The benefits of using mudras

The word mudra comes from sanskrit and can be translated as seal, mark or gesture. Mudras are specific positions of the hands and fingers believed to influence the flow of energy in the body and mind.

They are most commonly practiced during meditation, yoga or pranayama (breathing exercises). It’s a symbolic or ritual gesture or pose in Hinduism and Buddhism.

What can they help with?

• Reduce stress

• Improve Concentration

• Enhance emotional balance

• Promote vitality

• Enhance the body’s energy levels

• Balance the 5 elements within (earth, water, fire, air and ether)

The five elements

Each finger is associated with one of the following elements:

• Fire is represented by the thumb which is connected to the solar plexus chakra.

• Air is associated with the index finger and is connected to the heart chakra.

• Space / ether is connected to the middle finger and connects to the throat chakra.

• Earth is represented by the middle and is connected to the root.

• Water is associated to the pinky finger and connects to the sacral.

Here are some types of mudras you can try:

• Earth mudra (root chakra) - hold the tips of your thumb and ring finger together, keep all other fingers straight and then place your palms upwards on to your knees.

• Fire mudra (solar plexus) - there are two ways of doing this. The first option is to hold the thumb, middle and ring fingers together. The other is to place the ring finger at the base of your thumb and apply a little pressure.

• Air mudra (heart chakra) - place the index finger at the base of your thumb whilst keeping the others straight. This mudra also works to remove excess wind from body.

• Water (sacral chakra) - hold the tip of your little finger with the tip of thumb whilst keeping your other fingers straight. This mudra is good for emotional balance, hydration and hydration of the eyes.

• Purification mudra (Apana mudra) - place you thumb to middle and ring finger. This helps to balance the other elements and assists with the downward moving energy responsible for elimination and detoxification.