In modern times today it’s not uncommon to wake up feeling bloated, with an uneasy stomach from a heavy meal the night before. Don’t fall into the trap of just reaching for the bottle of antacids . Try a natural, holistic solution to improve your digestive health. One can find the answer to solving our digestive woes in yoga asanas (postures) as well as ‘Mudras’. To begin comprehending ‘asanas’ and ‘mudras’ look for ‘Yoga Courses Online in India‘.
What are Mudras?
The term Mudra is derived from the Sanskrit word, meaning “seal” or “gesture.” ‘Mudras’ are mostly formed by hand gestures which work on the principle of subtly manipulating and redirecting the body’s energy and balancing the flow of prana (life force) within the body. Every Mudra stimulates and makes adjustments with the combination of the five elements (earth, water, fire, air and ether) within us, with an attempt to bring them to a state of balance. These elements need to be present within us in the correct measure for optimal body functioning, and ‘Mudras’ are a means to achieve this.
Mudras for Digestive Ailments
Several ‘Mudras’ can be utilized for alleviating digestive issues. Some of them are listed below. Sitting in ‘Vajrasana’ (with our lower legs folded back, heels apart and hips settled down between heels) works to speed up our digestion as well as strengthen and bring energy to the digestive process. Therefore sit in ‘Vajrasana’, the Thunderbolt pose while doing these ‘Mudras’.
1 Apana Mudra:
Apana Mudra, also known as the “Mudra of Digestion,” focuses on regulating the downward flow of energy in the body, aiding in elimination and digestion. To perform this mudra, touch the tips of the thumb, middle, and ring fingers together while keeping the other two fingers extended. Practice this mudra regularly for 15-30 minutes to experience its benefits. Don’t do this Mudra immediately after eating. Wait for two hours after eating a meal.
2 Linga Mudra:
Linga Mudra is valued for its ability to increase heat in the body and rev up the metabolism, making it effective in improving digestion and relieving constipation. To practice Linga Mudra, interlace the fingers of both hands and extend the thumb of the dominant hand upward. Hold the hands directly in front of the chest and keep the elbows raised up, in level with the hands. Try and hold this mudra for 15-30 minutes daily, in any seated or meditative posture.
3 Varun Mudra:
Varun Mudra, also known as the ‘Mudra of Water’ or ‘Jal Mudra’ balances the water element in the body, aiding in hydration and improving digestion. To perform Varun Mudra, touch the tip of the little finger to the tip of the thumb while keeping the other fingers extended. The little finger represents the water element. Practice this Mudra regularly for optimal results, ideally early in the morning.
4 Pushan Mudra:
In this Mudra, both hands are positioned differently. With the right hand we join the tips of the first two fingers with the thumb tip, keeping the last two fingers straight. This activates the Prana Vayu (receptive energy) and Samana Vayu (digestion and assimilation energies). With the left hand we join the tips of the middle and ring finger with the tip of the thumb, keeping the index finger and the little finger straight. This position represents elimination and activates Apana Vayu,(elimination energy).
5 Vayu Mudra:
To form the Vayu Mudra, we place the tip of the index finder onto the base of the thumb and we press the thumb down onto the bent Index finger. The other three fingers are kept straight. This action helps to balance the air element in the body, easing stomach conditions like indigestion, acid reflux and flatulence.
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