Mudras are gestures that we make with our hands. Also called seals, these help in channelizing the flow of Prana. When you join the yoga teacher training in India, you get to explore the realm in detail. Those of you who are associated with holistic wellness must have at least some knowledge of the Pancha Mahabhutas. They are fire, air, water, wind, and space. Now, these elements make up the universe and also you and me. The five elements are present in our body, and as long as they are balanced, all functions are normal. 

In the 200 hour yoga teacher training in India, you will learn in depth about these elements when imbalanced, causing diseases and health issues. But we have a tool that can readily control or manipulate these elements. The control of all these elements lies in our fingers and tips.

Now that you have some idea of mudras, let us explore further. 

What Is A Mudra

When you make certain patterns with your fingers or bring the tips in contact with one another, a ‘mudra’ is said to be formed. You will also learn of many different names associated with the symbols, like seals, a mystic position of hands, and so on. However, mudras are not just limited to the fingers and the fingertips. There are different types of mudras as well, like hasta mudras, body mudras and kaya mudras. But most commonly, we all practice the hand mudras. 

The thumb represents the fire element, the index finger stands for air, the middle finger for space, the ring finger for earth, and the little finger for water. In addition to the above, there is a segregation of mudras based on the five Pranas or life energy. The five Pranas as taught in the 200 hour yoga teacher training in India are Apana, Samana, Prana, Vyana, and Udana. These correspond to the different life energy forces, in which Apana controls excretion, Samana controls digestion, Prana controls respiration, Vyana controls blood circulation and body movements, and Udana controls your thinking and communication. 

Importance Of Practicing Mudras in Yoga 

Apart from our face, the hands are the most expressive in terms of physical body parts. And the hands also hold a lot of healing power. The gestures that you make with your hands can impact you on all plains – physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual. Mudras help in linking the brain with different body parts. It can lead to an increased energy flow, secretion of hormones and change in your mood and feelings. 

When you practice mudras along with yoga poses or Pranayama, the benefits derived are extraordinary. Mudras allow one to look within and become more aware. Mudras improve all body processes, help the mind focus, eliminate deadly diseases like cancer, and also work on the nervous system. In India, you will assume different mudras in the course of religious practices as well. You will also be able to learn about mudras in detail as part of the yoga teacher training. 

How To Practice Different Types Of Mudras?

  • Agni Mudra – In any mudra practice, you must sit in a comfortable position, like Sukhasana, relax the hands, and curl your ring finger towards the little finger. The others remain stretched. The fingertips of the ring finger and little finger must touch the tip of the thumb, with the thumb lightly pressing the ring finger. Eyes must be closed, and you must imagine drawing energy from the external environment. To release, just straighten the fingers and relax. 
  • Vayu Mudra – After you seat yourself in a relaxing place, close your eyes and breathe deeply. Thereafter, you can place your hands on your knees and position them with palms facing up. Then, you must fold the index finger and allow the tip to touch the base of the thumb. And apply some pressure to the index finger with the thumb, and hold. The rest of the fingers are stretched.  Chant ‘Om’. 
  • Akasha Mudra – In this mudra, all else remains the same, but the position of the fingers changes. The tips of the middle finger and the thumb come in close contact in this hand gesture. The other three fingers remain extended. 
  • Prithvi Mudra – In this mudra, the tips of the ring finger and the thumb come in close contact, and this mudra is often used in meditation. 
  • Varuna Mudra – The tip of your little finger and the tip of the thumb are joined. On the other hand, the remaining fingers are extended. 
  • Gyan Mudra – This is the most common mudra, which you can observe in others. It is also called Dhyan Mudra, or Chin Mudra. The tips of the thumb and index finger come in contact with one another, with the remaining fingers stretched. 

When you join the 200-hour yoga teacher training in India, you can learn more than 25 different mudras. There are different mudras for chakra balancing as well. 

Read More Blogs: How to Activate Chakras in Human Body

Benefits Of Practicing Mudras 

  • It facilitates the uninhibited flow of Prana through the nadis.
  • Increase the flexibility of the appendages.
  • Boosts your mental strength and focus. 
  • Helps you overcome emotional problems.
  • Helps in clearing negativity.
  • Your meditation practice gets a boost. 
  • You can achieve inner peace and wellness through regular practice. 

Conclusion 

You can practice mudras in the yoga teacher training in Bali along with yoga asana and meditation for maximum benefit. Its practice helps in keeping all the elements in proper balance. You can join World Peace Yoga School to learn about the mudras in detail and bring changes in your life and surroundings.