Yoga Mudras For Beginners: Best Mudras, How to Practice


As a regular and daily practitioner of yoga asanas, I can say with absolute conviction that the way to good health rests in our hands, and this I mean literally. Mudras are hand symbols ordained by the ancient masters that contain healing and therapeutic powers within them. This article will enlighten us to the most powerful and the most commonly used mudras for the journey to great health. Also, featured here are some unusual mudras to treat some ailments that have found a home in our homes. These mudras are multi-effective and easy to do. In this article, we will learn how to practice the best mudras for beginners, but this guide is an excellent resource for all levels of yoga and mudra practitioners!

Beginners should know that mudras are hand positions which can include gestures with fingers, symbols, eye positions, body postures, and breathing techniques. These can affect the states of our bodies and processes of our consciousness. When used in combination with breathing exercises, visualization, and affirmation, magical healing can happen instantaneously. Mudras can bring about great changes in the physiology and the mental state of the person practicing them. But REGULARITY and CONSISTENCY are key. We can practice mudras anywhere, anytime, alone or in a crowd, irrespective of where we are. Presented here are specific mudras for:

  • anxiety
  • depression
  • arthritis
  • detox
  • gut health and digestion
  • cancer
  • courage
  • concentration
  • brain power
  • addiction

Mudras also help open up the chakras too. For more information, read what our experts have written about the power of the mudras on our site:

Testing If Mudras Really Work – Our Research

We did a small survey with 30 participants age 40-62 who practice mudras on a regular basis to see what their impressions were. Most of them practiced mudras 3 times a week. Others did it daily, five times a week and twice a week. Most of them practiced mudras along with asanas. All of them reported that they felt mudras were a part of their overall healing process.

Do mudras really work - our research
Do mudras really work – our research

Beginners Can Start With the Oldest Mudra

The bedrock of all mudras is called the Chin Mudra. In this oldest mudra, the tips of the thumb and the index fingers touch each other. The thumb is symbolic of cosmic consciousness and the index finger is symbolic of individual or human consciousness. The ultimate or primary goal of yoga is the merging or bringing about the oneness of humanity with cosmic consciousness. With this gesture, human beings express this desire or this longing.

Beginners interested in mudras can start with the Chin mudra.
Beginners interested in mudras can start with the Chin mudra.

A Table of All the Mudras and Their Target Areas

Now, let us take a look at all the different mudras. To make things simple, here is a classified version which will help us reach for the best mudra, while trying to heal or remedy a specific situation. Given below is a table of the best mudras that are effective and easy for a beginner to learn and follow:

Ailment and Target AreaMudra Images
Arresting Addiction Kaleshvara mudra, Samputa mudra Kaleshwara mudra
Kaleshvara mudra samputa mudra addiction
Samputa mudra
Axing off AnxietyAbhaya mudra, Jnana mudra, Rudra mudra, Uttarabodhi mudraabhaya mudra anxiety
Abhaya mudra
jnana mudra anxiety
Jnana mudra
rudra mudra anxiety
Rudra mudra
Uttarabodhi mudra anxiety
Uttarabodhi mudra
Ameliorating ArthritisSurabhi mudra, Vayu mudra
surabhi mudra arthritis
Surabhi mudra
vayu mudra arthritis
Vayu mudra
Bulldozing With Brain PowerMahashirsha mudra, Nirvana mudra, Panchmukha mudra
Mahashirasa mudra brain power
Mahashirsha mudra
Nirvana mudra brain power
Nirvana mudra
Panchamukha mudra brain power
Panchmukha mudra
Curing CancerAbhaya Hridaya mudra, Chonmukha mukha  mudra, Kurma mudra, Mritsanjivani mudra, Mudgara mudra

Abhaya hridaya mudra cancer
Abhaya Hridaya mudra
Chonmukha mukha cancer
Chonmukha mukha  mudra
Kurma mudra cancer
Kurma mudra
Mritsanjivani mudra cancer
Mritsanjivani mudra
Mudgara mudra cancer
Mudgara mudra
Concentrating on ConcentrationApana mudra, Chakra mudra
Apana mudra concentration
Apana mudra
Chakra mudra concentration
Chakra mudra
Collecting CourageGaruda mudra, Linga mudraGaruda mudra courage
Garuda mudra
Linga mudra courage
Linga mudra
Dodging DepressionChin mudra, Hamsi mudra, Granthita mudraChin mudra depression
Chin mudra
Hamsi Mudra depression
Hamsi mudra
Grantitha mudra depression
Granthita mudra
Doubling the DetoxAdhomukha mudra, Vyana mudraadhomukha mudra detox
Adhomukha mudra
Vyana mudra detox
Vyana mudra
Holistic with Gut Health  DigestionAshvaratna mudra, Kangula mudra, Avahana mudra
Ashvaratna mudra gut health digestion
Ashvaratna mudra
Avahana mudra gut health digestion
Avahana mudra
Mudras for Specific Ailments for Beginners and Advanced Practitioners

Mudras Are Easy For Beginners!

There is no doubt, a million people will suggest different mudras for the issues mentioned in the table. There will also be other reference points that suggest many other mudras for the same. It is the same for any ailment in everyday life, isn’t it? A zillion tablets for headache, backache, etc. But we chose only the ones that we are comfortable with.

Likewise, these mudras in the table are all golden points of counsel from my Guru, to whom I owe these nuggets of invaluable advice. The reason why we chose to mention only one or few mudras for each ailment is because this is the most effective one, giving the practitioner 110% results. That is, when done with conviction, purpose, faith and dedication. 

By going through these mudras, beginners to yoga can easily learn how to do them. There is a single unique mudra for every ailment. We didn’t repeat any mudra which is applicable for three or four ailments.

We consciously chose to highlight it this way, so that it will help keep the perfect and clear perspectives in our minds when we practice the mudras. Our brain will automatically connect the mudra to that specific health problem. Let us take a detailed look at each and every unique mudra from the table. 

Arresting Addiction: Kaleshvara Mudra, Samputa Mudra

The mudra Kaleshwara has connotations of the time factor in it. By doing it, we are able to get over addictions of any sort — even social media! (And to understand more about why we have addictions and what to do about it, take a look here). Besides this, this mudra clears the mind and benefits the brain. It also makes the heart strong.

First, sit in a comfortable position. Hold the mudra in front of the chest. Allow the shoulders to drop, and let the elbows be in a relaxed position. Join the tips of the middle fingers and then extend them forward. Now, fold the index finger, the ring finger and the little finger of both hands, touching them at the middle joints. The tips of the thumbs should touch together and they should point towards the heart. Be in this mudra for about fifteen minutes. 

Mudras for beginners: Kaleshwara mudra
Mudras for beginners: Kaleshwara mudra

The Samputa Mudra means the mudra of treasure trove. When you hold your left palm cupped under your right palm, you are creating a hollow space, like ‘a treasure box’, that contains the precious bit of your true inner Self. Samputa means that which people treasure, and this gesture will help to relax the muscles of the throat to connect with the inner self. This helps with de-addiction. Practice in a seated meditation position and begin each mudra with 5-10 natural breaths (increasing the number of breaths as and when it feels good). 

Axing off Anxiety: Abhaya Mudra, Jnana Mudra, Rudra Mudra, Uttarabodhi Mudra

Mudras for anxiety are great for beginners and advanced levels.

The Abhaya Mudra

We use this a sacred hand gesture or ‘seal’ during yoga and meditation practice as a medium of channeling the flow of vital life force energy (prana). Hence, this mudra has great meaning when we see it in the idols and images of deities of yore. This gesture serves to dispel fear and develop courage, highlighted by the name abhaya which is Sanskrit for “fearlessness.”

This is the ultimate mudra for no-stress or no-anxiety. The Abhaya mudra is a symbol for protection, peace and courage during trying times. It is a ‘hasta mudra’, meaning we practice it using hands. We perform this gesture with the right hand held upright at shoulder height, palm open and facing forwards. It is most often practiced using only the right hand. But in Pranic healing, we practice this mudra with both hands at shoulder height and the palms facing out, sending blessings to oneself and others. For excellent results, we should practice it daily for up to 30 minutes. There are other breathing techniques that have a lot of power to enhance cures for anxiety, and you can find these here

When depicted images of the Buddha using only the left hand, this gesture is said to be a means of forbidding relatives to fight, referring to an event in which he used abhaya mudra to dispel a family argument over water rights. In yoga, practitioners can use abhaya mudra during meditation in any stable seated posture such as padmasana (lotus pose) or virasana (hero pose) or the Virabhadrasana (warrior pose). We can call upon this mudra as a means of overcoming fears or phobias and mainly anxiety.

Mudra for beginners: the Abhaya mudra
Mudra for beginners: the Abhaya mudra

The Jnana Mudra

The other term for jnana mudra is the Chin mudra. Jnana Mudra means knowledge mudra or the psychic symbol of knowledge. In Jnana mudra, one places the hands on the knees in seated meditation with the palms facing up. This mudra gives a feeling of being spacious and has a subtle uplifting effect on the body and mind.

In Chin mudra, the connection made by the thumb and index figure creates a kind of circuit by connecting the terminal points or the important connection nodes of certain ‘nadis’ or nerves,  thereby re-circulating the body’s vital energy. This helps to overcome anxiety. You can do this mudra at any time. For more information on how to get rid of anxiety, read the other methods on L’Aquila Active’s page. 

The Rudra Mudra

It is also called Shiva mudra. In the ancient cultural history of the world and in yogic tradition, Shiva, the lord of yoga, is known as Adi Yogi – the first yogi who’s the ultimate source of strength. To overcome an anxious state of mind, we should be mentally strong. To get to this state of a strong mind, Rudra mudra is the way. Shiva taught many practices in yoga that a seeker can use to gain or accumulate the whole power of the body in one place. 

The Rudra mudra helps connect the meridian points of the elements of fire and earth within the body. Thus, this increases the overall strength of the body and the mind. How do we perform this mudra? We have to sit quietly and silently and place both hands on their respective thighs. We have to keep our eyes closed. Then we should join the tips of the thumb with the tips of the ring and the index fingers. Stay this way for at least twenty minutes for the mudra to be effective.

Any mudra starts taking effect only if practiced for a minimum of 20 minutes at a stretch, every day. This mudra is attested by many stalwarts too for its efficacy to keep the mind calm.

Mudra for beginners: the Rudra mudra.
Mudra for beginners: the Rudra mudra.

The Uttarabodhi Mudra

This is a mudra that, when done well for about twenty minutes at a stretch, can bring calm to the anxious individual. This mudra is mostly known as the mudra for enlightenment and lessening of anxiety. The Uttarabodhi mudra brings about happiness and energy. Regular practice of this mudra brings out a sense of positive energy and thus enlightens the soul. The first and foremost step of doing this mudra is to sit in a comfortable position: either in the Sukhasana or the Vajrasana or the Padmasana.  So, begin this mudra exercise by sitting in a fully relaxed position.

It is good to keep your eyes closed.  Closed eyes involve more concentration and attention. Hold your hands in front of the solar plexus level. Now, interlock your fingers to ensure that the hands are tightly clasped together. In this mudra, you must join the tips of the index fingers and thumbs of both hands. Also remember that the index fingers should be pointing towards the ceiling and the thumbs must point towards the bottom.

This is one of the most effective mudras for overcoming any stressful situation and to become calm. This mudra too, like all its sister mudras, can be practiced by anyone, anywhere and at any time, for however long.

Ameliorating Arthritis: Surabhi mudra, Vayu mudra

The crippling power of Arthritis can be explained by only those who have experienced the pain. It is one of the most painful diseases that humans undergo. Here are two mudras that have the power to help us handle this disease better, and in due course of time, even help to cure it. The Surabhi mudra and the Vayu mudra are the two prescribed mudras to help us overcome the intensity of pain associated with Arthritis.

The Surabhi Mudra

Here’s a secret that the ancient Gurus have passed on as a message: the Surabhi mura is also called the wish-fulfilling mudra. Sit in a comfortable half-lotus position. You can also either sit in the Sukhasan, Vajrasana or the Padmasana, as we should for practicing every mudra. You can sit with your eyes closed or open, it is your choice. However, closed eyes can help concentrate better. Now, make sure that the tip of the right-hand little finger touches the tip of the left-hand ring finger. And the tip of the left-hand little finger must touch the tip of the right-hand ring finger. The tip of the left hand middle finger should touch the tip of the right hand index finger and the tip of the right hand index finger should touch the tip of the left hand middle finger.

Try practicing this mudra everyday for at least 20 minutes. Keep a wish in your heart – a small wish for starters. Watch it come to fruition, by repeatedly practicing it, everyday. That brings us to the crux of this mudra or for that matter, all mudras. The effect of any mudra is not only at the physical level. It also helps us at the mental and the psychological and the subconscious state.

Mudras for beginners: the Surabhi mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Surabhi mudra

The Vayu Mudra

In this mudra, the index finger in both hands should be bent and the finger should be pressed down by the thumb. The tip of the index finger should touch the palm of the hand. We should practice this mudra with both hands. This mudra is a very powerful mudra and is super effective against arthritis. By practicing these two mudras alternately everyday for twenty minutes each, we progress towards the complete cure of that painful affliction of the joints called Arthritis. 

Bulldozing With Brain Power: Mahashirsha Mudra, Nirvana Mudra, Panchmukha Mudra

Mudras for developing brain power are great for beginners.

The Mahashirasa Mudra

This is a great brain developer. All of us humans are always keen on improving the memory power and the alacrity of the brain. In short, we like to increase our brain power and our Intelligence Quotient. The Mahashirsha mudra is also called the mudra of the head (Shirsha means ‘head’ in Sanskrit). The tip of the ring finger touches the base of the thumb and the tips of the index and the middle fingers should touch the tip of the thumb, in both the hands or palms. This unique mudra has the power to confer the person who practices it with exceptional memory power. And also a high level of intellect and intelligence, presence of mind, quick thinking and the ability to respond appropriately. 

The Nirvana Mudra

The Nirvana mudra (which also means mudra for relief) is a very different kind of mudra. Doing it helps one to become sensitive, conscious and alert. The IQ levels shoot up, say the researchers who have first hand experience of the same. In this mudra, like all other mudras, we have to sit in the sukhasana or any other comfortable yogic seating position (the vajrasana or the padmasana).

Now, we have to cross both the wrists and enclose the palms in a cupped manner. The thumbs of both palms and the fingers of both hands join and touch each other, appearing like a cupped container, or a cupped box, with hollow space inside. It resembles a beautiful big sized bud, in which there is a vacuum. This works on the mental state of the person who is practicing it by enhancing the powers of the mind. 

Mudras for beginners: the Nirvana mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Nirvana mudra

The Panchmukha Mudra

This is another powerful mudra, which is a brain power booster. This is also called the Hakini mudra. In this mudra, the tips of all the fingers touch the tips of the respective pairs in the other hand. This Hakini mudra, when placed in front of the chest, is called the Panchamukha mudra. This one too is excellent for enhancing the power of the brain. 

Curing Cancer: Abhaya Hrdaya Mudra, Chonmukha Mukha Mudra, Kurma Mudra, Mritsanjivani Mudra, Mudgara Mudra

We now take you on a journey of five very potent mudras. They are all effective in helping to cure and treat serious diseases like cancer. Doing one and the same mudra very conscientiously and constantly is important for the prevention of the spread of such deadly diseases. But, it is even better to do all the above recommended mudras consistently at the same time everyday to get fantastic results. 

Abhaya Hridaya Mudra

The first in the series of mudras is the Abhaya Hridaya Mudra. To do it, get into your comfortable seating position. This mudra has a twofold objective: to infuse the person who is practicing it with mental grit and strength and also to cure the most stubborn of diseases. This mudra can be done with Vrikshasana and with the warrior pose or the Veerabhadrasana too to get the best results for the asana.

First, take your right wrist under your left wrist. The hands are crossed at the wrists now. From here, link the index fingers of both hands together. Link the middle fingers with each other and the little fingers with each other too. Leave the ring finger and the thumb. Now, the next step is to ensure that the tips of the thumb and the ring finger touch each other well. This appears complicated, but in reality, it is not. This mudra is so potent that prior to starting this mudra practice, the person should mentally take a resolve that his or her disease will (no doubts here) definitely come to a halt and be cured. Staying in this mudra for a minimum of twenty minutes is important. 

Mudras for beginners: the Abhaya Hridaya mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Abhaya Hridaya mudra

Chonmukha Mukha Mudra

The next mudra is Chonmukha mukha mudra. This is a very unique looking mudra. The tips of the fingers of each hand must touch each other in a collective way. Then, the left hand’s finger tips should face down and touch the tips of the collected finger tips of the right hand, which is facing up. After about ten minutes in this position, rotate the hands, so that the right hand goes up and the left hand comes down. This ensures that both hand’s fingers are in both positions.

This mudra helps in keeping the mind calm, giving a lot of courage, and also balancing the energies in the body. When the energies are balanced, there is a lot of harmony in the person mentally and physically. And the energy to heal the diseases also gets activated. This is one of the most important mudras in treating cancer, AIDS and other life threatening diseases as well. 

Mudras for beginners: the Chonmukha Mukha mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Chonmukha Mukha mudra

The Kurma Mudra

Also know as tortoise mudra, this is a mudra that looks unusual in appearance. It requires the combined effort of both the hands involved, together. When done, the whole mudra resembles that of a tortoise. The left palm is stretched open, and below. The right palm comes to cup it from the top. In the right palm, the two fingers (the middle finger and the ring fingers are bent. The thumb, the index and the little fingers are stretched. Now, keep the left palm, face up, and on top of it, bring the right palm, as if cupping. The thumb of the right hand should touch the midpoint of the intersection of the wrist and the palm. The right index finger tip should touch the thumb tip of the left hand and the right little finger tip should touch the thumb tip of the left palm.

Mudras for beginners: the Kurma mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Kurma mudra

Follow the video to understand the instructions properly. The Mritsanjivani mudra is also a terminal disease healing mudra. 

The Mudgara Mudra

The other most important mudra, the Mudgara mudra, is a mudra that involves the entire arms – not just the fingers, which is the normal way for most mudras. In the Mudgara mudra, in the right hand, the thumb tip touches the base of the little finger, and then, the rest of the fingers are brought down in a fist. Then, keep the left palm at the chest, where the palm faces the ceiling or the sky. The right elbow is placed on the palm of the left hand, with the fist in the Mudgara mudra. Then, slowly after ten minutes in this mudra, change to the other hand, in the same manner- vice versa. This mudra helps in infusing our spirit with a strange degree of strength and courage.

This allows the person who is practicing it to overcome any deterrents to good health, such as a disease. Big diseases and long drawn out infections and health disorders need the person to have intense hope and faith. That helps with overcoming them. Then, the next step is the regular practice of the mudra, which will help the person go onto the path to recovery. Doing this mudra amidst the intense practice of the other mudras will help the person get a positive frame of mind and this is the first step towards recovery. 

Mudras for beginners: the Mudgara mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Mudgara mudra

Concentrating On Concentration: Apana Mudra; Chakra Mudra

Mudras beginners can use to improve concentration.

When it comes to performing anything – be it a creative work or writing an examination, or even doing yoga asana, it is important to do the asanas with focus. This focus, continuous train of thought and a consistent and steady mental state is possible only when we acquire what is called as concentration. Developing concentration in the mind is an acquired art, and most people are not that lucky to focus on something throughout, steadily. The ancient gurus and seers knew this. So, they advocated a continuous practice of yoga mudras and asanas to develop this. The mudras is what we will focus on, at this point. 

The Apana Mudra

It is a mudra that sets right the many faculties of the body, and then also ensures that the mind is stable. This mudra, if done consistently and consciously over a proper time frame of twenty minutes minimum every day, will help us to become very fixated on what we do. The power of the mind to have strong concentration develops.

Doing this mudra is quite simple though. The tips of the middle and the ring fingers touch the tip of the thumb. This should be done in both hands. This can be done separately, or in combination with another mudra, to augment the concentration power of the person who is doing it.

Mudras for beginners: the Apana mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Apana mudra

The Chakra Mudra

The Chakra mudra is special- it not only helps us to develop concentration power, but also helps us to be successful in all our endeavors. By default, we develop the attitude that whatever is our objective at any point of time, in our present state of affairs, doing this mudra over a twenty minute time span, over a timeframe of about forty days will ensure success in our work. The main benefit would be the concentration power that will develop by practicing the mudra.

This mudra is not one of the commonly done mudras. We do this by placing the right palm on the left palm. The index finger of the right hand is placed on the thumb of the left hand and the little finger of the right hand is placed on the index finger of the left hand. Then we press the palms against each other. This mudra activates the pressure points and the meridian points of both the hands. By allowing the palms to pressurize each other, we enhance the important nerves and thereby help to improve the concentration power of the mind. 

Mudras for beginners: the Chakra mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Chakra mudra

Collecting Courage: Garuda Mudra, Linga Mudra

The Garuda Mudra

The Garuda Mudra is a mudra that is named after one of the mythological birds in the Hindu pantheon of spiritualism. Garuda is an eagle, or also the king of birds. As we all know, among the birds, the eagle  is known for its discipline, mental strength, courage and complete freedom. So, this mudra brings these qualities to practitioners. Besides, this mudra will fuel up energy and inspiration within you. This mudra’s special quality is to balance the elements in the body.

To perform the garuda mudra, interlock the thumbs with extended fingers, and open both the palms towards you. This hand gesture can be observed while practicing the garudasana (eagle pose). The body gets revitalized and blood flow is completely activated by keeping hands in this position. Courage builds up when we let go of stress that has been built up over the ages. Do read on different techniques that have been researched upon for remedies that will be appealing to many of us to ease stress – Yoga Nidra being one of the most powerful of them.

The Linga Mudra

The Linga mudra is also a different kind of mudra, where the name itself means the holy symbol of Lord Shiva. Shiva is no stranger to the world. He is a major God in the Hindu pantheon of Gods. Shiva is the Lord of everything related to yoga and meditation. Bring your hands together towards your chest. Then clasp the fingers of both hands together. Keep the right thumb erect, while all the other fingers are entwined together.

Mudras for beginners: the Linga mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Linga mudra

After staying here for approximately twenty minutes, do the same mudra, clasping the fingers of both hands, with the left thumb erect. There are many schools of yoga, where they say, keeping the thumb of one hand is fine. There are also some schools which advocate doing this mudra alternately with the thumbs of each hand erect.

This is the best method to follow as far as L’Aquila Active is concerned because, in yoga, symmetry and equality for both hands is the crux of the substance and content. Both mudras, if practiced with an open mind, at one go, or at staggered intervals, will confer courage of the mind and the heart on the one who practices them diligently.

Dodging Depression: Chin Mudra, Hamsi Mudra, Granthita Mudra

Let’s dodge depression- mudras to help beginners and advanced levels.

Who has not gone through the blues of depression and anxiety? Without a doubt, human beings have always had the tendency to sweep away the mental and emotional ailments under the carpet. From time immemorial, the Chin mudra has always held its sway over most yogasana exponents. It’s recognized by the world, and attested to by none other than the ancient Gurus and every present day yoga expert too.

In the Chin mudra, the tips of the thumb and the tip of the index fingers touch, leaving the rest of the fingers to be stretched. This mudra is done in both hands, and is the usual mudra during meditation,  during pranayama and also during asanas where we have to stretch our hands laterally, or the sides. This mudra helps us to overcome depression, anxiety and grief. It brings a positive and bright shining aura to the person who is constantly doing it. For articles on how to overcome depression with other mudras, do read the column written by our writers on this trending topic. 

The Hamsi Mudra

The Hamsi mudra is a very simple mudra, which should be done with both hands. It helps in removing all forms of depressive states of mind. It not only removes depression, sadness and a dull dreary state, but it also helps envelop the person with a cheerful sheath. If we do this mudra conscientiously, diligently every day, it will bring a beautiful cheer to our personality. The index finger remains stretched out; the rest of the fingertips touch the tip of the thumb. We should do it when we are seated in the Sukhasana , Vajrasana or the Padmasana. We should do the mudra in both hands, and place our hands on the respective thighs. 

Doubling the Detox: Adhomukha Mudra, Vyana Mudra

A great way to detox is with these mudras.

The Adhomukha Mudra

The Adhomukha mudra is a mudra that is quite unusual. This helps us in detoxifying the system of the many kids of toxins that have accumulated over the years. The best thing would be to do this mudra as a finishing mudra at night, just before sleeping. First of all, this mudra need not be done in a sitting position. Instead, we can lie down; and then we can keep our hands in this mudra and keep it against any chakra that we want to purge of the emotions and feelings that have accumulated there.

For example, we can keep our hands in this mudra, then position this mudra on top of the solar plexus area of the abdomen, to purge it off the many stuck up feelings such as fear, and intense emotions such as hatred, etc. Keep the back of the fingers of both hands against each other, and only let the thumb tips of both hands touch each other. The tips of the fingers should face the region we want it to focus on.

The Vyana Mudra

In the Vyana mudra, the tips of the index and the middle fingers should touch the tip of the thumb in each of the hands. The other two fingers – the ring and the little fingers should be stretched out. This mudra is extremely beneficial for the detox process that we need to bring about in ourselves. It can be done alone, or in conjunction with the Adhomukha mudra as well.

Since the Adhomukha mudra cannot be done anywhere as it is more effective when we lie down, we do not have the luxury of practicing it anywhere. We are restricted by the issue or the problem of place. Since the Vyana mudra involves only the fingers, it can be done anywhere by anyone. The Vyana mudra also has the reputation of helping to lower the blood pressure. 

Holistic With Gut Health Digestion: Ashvaratna Mudra, Avahana Mudra, Kangula Mudra

Beginners and advanced level practitioners looking to improve their digestion should take a look at these mudras.

The Ashvaratna Mudra

In the Ashvaratna mudra, which is also called the Precious Jewel mudra, it is important to understand that the name itself has been given by the ancient gurus. They tell us that if we practice this mudra, our gut or the digestive unit in the stomach will become as fit as that of a horse.

A perfect digestion can happen only if there is a perfect or near-perfect balance of the elements in the body or the physical state. The palms of both the hands are in sync with each other for this. The thumbs , the ring fingers and the little fingers should be stuck to each other correspondingly. The index finger and the middle finger should be intertwined and bent. This mudra , if practiced daily, will give us an iron- digestive tract. The ancient advocates of this mudra have said that it enhances digestion to a very great level. 

The Avahana Mudra

The Avahana mudra too is great for grounding one and bringing about a healthy digestive tract. We should stretch and spread out the fingers of both the hands. Let the hands be parallel to each other, or side by side. Then, take the thumb and place it at the bottom of the ring finger. This is a very simple mudra, but it gives us a stomach of steel. We can do it for about twenty minutes in a comfortable seated position. 

 Mudras for beginners: the Avahana mudra
Mudras for beginners: the Avahana mudra

The Kangula Mudra

The Kangula mudra is also a very unique mudra, which denotes an animal. This mudra is done in the seated position. The tip of the ring finger is brought down to the root of the thumb. The rest of the fingers are stretched out. This is another mudra that helps with enhancing the digestion, and keeping a fine balance of all the elements in the body, for a strong physical constitution. 

Conclusion: Our Health Is in Our Hands – Literally

This narrative on mudras and how to do which mudra for a particular ailment is the first in a series of three such articles. It is an eye-opener to the statement: our health is in our hands. Literally speaking. All we need to do is to have the faith that the practice of each mudra will be a healing answer to the many ailments that we humans are overcome with in this fast-paced world.

Shanti Arunkumar, Senior Contributor At L’Aquila Active

Learn more about Shanti by reading her bio below.

Click on link below to meet L’Aquila Active’s entire team of experts, including university degrees, certifications, and credentials on yoga and meditation:

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Shanti Arunkumar

Shanti Arunkumar is a senior contributor at L’Aquila Active. Shanti Arunkumar has been practicing yoga as a student since childhood. She has qualified from Shrimath Yoga as a yoga instructor, acquiring the necessary credentials to facilitate as a Teacher of yoga and Indian traditional philosophy, in India as well as abroad. She conducts yoga classes for people on a on-on-one as well as a group basis. She conducts online yoga called Vistara Yoga and offline yoga and these classes are called Sushrusha Yoga. She has attended workshops conducted by Yoga Vidya Niketan at Vashi, Navi Mumbai and has completed the Life Coach Certification also conducted by Shrimath Yoga. She is a certified Career counsellor and an English verbal expert. As an educator, she has about 33 years of experience having taught English in schools in India as well as in Oman. She lives in Chennai, India with her husband. Learn more about Shanti's university degrees, certifications, and credentials on yoga and meditation - and meet our entire team of experts here: https://laquilaactive.com/blog/meet-our-experts/

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