Have you ever heard of mudras?

Mudra is an ancient Sanskrit word that means ‘gesture, mark, or seal’. Mudras are gestures or poses that help to balance the body’s energy.

More specifically, hand mudras are hand gestures commonly used in yoga or during meditation. They can help us to go within, calm our mind, find focus and even recharge our energy levels.

How Do Hand Mudras Work?

According to the five elements theory, everything in the universe, including our bodies, is made up of five elements: fire, air, ether or space, earth and water. Each of these elements are also represented in our hands. 

By bringing each of our fingers into a certain position we create a different energy flow through our system. Each finger is connected or related to one of the five elements: water, earth, ether, air and fire:

Thus, by manipulating the connection of each of the elements represented in our fingers, we can either increase or decrease the prana to a specific part of the body, depending on the position of our fingers. Touching the tips of the fingers to the thumb increases or expands the energy, while touching the tip of the fingers to the base of the thumb reduces the energy flow.

The Gyan Mudra

One of the most common mudras used during meditation is the Gyan mudra, also known as chin mudra. Gyan is a Sanskrit word meaning ‘knowledge’ or ‘wisdom,’ This mudra symbolizes the union of self with the universe as well as focus and transformation. It is believed to support the root chakra and can be used to aid in grounding. The Gyan mudra is mainly used for focus and stability during meditation. This hand gesture encourages concentration, balance and stability.

The Gyan mudra stimulates the pineal gland, a pea-sized gland that is shaped like a pine cone, and it’s located towards the middle of the brain. This gland is connected to the third-eye chakra, located in the center of the forehead.

When the third-eye chakra is blocked, the individual can experience confusion and doubt; hesitation; pessimism, and cynicism or sarcasm. In contrast, an open third-eye chakra helps connect the individual to their higher self while calming the mind and improving their memory, focus, and balance. By awakening the third eye and stimulating its corresponding pineal gland, higher awareness and psychic abilities often begin to develop.

How to do the Gyan Mudra

• Bring your thumb and index fingertips together, forming a circle and applying light pressure.
• Allow your middle, ring, and pinky fingers to be gently extended. Do this with both hands.
• Rest your hands on your knees with your palms up.

Although the Gyan mudra is most often used during meditation, it can be used anytime. Since it encourages memory and focus, it can be used when studying or working on a project. This mudra can also be used during stressful situations, as it helps to reduce anger, stress and anxiety by calming the mind and bringing emotional balance into your life.

So, the next time you find yourself in need of calm and tranquility, give this mudra a try!