Mudra translates as ‘attitude’ or ‘seal’ They can be described as psychic, emotional, devotional and aesthetic gestures or attitudes which affect the flow of Prana within by leading Prana to specific areas.

Let’s talk about three ‘Hasta mudra’ which help to improve Pranayama (the regulation of breathing technique). 

Chin mudra represents the union of the ego. Is often used in meditation practise, making it more powerful.

Curl the thumb and index, fingertips touching or alternatively touching index finger to thumb joint. Other three fingers remain straight. This mudra alters the breath by encouraging abdominal breathing. 

The palms and fingers of the hands have many nerve root endings which constantly emit energy, when a finger touches a thumb a circuit is produced which allows the energy that would normally dissipate into the environment to travel back into the body and up to the brain.

In Chinese medicine it’s believed that Prana is said to emit from the lung meridian at the tip of the thumb. When the index finger touches the thumb as in chin mudra the prana/energy that would otherwise have been discharged is transferred to the lung intestine meridian that begins at the tip of the index finger. Conserving the body’s vital energy. .

Chinmaya mudra 
Index finger and thumb touching as in chin mudra whilst curling the other three fingers in so that fingertips touch the palm of the hand. Encourages intercostal breathing through the expansion of the sides of the ribcage and the mid chest. .

Adhi mudra

Curl in the thumb and make a fist by covering the thumb with the fingers.
This mudra encourages clavicular breathing, upper chest breathing.

written by Rebecca Papa-Adams
Instagram: @inspiremyyoga