Top 8 Yoga Hand Mudras and How to Do Them
Finding the right yoga mudra is not easy if you do not know about the many hand positions out there and how they can benefit you and your practice. Hand mudras are simply gestures you use in meditation and yoga, and they increase the energy flow in your body, and help you achieve certain things, depending on the mudra and its qualities. So here are 8 of the most well-known yoga hand mudras out there, that can help you with anything from concentration to weight loss.
Akash Mudra
The akash mudra is a very popular hand mudra and also extremely simple and easy to do, and therefore great for beginners. This mudra is perfect for people who wants to be more open minded and see things from new perspective. We often get too narrow minded and are only able to understand things that are lining up with our knowledge or opinions. The akash mudra can help broaden your horizon and help you get a better understanding of the world around you. This will also help you make better decisions, as you have a clearer vision and broader perspective.
To do the akash mudra, simply take your thumb and let the tip of your thumb touch the tip of your middle finger, keeping the rest of the finger straight and unfolded. Let your hands rest on your knees with the palms facing upwards.
Gyan Mudra
The gyan mudra is a mudra of concentration, knowledge and memory. It can help you be more focused and improve your cognitive potential. This mudra increases brain activity and helps you center yourself and be calm yet focused to allow learning to take place. So if you struggle with concentration or memory, then this mudra might be right for you.
To do this mudra, take the tip of your thumb and let it touch your index finger. Let your hands rest on your knees with your palms facing upwards.
Dhyana Mudra
The dhyana mudra is a very comfortable mudra for beginners. This mudra has a perfectly symmetrical shape and generates balance and harmony for the practitioner. The dhyana mudra is associated with concentration and balance of thoughts and emotions. This mudra will create stability in your body and mind and make you feel in control. You will have control over your mind and your thoughts, which will create a feeling of inner peace and serenity.
To do this mudra, place your right hand inside the palm of the left hand, both with their palms facing up. Let the thumbs touch in the middle. Your hands should be at the stomach level, with your arms resting on your thighs
Anjali Mudra
The Anjali mudra may be one of the most well-known hand positions, and you have most likely seen this plenty of times as a gesture of respect. This mudra is a symbol of respect, honor, and balance. The hands are placed at the heart chakra, which focuses the energy on this chakra, promoting love and healing.
So take your hands and press the palms against each other, with your fingers facing upwards. Place your hands at your heart. This may be a bit uncomfortable at first, and if you are completely new to yoga and meditation, this may not allow you to fully relax. So if you are feeling discomfort in your hands and wrists, try another mudra.
Surya Mudra
The surya mudra is the mudra of the fire element, as it increases this element inside your body and decreases the earth element. Surya is Sanskrit and means sun. This mudra is used as a tool to stimulate weight loss, as the mudra regulates the body temperature and metabolism. It helps reduce body fat and get rid of those bad cholesterols (LDL). So if you wish to lose weight, this yoga mudra might be a good choice for you, though it should never substitute exercise or a healthy diet.
To do this mudra, fold your ring finger so that it touches the base of your thumb or palm of your hand, and then gently place your thumb over it. Let the hands rest on your knees with your palms facing upwards.
Prithvi Mudra
As opposed to the surya mudra, the prithvi mudra is associated with the earth element. Instead of helping you lose weight, it will help you gain weight. This mudra is great for people who feel a bit too skinny and wish to gain weight.
So take the tip of your thumb and let it touch the tip of your ring finger. Let your hands rest on your knees with the palms facing upwards.
Chin Mudra
Chin is Sanskrit and means consciousness. This yoga mudra is great for connecting with the nature, your consciousness and the universe. This is a very spiritual mudra, and can help you reconnect with the spiritual side of you, reaching out to the universe, higher self or God. This mudra keeps the energy inside the body, guiding it back into your center.
To do this mudra, take your index finger and fold it. Let it curl up under your thumb and then place your hands on your knees with your palms facing downwards.
Kubera Mudra
If you need some direction in life, then the kubera mudra might be the perfect choice. This yoga mudra is also known as the “three finger technique” and can help steer you in the right direction and help you reach your goals and dreams if you focus on them while doing the hand position as you meditate. It can also help you find lost objects or help you find your way.
So take your thumb, index finger and middle finger and let them touch while folding the rest of the fingers. This will create a sort of pointing position.
These were some of the most popular meditation and yoga mudras. You need to choose the ones that will work for you. They are all very simple and easy to do, even if you are completely new to meditation and yoga. So try experimenting with the different mudras until you find one that suits you.
