The formation of our body and mind has five fundamental elements, out of which Vayu or Air is the one. The balance of all these elements leads to a positively vibrated and healthy life, according to Ayurveda. You can help balance the ups and downs of the air element in your body by practicing Vayu Mudra. It is easy to practice and can be done anywhere at home.

Rheumatic arthritis, sciatica, etc., various psychological disorders are some types of pain that can be managed with the help of air elements in our body. Practicing Vayu Mudra helps alleviate the problems concerned with the imbalance of the Air element. Read on!

What is Vayu Mudra?

Vayu mudra meaning comes from ancient Sanskrit language where Vayu means Air and Mudra means gesture. So the Vata dosha is associated with the air element in your body, According to Ayurveda.

The index finger represents the air element, while the thumb is the seat for the fire element. Therefore fire overpowers the air elements by its suppression as the index finger is pressed under the thumb finger.

According to Ayurveda, our body consists of 49 Vayus, out of which five are subsidiary, and five are vital. For example, Vayu Mudra balances the air element in the body by guiding the flow of prana.

However, for better results, practice Vayu Mudra with pranayama or meditation. It helps maintain the air influx and reflux by creating a balance within the Nadis.

[Read: Abhaya Mudta: Mudras of the Great Buddha]

How to Do Vayu Mudra:

Practicing Vayu mudra’s primary focus remains on the index and thumb finger. However, it includes the movement of almost all the fingers. Here are the simple steps you must follow to perform Vayu Mudra efficiently:

• Choose Sukhasana, Vajrasana, Padmasana to sit in a comfortable sitting posture.
• Before performing Vayu Mudra, make sure to keep your mind relaxed and stay calm.
• Keep your eyes closed and take deep breaths focusing on your breathing.
• Breathing helps stimulate the Prana flow across the body, and closing your eyes increases concentration with further practice.
• Place your hands over your thighs while your palms are facing the sky.
• Gently fold your index finger to touch the thumb’s base.
• Now press the index finger with the thumb by applying slight pressure.
• Initially, you might feel the pressure uncomfortable, but you will find it easier with practice.
• Keep all your other fingers as straight as possible.
• Chant OM mantra while breathing calmly while keeping your hand steady.

How Long Do You Hold Vayu Mudra?

Start practicing Vayu Mudra for about ten minutes per day initially. But you can extend the time up to 45 minutes per day gradually.