Here are 8 Hasta Mudras that everyone should know
Yoga has various physical and mental benefits, and its origins can be traced back as far as 5,000 years. There are various formats, types and poses in yoga, and “Hasta Mudras” or hand gestures play an important role. Read on to learn more about Hasta Mudras and their benefits.
Yoga and gestures
Hasta mudras are hand gestures that help direct the flow of energy to specific parts of your brain. There are different types of mudras, and each type has different benefits. While you can restore your body using postures, different yoga postures can help you balance all the elements of your body. This is where mudras come in.
The good thing about yoga mudras is that they require only a hand movement, which means that no great physical activity is required.
Variations of Yoga Mudras
There are mainly two types of yoga poses: one in which the thumb touches the other fingertips and creates a pose called mudra yoga, and the other in which a yoga pose is achieved by connecting the flexion of the wrist. Below are 8 basic hasta mudras along with the reasons why you should do them.
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Gyan Mudra
Also known as the ‘gesture of knowledge’, this is a posture to “attain enlightenment”. The form can be achieved by letting the index finger touch the thumb.
Benefits:
- Increases the air content in the body
- It is very effective for fatigue, laziness and mental complications.
- Promotes passion, courage and creative thinking.
- The subconscious mind improves the ability to think and memory.
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Vayu Mudra
Also known as the ‘air gesture,” this pose helps one “find peace.” This mudra can be achieved by touching the root of the thumb with the tip of the index finger and placing the thumb over the index finger.
Benefits:
- Reduces anxiety in the body
- Reduces air elements in the body
- Reduces hormone and nervous system hyperactivity
- A good remedy for anger, hyperactivity, and low concentration
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Aakash Mudra
A ‘gesture view’ pose is also known as the ‘ease pose’. By touching your thumb to the tip of your middle finger, you can achieve this pose.
Benefits:
- Relieves bad thoughts.
- Detoxifies the body of impurities.
- Regulates emotions such as fear, sorrow, and anger.
- Especially beneficial for people with constipation and digestive issues.
- Also helpful for ear and chest problems.
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Shunya Mudra
This pose is also known as the ‘gesture of emptiness’ and helps to relieve pain. This pose can be achieved by placing the tip of the middle finger on the base of the thumb and letting the thumb rest over the middle finger.
Advantages:
- Relieves mild pain in many parts of the body, such as the head and chest.
- Reduces the element of space in the body.
- Reduces travel fatigue.
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Prithvi Mudra
Also known as ‘gesture of the earth’, the purpose of this Hasta Mudra is “to “increase strength”. You can practice the pose by touching your ring finger with your thumb.
Benefits:
- Relieves fatigue
- Increases the growth of new tissue.
- Accelerates the process of formation and healing of muscles.
- Strengthens weak bones, hair and nails.
- Imparts strength, awareness and power in the body.
- Helps with metabolic or digestive processes
- Regulates the body temperature.
- Eliminates the problem of dry skin.
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Surya Mudra
This mudra is also known as the “gesture of the sun” and is used for weight loss. The pose can be achieved by folding the ring finger so that it touches the base of the thumb and holding the thumb over it.
Benefit:
- Helps against cold and shivering.
- Best for people with hypothyroidism.
- Increases body temperature.
- Weight loss relieves the problem of indigestion, constipation or loss of appetite.
- Beneficial for people with sweating problems and poor eyesight.
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Varun Mudra
Also known as ‘gesture of rain,” the main purpose of this mudra yoga is “to moisturize.” To do this pose, you need to fold your pinky finger and touch its tip with the tip of your thumb.
Advantages:
- Helps to promote the water element in the body.
- Helps with joint pain, arthritis, body odor and loss of taste.
- Relieves hormone deficiency
- Relieves the problems of dehydration.
- Dry skin, hair, eyes, eczema, digestive problems are all removed.
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Garuda Mudra
This yogic hand gesture is also known as the ‘Eagle Seal’. It is performed by using both hands.
The benefits include:
- Balances wind elements in the body.
- Circulation is improved.
- Benefits in stomach complaints.
- Reduces stress and calms the mind
Conclusion:
The Hasta Mudras are known for helping individuals channel their innate energy through their bodies and stimulate certain experiences. Despite the many variations of it in yoga, the 8 hasta mudras mentioned in this article are important and everyone should know them.
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