What are Yoga Mudras and how to start using them in your practice right now
4 simple mudras you can incorporate into your daily practice right away
Mudras in Yoga are known as hand gestures, seals which are used to improve concentration, focus and even balance into our yoga practice. There are many types of mudras that can be used in our yoga to deepen our connection to the moment, make us more present and aware, whether that’s in a physical way through sensation, or through a more metaphysical connection. Here I present you with four simple mudras that you can start using in your practice right away.
Anjali Mudra
Anjali Mudra is probably one of the more common hand mudras we see associated not just with yoga but also accross many relgions and cultures too. Anjali Mudra is quite a versitle mudra, in that it can be used not just at the beginning or eng of our practice, but we can also reap the benefits of this mudra during yoga poses like tree pose, mountain pose or revolved side angle pose, to name a few.
To practice this mudra, simply join the palms together at the centre of the chest and focus on feeling the sensation of your breath at this point, also. For more of an inward connection, you can close the eyes.
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To practice Chin Mudra…
To practice this Mudra, bring the thumb and index finger together on both hands to create a circle, leaving the remaining three fingers outstretched.
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Chin Mudra
This is also a fairly common yoga hand gesture. It is often known as the mudra of knowledge, or mudra of consciousness. Many yogis believe that there is something bigger than ourselves, that we are all connected and part of ourselves exists in every living thing. This is often referred to as the universal, or supreme consciousness. The small part of this consciousness which exists in all of us is known as the individiual consciousness. By creating this seal of bringing the index finger to the thumb, it symbolises a complete, never ending connection between you and all living existence.
Abhaya Mudra
Abhaya Mudra is a beautifully simple, yet powerful gesture that can be practiced during seated meditation, before or after a yoga practice. It is the mudra of fearlessness. By holding the palm open and outward-facing, it is a calm guesture to represent confidence, reassurance and safety.
To practice this mudra, raise the right hand to shoulder height, palm facing outwards. You can allow the left hand to come to just below the naval, palm facing upwards, or simply let the palm rest down on the left knee.
Nadi Shodhana Mudra
Nadi Shodhana, is a pranayama (breathing practice) which involves closing off one nostril at a time, breathing through each nostril alternatively. The hand gesture which accompanies this has the same name. Nadi Shodhana has many benefits, as it helps to regulate the intake of oxygen and removal of carbon dioxide from the body, it can bring a profound sense of calm and peace to practicioners of this technique.
To practice this technique, fold the index finger and middle finger to the palm, using the thumb to help cover one nostril and the remaining two fingers to cover the other nostril alternately. Traditionally, this mudra is practiced with the right hand, so the thumb will cover the right nostril, and the ring and little finger will cover the left nostril.
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Why not try one of these mudras today to foster a deeper connection to your own beautiful yoga practice. Despite their spiritual and religious connections, you do not need to be religious to practice these hand gestures, they can be incorporated into as much or as little of your yoga practice as you choose. That is the true beauty of yoga, it no longer belongs to any race, religion or culture and its benefits can be enjoyed by all.
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