MUDRAS for ENERGIZING:

These mudras are energizing and can help to with low metabolism, lethargy, depression, negative thought patterns, lack of self confidence and low self-esteem.

ANUSHASANA MUDRA (Direction) Curl middle, ring, and little finger into palm, secure with thumb, extend index finger; rest back of hands on thighs Benefits - Activates prana into proximity of limbs, especially arms Practice Tips - Use to feel expansiveness of your breath
KALI MUDRA (Transformation) Interlace middle, ring and little fingers with index fingers pointing upward; left thumb crossed over right; hold hands in front of chest Benefits - Activates energy in the upper chakras Practice Tips - Use to break through negative thought patterns Contraindications - Beginners
KUBERA MUDRA (Wealth) Curl ring and little finger into palm; touch tip of thumb to tip of index and middle fingers; rest backs of hands on thighs Benefits - Increases metabolism Practice Tips - Use when feeling a lack of confidence or will power Contraindications - High blood pressure and heart disease
PALLI MUDRA (Shelter) Touch the tips of the thumb and ring finger together, cross the index finger in front of the middle finger, extend the little finger; rest back of hands on thighs Benefits - Draws awareness inward, opens the heart and throat Practice Tips - Use when feeling lethargy, low self-esteem Contraindications - Anxiety, Hyperthyroidism
PRANA MUDRA (Energizing) Touch tips of thumb, ring, and little fingers together, extend index and middle fingers into V shape Benefits - Activates upward flowing prana in body Practice Tips - Use to feel lightness and more energized in the body. Try holding arms overhead and pointing up at the sky Contraindications - Anxiety
SHIVALINGAM MUDRA (Sacred Creation) Place left palm up, place right fist with thumb extended upwards in left palm; press elbows forward Benefits - Energizing, connection to personal power Practice Tips - Use whenever you feel lethargic or pushed around
SURYA MUDRA (Sunlight) Curl tip of the ring finger into the base of the thumb and press thumb on top, extend index, middle and little fingers; rest back of hands on thighs Benefits - Activates energy at the solar plexus, stimulates metabolism, lengthens breath Practice Tips - Use when feeling a lack of energy Contraindications - High blood pressure
MATANGI MUDRA (Inner Power) Interlace the fingers together and extend the middle fingers upwards, hold in front of the chest Benefits: Activates solar plexus and digestion Practice Tips - Use when feeling low energy or low enthusiasm Contraindications -High blood pressure
MERUDANDA MUDRA (Spine) Make a fist and extend thumb up, keeping gentle pressure of fingernails against palm Rest hands on thighs with thumbs pointing up Benefits - Activates the prana in the center of the chest, warms the body Practice Tips - Use when feeling low energy, or with sluggish digestion Contraindications - High blood pressure
URDHVA MERUDANDA MUDRA (Upward Facing Staff) Make a soft fist and extend thumb away from palm; Lightly press fingernails into the palm; rest back of hands on thighs with thumbs pointing away from each other Benefits - Energizes nervous system Practice Tips - Use when feeling lethargic or depressed Contraindications - High blood pressure

This information is adapted from Professional Yoga Therapist Manual, Integrative Yoga Therapy, Joseph LePage, 2007 and Mudras: Yoga in Your Hands, Gertrud Hirschi, 20 00. For more information on Mudras, please visit the Library.