yogic science, it’s said, the body gets diseases when prana (life-force) gets stuck in one place or there is a lack of prana in our body. The pranic circuit that a mudra makes keeps prana flowing indisputably inside our body. And, to prevent the lack of Prana, the loop that mudra creates doesn’t let Prana leaking out. This way a mudra helps in keeping the body diseases free, boost the energy level and enhances concentration.

How to do yoga mudras?

In yoga, we perform mudras in combination with meditation, pranayamas or certain asanas. Here the purpose of doing mudras is totally to deepen yoga practice and accommodate body & mind to be in pose for extended duration. It’s more or less like a spiritual purpose of doing mudra.

To begin your mudra practise, sit in a comfortable pose; preferably you can choose to sit in sukhasana, padmasana, vajrasana or any pose of your choice where your posture is upright and spine straight. One can choose to sit on a chair if not comfortable sitting in a yoga pose.

Once you’ve found your preferred sitting position, it’s a good idea to prepare your hands for better receptivity before doing any hand mudras.

Rub your hands together and keep your awareness on your fingertips until they lightly heat up. It will activate the nerve endings in the hands which increase the effect size of a mudra.

After rubbing your hands, ground your hands down and feel the touch of mother earth for a while. It helps to release accumulated tension and open up the energy channels in the palm.

Now bring your hands in a mudra of your choice.

Before making mudra hand position, always put palms in a facing up position over your thighs or knee cap (wherever you’re comfortable) and then press fingers in particular patterns to perform various mudras. If you need to adjust your fingers, you can first make the hand gesture and then place hands with mudra on your thighs.

It’s fine if the free fingers in mudra are not completely stretched or straight; in deep meditation, free fingers are usually curled up eventually.

One should apply enough pressure between fingers so that you can feel gentle touch between the fingers. It shouldn’t be too much, otherwise, you will end up losing your focus and the therapeutic benefit of mudra.

It requires time to feel the impact of hand mudras. If you’re new in mudras practice, aim to hold a mudra for 5 minutes at least in one stretch. When you get comfortable keeping your hand in mudra for this duration, expand this time up to 15-20 minutes. The efficiency of any mudra increases the longer you hold it.

Read more: 9 common questions answered related to mudras practice

Are mudras scientifically proven?

Yes, mudras are scientifically proven! There are many studies published till date which show the therapeutic use of mudras.

To assess the effect of yoga mudra, S-VYASA University India, conducted a study in which they found holding a hand mudra for 20 minutes or more increases the surge of energy at fingertips. It’s measured by the EPI technique.

In this study, 61 volunteers were divided into 2 groups namely ‘control’ and ‘mudra’ group. In Mudra Group, volunteers were said to sitting quietly with eyes closed in Prana Mudra for 20 minutes. The control group also followed the same procedure, except for not practising the prana mudra

In the yoga mudra group, significant changes were observed in EPI parameters as compared to the control group.

The EPI (Electrophotonic imaging) variable, intensity, is a measure of the quantum activity of a subject, measured by keeping all the ten fingers one by one on the glass surface of the EPI equipment. It is represented in computer unit pixels and is a measure of metabolic rate.

Summary

Increased effect size after practising mudra shows there is a surge of energy that occurs at the fingertips when we hold the hand in a mudra for long enough (minimum of 20 minutes). Indeed, mudras direct energy towards the body and prevent it from decaying outwards.

Conclusion

Yoga mudra is a simple yet important practice of yoga because it gives you the ability to direct the energy within the body in different ways. The asanas and pranayamas can be understood as a preparatory practice that cultivates awareness of having Prana within us. Then comes the practice of mudras which lets you interact and manipulate the pranic energy.

This is the reason in hatha yoga tradition, mudras are practiced only after proficiency in Asana, Pranayama & bandha.

Mudra is associated with the changing mental and spiritual features of an individual. This change through mudra lets channelize the internal energy by affecting sensory glands, veins & organs of the body.

Mudras for health conditions

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