What Is Yoga Mudra?

If you've ever been to a yoga class, you've most definitely encountered a Mudra, which is basically a hand posture. A Mudra is usually used in combination with a yoga posture, and depending on the focus of that day, you can end up contorting your hand and fingers in a myriad of ways.

Function

A Mudra is a position usually performed with your hands and fingers that seals and directs energy through the body. It's like speaking to the body without words. How you hold your hands and position your fingers in a given posture will generate different energies, so to speak, and then reactions to those energies. You may touch your fingers in a certain way to find balance of self, position them in a particular fashion to heal or change the body, bring your hands together or draw them apart to meditate and focus on the internal or external nature of the self. You may seek generosity, patience, morality or concentration; it's all within your grasp. Though we only have a mere two hands and ten fingers, the possibilities are virtually limitless.

Types

There are hundreds of different Mudras. One of the most well-known is the Om (Gyan) Mudra, where you bring the tip of your index finger to the tip of your thumb (making an "O"). Typically, this is used during meditation in which you are seeking a sense of peace or tranquility. The Apaan Mudra, in which you'd bring the tips of your middle and ring fingers to the tip of your thumb, is used to cleanse the body. The Prana Mudra, in which you'd bring the tips of your ring and pinky fingers to the tip of your thumb, is used send energy and life-force through your body. The Hrdayanjali Mudra, in which you bring the palms and fingers of both hands together along your sternum, is a gesture of reverence and used to center your state of mind. The Shuni Mudra, in which you'd bring the tip of your middle finger to the tip of your thumb, is used to bring yourself patience and commitment.

Theories/Speculation

It is said that "the entire universe lies within your ten finger," as each finger represents a fraction of all that exists. From thumb to pinkie, you will find water, wood, fire, metal and earth. And depending on the intention or purpose to which you desire to work, you will initiate, for lack of a better word, a combination of those elements, sealing the energy within you to shape your physical, mental, emotional or spiritual self.

Considerations

Reflexology uses some of the same ideas behind Mudras. Not only is the universe found within your hands--so is your entire body. Bringing together a finger to the thumb initiates a change in that particular part of the body that corresponds with that part of your hand. There are even Mudras devoted specifically to cure illnesses and ailments of the body.

Potential

As medicine continues to look at alternative approaches to healing, you may very well see the use of Mudras in medical practices to calm patients, relieve anxieties, treat phobias and help with other issues of the mental, physical and emotional realm.