Mudras: The Healing Power in your Hands

Sonali Bansal
In this respect, Kundalini Yoga assumes that every area of the hand forms a reflex
zone for an associated part of the body and the brain. In this way, we can consider
the hands to be a mirror for our body and our mind -Lothar Rdiger Ltge,
Kundalini yoga expert
Practiced since antiquity in combination with pranayama, asanas and meditation,
Mudras or Hand Gestures is a practice to improve your physical, mental and
spiritual well-being. Our hands define our karma and fingers being the power points,
are a link between individual Pranic force and universal cosmic energy.
The subtle hand and finger movements make important connections in the nervous
system and stimulate specific energy pathways or nadis. Human body is an
amalgamation of 5 elements of nature Earth, Air, Water, Space and Fire & each
finger acts as a representative of one element.
Yogis believed if one wants to cure any disease, they can tap into the energy of the
elements and rectify the imbalance with the practice of suitable mudras. Starting
from the thumb, the fingers represent Fire, Air, Space, Earth and Water, as depicted
in the image.
Mudras redirect the energy flow to the upper Chakras, and gradually establish a link
between all the Koshas (layers) of the body. Lets look at 7 mudras, its benefits and
duration for improving our mental, spiritual and physical health.
1) Gyan (Knowledge) or Jnana Mudra:
The gesture of knowledge or gesture of wisdom, activates the pineal gland, relaxes
the mind and improves concentration. This mudra increases the vaayu (Air) Element
within the body. In this mudra thumb represents brahma (Supreme reality) & the
index finger is an individual soul, and their union creates eternal knowledge and
wisdom.

Gyan mudra is the mudra of knowledge

Method: To perform this mudra, gently join the tip of thumb and the index finger,
while the other three fingers are simply stretched out or free & slightly bent.

Page 1 of 7

Duration: You can practice this mudra anytime during the day or while you are
performing yoga postures or during meditation.
Benefits: Gyan mudra increases concentration, memory, reduces sleep disorders,
helps to release stress and anger, eases depression and headache.
2) Vayu (air) Mudra:
The gesture of air is best for the Vata body types and reduces any constrictions in
the body due to excess air in the body.

Vaayu mudra balances the air element within your body

Method: It can be performed while sitting, standing or lying. Just fold the index
finger, you would be able to see the phalanx bones. Press the second phalanx bone
with the tip of the thumb, and the tip of the index finger should touch the base of
the thumb.
Duration: One can practice this mudra any time during the day, whether on full or
empty stomach.
Benefits: It eliminates excess gas/air related problems like gout, flatulence,
constipation. It helps in diseases like arthritis, neck pain, trembling in Parkinsons
disease, paralysis and cervical spondilytis.
3) Prithvi (Earth) mudra:
This mudra amplifies the earth element of the body. Earth elements is a vital
component of bones, cartilage, skin, hair, nails, muscles, tendons, internal organs,
etc. Practice of Prithvi mudra builds and invigorates these tissues and strengthens
the bones. It produces stability, confidence and strength.

Page 2 of 7

Prithvi Mudra is also called the mudra of the earth. It activates your body and
reduces physical weaknesses.
Method: Sit down in lotus pose or easy pose to perform this mudra. Gently touch
the tip of ring finger and thumb, while the other three are stretched or free.
Duration: 30-45 minutes every day, together or in 3 parts during the day.
Benefits: It reduces stress, weakness, helps in weight gain, increases blood
circulation & Kapha, boosts self esteem & confidence. Also, it increases
determination and directs individuals towards spirituality. It improves digestive
power, develops vitality and removes deficiency of vitamins.
4) Agni (fire) or Surya (sun) mudra:
The fire hand gesture, is a powerful mudra with significant healing capacity. It
increases the fire element in the body and reduces the earth element. The element
Agni (fire) is associated with body-temperature and metabolism. Practice of Surya
mudra helps to maintain the body-temperature and keeps the metabolism going.

Page 3 of 7

This mudra increases the element of fire in the body

Method: Practice only in sitting position and on an empty stomach every day to
reap benefits of this mudra. Fold the ring finger and touch the tip at the base of the
thumb while the tip of the thumb presses the second phalax bone of the ring finger.
Duration: Can be practiced 20 minutes every day but avoid practicing when you
have acidity or indigestion problem.
Benefits: Dissolves excess fat in the body, reduce cholesterol, quickens digestion,
boosts metabolism & immune system, controls low BP and regulates the thyroid
gland.
5) Jal (Water) Mudra:
Works on the biggest element of the body, water, by increasing it to an optimum
level. It prevents all diseases which come due to the lack of water or any kind of
dryness. Helps to rehydrate cells, tissues, muscles, skin, joint-cartilage, etc.

Page 4 of 7

Jal mudra balances the water element in your body.

Method: Sit in an easy pose or simply lie down and slightly touch the tip of the
thumb with the little finger. The rest of the fingers can be left freely without any
stress.
Duration: It is an easy mudra and can be performed anytime during the day.
Benefits: The element water is also associated with tongue and taste. Therefore,
this mudra can be used to overcome disorders like loss of taste-sense, dryness of
mouth, etc. Jal mudra nourishes the skin, making it glow. Eliminates skin diseases,
increases blood flow, and reduces muscle aches.
6) Shunya (Emptiness) Mudra:
The mudra of emptiness or the heaven mudra, reduces the space element within
the body. Since this element is associated with ears, it helps in getting rid of ear
aches and many hearing disorders. It also helps the practitioner to open their heart
chakra, and is suitable for meditation practices.

Page 5 of 7

Shunya mudra can quickly heal earaches if held for a long period of time.
Method: To perform this posture sit in any easy pose, bend the middle finger and
place it at the ball or mount of the thumb then press the first phalanx bone of the
middle finger with the tip of the thumb. Other fingers should either be stretched,
and practice the same position with the other hand too.
Duration: Practice this mudra for 15 minutes, three times during the day. If you
practice this mudras at the same time everyday, it act as a catalyst in achieving the
desired results.
Benefits: Shunya mudra is effective for any ear, nose or throat problems. This
mudra assists in listening and speech and cures any numbness in any part of your
body. It is also useful in overcoming motion sickness and vertigo. Release the
fingers as soon as the symptoms subside.
7) Prana (Vital Energy) Mudra:
Prana mudra can be used whenever you feel drained or tired, and need an extra
boost of energy. It helps optimal flow of the prana in the body, activates the root
chakra and increases vitality.

Page 6 of 7

Pran mudra, or a mudra of life, creates energy within the body and improves
strength and immunity
Method: Be seated in Lotus pose, Perfect pose, Lighting pose or on the chair (if you
cannot sit in any other pose). Place the ring finger and little finger at the tip of the
thumb gently and keep the other two fingers stretched.
Duration: There is no specific time duration, one can practice at any interval and
amount of time, or start with 5 to 6 minutes three times a day and increase it to 15
minutes.
Benefits: With an innate ability to control the subtle energies of our aura, this
mudra cleanses our aura. The magnetic force generated by this mudra creates inner
focus, clarity and a desire to delve deeper inside. This mudra is also about vision. It
is not just about improving the vision of your eyes, but also to have a vision for your
life. It increases vitality, reduces fatigue and nervousness. Pran mudra should be
avoided if you are suffering from cough and cold.
Relax, breathe and feel the flow of energy within as each cell gets fully revitalized.
These mudras can be done anywhere and integrating this ancient healing tool into
your daily life will help you connect with your inner self and the universal energy.
Mudras imbue tranquility, balance, and serenity for you and the whole.
Source:
http://fractalenlightenment.com/33385/spirituality/mudras-the-healingpower-in-your-hands

Page 7 of 7