Mudras, or hand positions, work with the natural energy vortices located in the palms of the
hands and fingers. When we place the fingers together to create certain shapes, we redirect this
energy back into the body. Think of it as creating antennae with your hands. Mudras can bring
focus and attention to certain areas of the body through breath awareness, they can also have
an immediate affect on the emotions.
Tips for Practicing Mudras:
- Each mudra has an effect on the emotions, breath, body, mind and spirit.
- You can use mudras during meditation, asana, pranayama, restorative poses.
- You can also use mudras while on the phone, on the bus, or during a stressful situation.
- Try each mudra for at least 5-15 minutes so that you can feel its effects fully.
- Sometimes you will feel a stronger energy change when you release a mudra that has
been held for a few minutes.
- Try meditating with the same mudra every day for a week to feel its cumulative effects.
Energy of the Hands and Fingers:
Although the science and practice of Mudras can vary from tradition to tradition, some generalizations can be offered. If a finger is curled into the palm, the energy of that element is reduced in the body; if the finger is extended, that element is increased; if fingers are brought together, their elements are balanced.
- Thumb - Fire, Manipura Chakra
- Index Finger - Air, Anahata Chakra
- Middle Finger - Ether, Vishuddha Chakra
- Ring Finger - Earth, Muladhara Chakra
- Little Finger - Water, Svadhisthana Chakra
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.
