Leave it to the guys behind So We Flow to break down these yogic hand positions with such ease. Mudras can actually alter your state while you meditate or do yoga — try them and tell us you don’t experience the difference.
Jake Wood, founder of So We Flow makes clothing the way we want to wear it: their organic and recycled T’s and organic jersey basics like this make us pretty jealous that the clothing line is just for men. Explore the movement-based line for the men in your life and then try the So We Flow team’s suggestions on Mudras for Yoga…
Have you ever been in a yoga class where everyone starts performing bizarre gestures with their hands & you’re left thinking, what the hell’s going on?
These hand gestures are called mudras, which mean ‘mark’ or ‘seal’ in Sanskrit. In the Mudra philosophy, it is believed that our 5 fingers correspond to the 5 elements of the universe – water, earth, ether, air and fire. Each of these elements has a distinct role in the balance of our physical body, state of mind and mental well-being.
Thus, through pressing, touching, curling or pointing our fingers or hands in different ways, we can direct energy flow to specific parts of the body and brain, stimulating particular emotions, reactions and effects.
Whether you believe it or not, many of us have felt something exquisite when we introduce mudras into our practice. So you may as well give it a try, you never know…
12 Mudras To Get You Started
1. Gyan Mudra
How Touch the tip of the index finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers.
Why Increases concentration, memory, creativity and reduces negativity.
2. Prithvi Mudra
How Touch the tip of the ring finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers.
Why Strengthens the tissues of the body such as muscles, bones, tendons and nails.
3. Varun Mudra
How Touch the tip of the little finger and thumb together. Extend the other 3 fingers.
Why Amplifies the ability to communicate effectively and promotes the circulation of fluids in the body.
4. Prana Mudra
How Touch the tip the the thumb with the tips of the ring and little fingers. Extend the other 2 fingers.
Why Energises the body, alleviates tiredness and enhances eyesight.
5. Apan Mudra
How Touch the tip of the thumb with the tips of the middle and ring fingers. Extend the other 2 fingers.
Why Balances the body, stokes the metabolism and helps stimulate digestion.
6. Vayu Mudra
How Touch the tip of the index finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb. Extend the other 3 fingers.
Why Balances air in the body, relieving both flatulence and joint pain.
7. Shunya Mudra
How Touch the tip of the middle finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb. Extend the other 3 fingers.
Why Improves hearing and can be restorative for throat and thyroid conditions.
8. Surya Mudra
How Touch the tip of the ring finger on the base of the thumb and apply a light pressure with the thumb.
Extend the other 3 fingers.
Why Raises metabolism, heats the body and aids digestion.
9. Adi Mudra
How Fold the fingers into a fist over the thumb with the thumb touching the side of the little finger.
Why Expands lung capacity, stimulates blood flow and improves the function of vital organs.
10. Anjali Mudra
How Press the palms firmly together with the fingers facing upwards.
Why Alleviates stress and anxiety, boosts focus and lends a hand in achieving a meditative state.
11. Hakini Mudra
How Touch the tips of the fingers with those of the opposite hand, mirroring each other. Keep the palms separated from one another.
Why Boosts memory, brain power and concentration.
12. Shambhala Mudra
How Create a fist with one hand and a flat palm with the other. Press the fist into the palm of the straightened hand.
Why Lifts the mood and promotes vitality and positive thinking.
