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Within the tenets of yoga lie certain hand gestures and movements known as mudras. Just like yoga asanas, various yoga mudras exist that consist of very specific hand positions. They’re said to be symbolic in nature and may be effective in achieving mental harmony and clarity.
Different mudras have different purposes. Of all the mudras known, the two most popular ones and ones that have been purported to have a special connection are the Shunya Mudra and the Prana Mudra.
In this blog, we’ll look into Shunya Mudra and Prana Mudra, and how they may be inexplicably linked.
Shunya Mudra and Prana Mudra
Shunya Mudra
The Shunya Mudra, also known as the "Heaven Mudra" or "Gesture of Emptiness," is a symbolic hand gesture that is performed by touching the tip of the middle finger to the base of the thumb while keeping the other fingers extended. The middle finger represents the element of ether or space, and the thumb symbolises the fire element. By joining these two fingers, Shunya Mudra is said to balance the space element and promote the flow of energy within the body.
Shunya Mudra Benefits
This mudra has a calming effect on the mind and can be beneficial for individuals experiencing anxiety, stress, or restlessness. It is thought to promote a sense of inner peace and tranquillity.
By stimulating the energy flow and reducing mental disturbances, Shunya Mudra can enhance focus and concentration during meditation or any other mental activity.
Shunya Mudra is believed to improve communication skills by activating the throat chakra, which governs self-expression and effective communication.
Practising Shunya Mudra regularly may help alleviate problems related to the ears, such as tinnitus, earaches, and dizziness. It is believed to balance the element of space within the body, which is associated with the ears.
Prana Mudra
Prana Mudra, also known as the "Mudra of Life," is a hand gesture performed by touching the tip of the thumb with the tips of the ring finger and the little finger, while keeping the other fingers extended. The ring finger represents the earth element, and the little finger symbolises the water element. Combining these fingers in Prana Mudra is believed to create a balanced flow of energy throughout the body.
Benefits of Prana Mudra
Prana Mudra is thought to boost energy levels and enhance overall vitality. It activates the root chakra, which is associated with physical energy and stability.
Practising Prana Mudra after meals is believed to aid digestion by stimulating the fire element within the body. It may help alleviate digestive issues and improve metabolism, just like these 10 yoga poses to improve digestion.
By balancing the elements of earth and water, Prana Mudra is said to strengthen the immune system, making the body more resilient to illness and disease.
Regular practice of Prana Mudra can help combat fatigue and rejuvenate both the mind and body. It is believed to have a revitalising effect on the nervous system.
The Connection Between Shunya Mudra and Prana Mudra
While Shunya Mudra and Prana Mudra have their individual benefits and specific applications, they also share certain similarities. To understand the connection between the two mudras, we must first know what all the fingers of the hand represent in a mudra.
- Thumb: Fire (Agni)
- Index finger: Air (Vayu)
- Middle finger: Space (Aakasha)
- Ring finger: Earth (Prithvi)
- Little finger: Water (Jala)
As one can see, both mudras involve the thumb and other fingers, creating a circuit of energy flow within the hands. They aim to balance and harmonise the elements associated with the fingers involved. Shunya Mudra balances the elements of fire and space, thus bringing harmony to the energy in our body.
Prana Mudra, similarly, balances the earth and water elements, contributing to the body’s overall equilibrium. Both the Prana and Shunya mudras are thus linked with a few subtle differences. They can be practised as a part of a sequence or during meditation.
If you’re fascinated by yoga postures and mudras and would love to include them in your fitness routine, then download the FITPASS app today and find the best yoga studios near you. You can easily locate specialized classes teaching mudra yoga and aerial yoga near you. With FITCOACH, you also get an AI-based fitness assistant that can curate the best yoga and wellness plans that suit your fitness needs.
