Aakash Mudra

• Benefits:

  This mudra, known as the "gesture of space," increases the space element (Akasha) within the body. It is useful in treating illnesses related to hearing and strengthening bones. Also helpful in releasing tensions and calming the mind. Stimulates the throat chakra.

• Description:

  • Sit comfortably in a seated meditation pose with a straight spine.

  • Form the gesture by bringing the tips of the middle finger and thumb together on both hands.

  • Extend the index, ring, and little fingers straight but relaxed.

  • Rest the palms on the knees, facing upward.

• Duration:

  Practice for 30–45 minutes daily, or in 10-15 minute sessions for therapeutic benefits. Best times are morning or afternoon.

• Precaution(s):

  • Should not be practiced while walking.

  • Stop if you experience dizziness.

Abhaya Mudra

• Benefits:

  Fearlessness and courage, symbolizing harmony, strength, and protection. Often practiced with Gayatri Mantra recitation.

• Description:

  Raise both hands to sides of the head. Touch tip of forefinger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers touching each other and extended straight out.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Anjali Mudra

• Benefits:

  Centering, focuses attention to the heart, devotion (Namaste). Often accompanies meditation on the heart chakra.

• Description:

  Hands are held together at chest level, with palms touching.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Apana Mudra

• Benefits:

• Description:

• Duration:

Apan Vayu Mudra

• Benefits:

  Regulates heartbeat, and regular practice assists in preventing heart attacks, palpitations, tacho-cardia, or a sinking feeling of the heart. In a severe heart attack, if administered within the first two seconds, it provides instant relief. Also known as the "Mritsanjeevini Mudra", meaning "One which brings back life out of death".

• Description:

  Press index finger to pad of thumb, with tips of middle and ring fingers touching tip of thumb, and smallest finger extended straight out.

• Duration:

  Up to 45 min. daily

Gyan Mudra

• Benefits:

  Known as the "Seal of Knowledge," this mudra increases mental balance, stimulates intelligence and the mind, purifies the mind, and helps reduce addictive habits. Brings feelings of joy. Helpful during meditation.

• Description:

  Touch tip of index finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers together and extended straight out -- like an "OK" sign, except the palms of each hand are pointed up or to the front.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Prana Mudra

• Benefits:

  Improves eyesight, increases "life force" energy, vitality, and self confidence. Useful for people feeling nervous, tired, or weak, or for treating life-threatening illnesses. Along with the Apan Vayu Mudra, precedes meditation by the Yogis and saints.

• Description:

  Touch tip of ring finger and smallest finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers touching each other and extended straight out.

• Duration:

  Can be done for any length of time, any time, any place, as even small amounts of this mudra are beneficial.

Prithvi Mudra

• Usage:

  Strengthens equilibrium, removes physical weaknesses (strength), increases tolerance and patience. Balances the earth element in the body. Helpful in meditation.

• Description:

  Touch tip of ring finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers extended straight out.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Shuni Mudra

• Benefits:

  Known as the “Seal of Patience,” this mudra calms the mind and promotes patience, focus, and emotional balance.

• Description:

  1. Sit in a comfortable, upright posture.

  1. Place your hands on your knees with palms facing upward.

  2. Touch the tip of your middle finger (representing Saturn) to the tip of your thumb (representing fire/universal consciousness).

  3. Keep the other three fingers extended but relaxed.

  4. Apply light pressure and hold for 5–15 minutes, or during meditation.

Shunya Mudra

• Benefits:

  This mudra helps to connect your mind. Also helpful for ear issues - form mudra with hand on same side as ear being treated. ("Shunya" refers to 'zero' or 'sky' in Sanskrit.)

• Description:

  Spread out fingers. Bend middle finger, and place the fore part of the middle finger on the thumb pad. Press it down with the thumb. Straighten out the other fingers.

• Duration:

  30-45 minutes

Surya Mudra

• Benefits:

  Activates energy at the solar plexus, stimulates metabolism, lengthens breath.

• Description:

  Curl tip of the ring finger into the base of the thumb and press thumb on top, extend index, middle and little fingers; rest back of hands on thighs.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Varuna / Buddhi Mudra

• Benefits:

  Helps alleviate dehydration and related ailments, including dry skin. Balances water element in the body. Enhances physical beauty.

• Description:

  Touch tip of smallest finger to tip of thumb, with remaining fingers extended straight out.

• Duration:

  15-30 minutes

Vayu Mudra

• Usage:

  Decreases body aches, stiffness, and pain. Helps with nervous ailments. Balances the air element in the body. Effective for those with Cerebral Palsy or Parkinson's.

• Description:

  Bend index finger and press it to pad of thumb, with remaining fingers touching each other and extended straight out.

• Duration:

  45 minutes, or two 30-minute sessions