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Mudra Yoga

Mudra is a Sanskrit word that means 'to seal' or 'to lock', and in healing terms, the word is essentially associated with the energy system within the body. And Mudra Yoga gets its definition as a body position or a position that of the hands, that seals and locks the energy and then guides it in a way that the desired healing can take place. Mudra Yoga, as a system of alternate healing, has its origin tracing back to very historic times, centuries and centuries ago.

Historical Traditions

The details about Mudra Yoga have been found in several Hindu scriptures and texts. Each Mudra helps engender an energy flow, creating a specific energy circuit, and guiding the energy to create the desired state of mind, or to help cure an ailment. Each area of the hand is connected with a specific part of the mind and body. And through Mudras, we can communicate with that part of the mind and body.

Mudras are found to be employed in the several spiritual practices of Indian religions and in the traditions of Dharma, Buddhism, Tantra and Pranayama. Mudras as symbolic postures accompany recitation of Mantras, the sacred Hindu chants.

We have seen various Buddha statues with the hands of the Buddha carved in Mudras. Several Hindu deities are shown with their hands forming stylized poses; these are Mudras. Mudras are known to have been used in Buddhist meditations for Kundalini awakening as a path to enlightenment.

It is recommended to use each Mudra, during meditation or for healing, for at least 5 minutes. But it is definitely on the individual and nature of ailment being cured, that the duration for the Mudra can be determined. It is always recommended to consult one's doctor before using Mudra Yoga. Using both hands in Mudras is found to have more powerful effect than doing the Mudra with just one hand.

Mudras have a known significance in Indian Classical Dance. They have a special mention in Natya Shastra, a medieval dance text believed to written in India ages ago. According to the research done in India, Natya Shastra is the one of the earliest known dance texts, and has formed a basis for most subsequent treatises. As a powerful non verbal mode of communication and expression, Mudras constitute a highly stylized form of body language in Indian Classical Dance. They are like an external expression of the inner energy state of the body, covering the physical, mental , emotional, and spiritual planes. In Dance, the Mudras, help create an intensified impact on the minds of the audience.

The human body is composed of five elements: fire, water, air, earth and ether. Any kind of imbalance in these five elements can cause disease in the body. Mudra Yoga, like several other healing techniques, focuses on balancing these elements to create a healthy state of mind and body. Each of the fingers is found to be identified with one of the five elements, namely the air, fire, water, ether and the earth. Their contact with one other symbolizes balancing of these elements.


Some key Mudras are described below, and it is always recommended to do the Mudra Yoga after consulting one's doctor.

Dhyan Mudra
Rest the back of the right hand on the palm of the other in a way that the tips of the thumbs touch one another. The hands have to rest in the lap. The right hand, rests on top and symbolizes the state of enlightenment; the left hand rests below.

Anjali Mudra
The palms are held together at the level of the chest. This is the customary gesture of greeting in India, also known as 'Namaste'. Used as a mudra, it expresses love, greeting and gratitude.


Pran Mudra
Place the tips of ring finger and little finger on top of the tip of thumb. Enhances the Pran (life force) shakti or power.

Gyan Mudra
Place together the tips of the index finger and thumb . It signifies knowledge and expansion.

Surya Ravi Mudra
Place together the tips of the ring finger and thumb. This Mudra represents energy, health, and sexuality.

Venus Lock
Interlace fingers with left little finger on the bottom, and the right index finger on top for men and the left for women. The Venus mounds at the base of the thumbs are then pressed together enhancing sensuality and sexuality.

Buddhi Mudra
Tip of little finger is made to touch the tip of thumb for clear and intuitive communication.

Rudra Mudra
Place tips of index finger and ring finger together on top of the tip of thumb, with other fingers extended comfortably. This is for both hands. Improves blood circulation and breathing, and regulates blood pressure.