Find Out The Significance of Mudras, How to Practice And Benefits

Beyond physical postures, yoga is a complete practice that combines body and mind. One of the key aspects of yoga is applying mudras, which is crucial to health and a helpful method of energy transfer. So, let's learn about the significance of Mudras in yoga, their practice, and their benefits.

What is Yogamudra?

Yogamudra is a symbolic pose of the body that is employed in yoga and meditation. It is a derivative of the word ‘yoga' or union and 'mudra’ or gesture or seal. Yogamudra is a unification of outer energy and individual awareness, generally a particular body position and hand position that directly reacts to the body's energy flow. There are more than 300 different mudras in yoga. Some popular ones are Gyan Mudra, Vayu Mudra, Agni Mudra, Varun Mudra, Anjali or Namaste Mudra, etc.

The Significance of Mudras in Yoga

Mudras are an essential element of yoga as well as meditation. Mudras are believed to have a significant impact in governing the flow of prana, or life force, in the body. The practitioners form a specific hand position to stimulate different parts of the body and brain to maintain physical, mental, and emotional health.

Yogamudra promotes self-awareness and introspection. One can sit in it, keeping one's hands in the back and folding forward over one's body. The pose stretches the spine and calms the mind, making it an excellent addition to any yoga position.

How to Practice Yogamudra?

Yogamudra can be practiced by anybody regardless of his/her experience in yoga. Here is a simple guide for you:

• Take a comfortable sitting posture such as Sukhasana or Padmasana.

• Put your hands behind your back and clasp your right wrist with your left hand.

• Inhale deeply, lengthening your spine.

• Gently fold forward as you breathe while lowering your forehead toward the floor and looking down.

• For a few breaths, hold the pose while focusing on your inner-self.

• Return to an upright position slowly and let go of your hands.

Benefits of Yogamudra

Yogamudra offers numerous advantages:

• Spinal Flexibility: Stretches the back and neck muscles and increases flexibility.

• Improved Circulation: Boosts muscle tone and venous circulation along the spine.

• Deep Compression of Abdominal Organs: Helps to maintain digestive health.

• Lateral Stretches: This stimulates vital areas of the colon, helping with digestion.

• Reproductive Benefits: Favors the improved flow of venous from reproductive organs.

• Lumbar Relief: Alleviates lower back pain.

• Pelvic Health: Improves blood circulation and drainage in abdominal and pelvic regions.

Final Words

Yogamudra is a wonderful way of connecting with the world around you. The practices also remind you that there is more to yoga than just body health; it is also a way of attaining mindfulness and compassion. Adding Mudras to your practice can elevate it to a different level. You can easily give it a try without any background in Yoga. So, next time you practice yoga, do not miss adding mudras to it.