If you thought Yoga was only about breathing techniques and postures, you probably need to read this article. Among the many techniques of this ancient practice, Yoga Mudras have significant importance. A “Mudra” is a Sanskrit word, which means “gesture” or “mark”. It is a symbolic pose in traditional Hindu and Buddhist practices, in which you can notice the unique poses of hands and fingers.

These Yoga hand Mudras are often performed along with the Pranayama or Asanas, to channelize positive energy into the body and create a superior spiritual awareness. They have a pre-established link with different parts of the body and mind to bring in the right Pranic balance. Practising these hasta mudras can prevent and cure many physical and psychological ailments like anger, depression, diabetes etc.,

Read along to know each of these Mudras in detail, along with their benefits, steps to perform and precautionary measures.

Fingers and Their 5 Elements:

As per Yoga, our body is made with 5 elements, represented by a finger of your hand.

• Thumb Finger – Agni (Fire)
• Index Finger – Vayu (Air)
• Middle Finger – Akash (Space)
• Ring Finger –Prithvi (Earth)
• Little Finger – Jal (Water)

Any imbalance in one or more of these elements causes a disease in the body. To adjust the energy flow, the related finger must be brought into contact with the thumb finger. This forms a Mudra, which can cure a specific ailment in the body.

25 Hand Yoga Mudras with Meanings & Benefits:

Let us learn about some of the most powerful Hand Mudras, which can be performed along with a related asana or pranayama.

1. Chin Mudra Yoga – Gesture of Conscience:

In Sanskrit, the word “Chin” means consciousness. Chin Mudra helps the practitioner regain his inner consciousness and connect his individual soul with the divine. This pose features the thumb that represents the supreme soul and the index finger representing the soul of the individual. The ultimate aim of this Mudra is to remove the Ego (the center portion), Illusion (Ring Finger) and the Karma (Little Finger). This same mudra, when performed with the palm facing downward, is known as Gyan Mudra (Gesture of Knowledge).