We humans, unfortunately are not always able to maintain complete control over the energy flow within us. If we have ever lost our temper at a subordinate or a person who works under us, it indicates that the energy supplying our heart centre and brain centre was not sufficient or not circulating with adequate momentum. If we keep slipping into a low and depressed loop, we have a sluggish energy flow for sure. These are indications that our energy flow is disorganised and is not working in our favour.
Here is where Hasta Mudras come into play. In yoga, these seemingly simple hand positions are in fact powerful practices which help channel energy flow. Hasta Mudras act as energy circuits, guiding the pranic energy in our subtle body, to flow unimpeded in the correct direction through our subtle nerves, leading to feelings of balance, alertness and alignment.
What Are Hasta Mudras?
Living beings are composed of the five elements of nature. Due to wrong lifestyle habits, the elements within us shift out of balance. Until we get them back into a state of harmony, we will experience a state of living with obstruction or moving in discord against the forces of nature. We require the earth, water, fire, air and space within us to be coordinated with our “dosha” type.
The five elements are the basis of the three ‘doshas’ or energy forces of the body. The three ‘Doshas’ are called Vata’ Pitta’ and ‘Kapha’. At birth, a persons ‘dosha’ type is ascertained, determined by the constitutions of the parents, time of conception and other factors. Practice of ‘Mudras’ helps to get our ‘Doshas’ balanced, our energy flow boosted and our systems aligned.
Our fingers and thumbs represent the five elements- earth (ring finger) water,(little finger) fire (thumb), air (index finger) and ether (middle finger) By manipulating the fingers into specific positions, we can increase or decrease specific elements, thereby balancing our internal energy and deriving mental and physical benefits.
Hasta Mudras We Should Know
There are many Hasta Mudras with different benefits. I am highlighting three of them here today, so quickly learn them up.
1 – Gyana Mudra
One of the most prominent ‘mudras’, ‘Gyan Mudra’, is formed by touching the tips of the thumbs and index fingers together while keeping the other three fingers extended. Perform the ‘Mudra’ with both hands. This ‘mudra’ engenders mental clarity and focus. It helps activate the crown chakra, connecting us to our higher consciousness and empowering us to navigate our life with purpose and insight. We can use this ‘mudra’ when we are meditating, or during moments of decision-making when we need more clarity.
2 – Prana Mudra
As the name suggests, ‘Prana Mudra’ is the key to boosting our very basic pranic energy also known as our life force or life energy which enlivens us. We form this ‘mudra’ by touching the tips of our thumb, ring finger, and little finger together, while keeping the other two fingers straight. ‘Prana Mudra’ stimulates the root chakra, grounding our energy and giving us the strength and vitality to tackle challenges. If we are feeling drained, fatigued, or overwhelmed, we can use this ‘mudra’ to replenish our energy reserves.
3 – Surya Mudra
Surya Mudra activates and enhances the fire element within the body. To perform this ‘mudra’, we curl our ring finger down and get the tip of this ring finger to touch the base of the thumb. We press down on the bent ring finger with the thumb, applying slight pressure. We keep the remaining three fingers extended. This hand gesture stokes our inner fire, boosting confidence and willpower, and even aiding in digestion and metabolism. We can use it if we are naturally timid, or if we have a sluggish digestion or when we need an energy boost to tackle the day.
Conclusion
There’s no denying that Learning Hasta Mudras can be a game-changer for our overall health and mindfulness routine. If one requires a little bit of help with the Mudras, feel free to reach out to ‘Yoga with Sapna’. One can learn a whole range of ‘mudras’ for different aspects of our mental and physical well being.
‘Mudras’ are subtle practices and we cannot immediately see what effect they have. However, when practiced sincerely and regularly, we will surely observe the changes we desire. Ancient yogis have clubbed ‘Mudras’ under ‘higher yogic practices’.
With practice, we can become adept at performing ‘Mudras’ as required and reap the benefits.