by Tirtha Acharya | Jul 16, 2024 | Yoga
Mastering Yoga Sequencing for Balanced Health
What makes this universe so magnificent and awe-inspiring is its beautiful sequence. Everything around us embodies a unique, harmonious, and graceful balance.
An excellent achievement is the result of a remarkable sequence. One of the greatest blessings is the ability to lead a healthy life. A healthy life is the result of healthy choices – yoga is one of the best choices you can make.
Do you comprehend the difference between an incoherent and well-structured yoga practice? A sequence in yoga creates a beautiful rhythm. You can feel the significant impact it has on your life. The time that you spend learning the sequence will be your best investment.
After reading this article, you’ll understand the importance of balance and sequence in yoga. This article will help you establish yoga sequencing – making it easy to craft a flow for balance.
What is Yoga Sequencing?
Yoga sequencing is also known as vinyasa – it is made of two words, vin means “in a special way” and nyasa means “to place”. The term vinyasa came from a Sanskrit word which means a connection between asanas and breathing movements.
The sequence is designed to craft a smooth transition between different yoga positions to gain balance and internal peace.
Importance of Yoga Sequencing
Yoga welcomes everyone from a beginner to a pro. The importance of sequencing in yoga is inevitable. It cultivates a sense of fluidity, balance, deep relaxation, and spiritual connection.
Aesthetically pleasing videos on Instagram have one thing in common – which is a sequence. The sequence in videos makes you stay longer as it has a soothing effect on your eyes. Imagine the benefits of practical demonstration of sequence in yoga.
Sequencing in yoga is a creative touch that nourishes your body and soul. It sets a melodious tone that helps you fully embark on your yoga journey. It builds a foundation of discipline that is reflected in every chore of life.
Steps to Establish Yoga Sequencing
Here are 8 steps that can help to develop the sequence and balance in yoga.
1. Make a Proper Plan
Imagine cooking in a kitchen and not having ingredients and cut vegetables in front of you. It might take you double the amount of time and the reason is not planning. Perfect execution demands proper planning.
Good planning should be your starting point. If you’re thinking about time division, poses and sequence on the yoga mat, then you missed the train. Organize your thoughts and pre-plan everything before sitting on a yoga mat.
2. Set Clear Intentions
Right intention gives you focus in life. Try to figure out what you want from your efforts and work towards your goal. Intentions play a huge role in structuring someone’s progress.
When life is full of hustle, make yoga a relaxing and healing time. Make a pure intention and ask yourself the following questions.
- Why are you doing yoga?
- What benefit does it give you?
- How can you improve every day?
- What’s your objective at the end?
Make an intention to give the best effort and motivate yourself to step in with a positive attitude.
3. Opening of the Yoga
A quality opening sets a pace for yoga sequencing. A good start means half the work done. Give greetings to everyone and ensure a peaceful environment. Start with meditation to get awareness of body and mind.
Sukhasana is an opening part which means sitting in a comfortable position. Straighten your sitting posture and relax your body. Incorporate slow and deep breaths in the yoga opening. Detach yourself from worldly thoughts and focus on the moment.
4. Warm-Up Exercises
Warm-up means light and gentle activity that prepares you for the actual exercise. It prepares you to accept the challenge efficiently.
Warm-up exercise gets your blood flowing – providing more oxygenated blood to the brain. It removes muscle tension and improves movement. It raises body temperature which prevents injury.
Some examples of warm-up exercises for yoga sequencing are mentioned below:
- Cat-cow stretch
- Easy-twist
- Leg stretch
- Child’s pose
5. Standing Pose
The next in the line is the standing pose. This pose focuses on bringing strength and balance, especially to the lower body. You must stand in a proper upright position, with straight shoulders and firm feet on the ground.
Some examples of standing poses are below
- Tree Pose
- Triangle Pose
- Mountain Pose
- Reverse Warrior
- Malasada
6. Go For Peak Poses
The next step in yoga sequencing is peak poses. The reason behind warm-up is peak poses. These poses are the most challenging part of yoga.
Peak poses are the core element of yoga – it develops strength, flexibility, muscle endurance, balance, and flow.
Following are the examples of peak poses.
- Volcano Pose (Urdhva Hastasana)
- Cobra Pose (Bhujangasana)
- Dancer Pose (Natarajasana)
- Intense Side Stretch Pose (Parsvottanasana)
- Chair Pose (Utkatasana)
7. Smooth Transition Between Poses
Smooth transitions are a must for flow and balance in yoga. The way you make the transitions defines your yoga abilities.
At the point of transition, slow down your movement. Take care of the center of gravity to maintain the balance. Give yourself time to stabilize. Take a slow breath and absorb the energy. Transfer body weight carefully and strategically.
8. Savasana
Savasana is also known as the corpse pose. It’s the ending pose of yoga. The last 5-10 minutes are given to Savasana. This step is to end the yoga on a lighter note.
The end of yoga sequencing is calming in which the body is kept still. In savannas, a person lies down on the back. It ensures that you leave the yoga room with positive energy. It’s the most relaxing part of the yoga.
Conclusion
Yoga sequencing is an art that comes with consistent practice. Sequencing brings a huge difference in maintaining the flow and balance. It’s designed to bring contemplation through a combination of physical postures and breathing movements.
Without sequence, you can’t reach the desired goal. You can add sequences in yoga style, whether you’re a beginner or an advanced yogi. In the beginning, you can take the help of a professional in perfecting the sequence.
With time, you’ll perfect this skill. It just requires a little time, dedication, patience, and practice. I am hopeful that you’ll take a step to learn and master the art of sequencing in yoga.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Jul 7, 2024 | Yoga
Life in the 21st century is quite busy. It’s filled with lots of things to do but very little time. While navigating through this never ending journey, it’s common to find yourself stressed. In such cases, it becomes important to find a moment for relief. There’s a practice that offers peace in this busy world: cyclic meditation. Join me as we explore the wonderful effects of cyclic meditation and how you can use it in your life.
Understanding Cyclic Meditation
Unlike conventional meditation techniques, cyclic meditation is quite different. It goes a step above that by incorporating rhythmic movements and a much focused awareness. In this practice, you will find controlled breathing and a greater connection with the soul. Cyclic meditation finds its origin in Eastern traditions and is used for its ability to reduce stress and improve focus.
The techniques in cyclic meditation aim to quiet the mind, release tension from the body, and develop mental clarity. You should practice it with a trained professional to learn more about it.
Benefits of Cyclic Meditation
Cyclic meditation offers both physical and mental benefits. At its heart, cyclic meditation is about finding stillness amid movement. Here are some of the key benefits:
- Stress Reduction: The rhythmic movements and different breathing patterns of cyclic meditation help release physical tension and mental stress. It allows practitioners to experience relaxation and inner calm.
- Enhanced Mental Clarity: By quieting the mind and focusing on the present, cyclic meditation enables practitioners to cultivate mental clarity and improve focus.
- Improved Physical Well-being: The gentle movements of cyclic meditation promote flexibility, strength, and balance and also help to maintain physical well-being.
- Emotional Balance: Through the practice of cyclic meditation, individuals can develop greater emotional resilience.
- Spiritual Growth: It provides an opportunity to connect with the deeper dimensions of the self and connect with nature.
Techniques and Practices
To practice cyclic meditation, follow these simple techniques:
- Find a quiet and comfortable space where nothing can disturb you.
- Begin with gentle stretching to loosen up the body and prepare it for movement.
- Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and arms relaxed by your sides. Be gentle with your steps.
- Close your eyes and take a few deep breaths. Allow your body and mind to relax.
- Begin to move your body slowly and rhythmically. Synchronize your movements with your breath and proceed accordingly.
- Allow your movements to flow naturally and focus your attention on the sensations in your body.
- Continue for 10-15 minutes and gradually increase the intensity and speed of your movements.
- When you’re ready, slowly come to a stop.
Safety Considerations
While cyclic meditation is generally safe for most people, it’s important to listen to your body and practice with caution. Be sure to contact your healthcare professional if you have any underlying health issues. Remember to start slow and gradually increase the intensity of your practice as you feel more comfortable.
In conclusion, cyclic meditation offers a holistic approach to wellness that combines movement, breath, and promotes relaxation. It’s also helpful in maintaining mental clarity and promoting overall well-being. Whether you’re seeking stress relief, physical fitness, or spiritual growth, cyclic meditation has something to offer for everyone. So why not take the first step today and experience the magical power of cyclic meditation for yourself? Your mind, body, and spirit will thank you.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Jul 2, 2024 | Yoga
It’s no secret that there are numerous physical and spiritual benefits of including yoga in your life. However, the spiritual aspects of yoga are not that well understood, various people have opposing views on whether yoga connects you to your spiritual self or not. In this article, we will be discussing the spiritual aspects of yoga.
Spiritual Aspect of Yoga:Promotes Inner Peace
One of the first spiritual aspects of yoga touches the depths of the human spirit and offers benefits beyond just strengthening and extending the body. Yoga helps reduce mental chatter through attentive breathing and meditation techniques, providing a unique kind of peace in today’s hectic environment. It teaches practitioners to be mindful of the here and now, developing a calmness that can be carried into everyday life as well as the yoga mat.
This inner peace is about building a deep reservoir of composure that can help weather life’s ups and downs, not merely about feeling at ease in the here and now. Yoga is an inspiring and spiritually liberating road to harmony and balance as practitioners learn to turn inward and connect with their true selves.
Yoga Reduces Stress
Reducing stress and providing a mental haven from the craziness of everyday life is one of the most profound spiritual aspects of yoga. The physical asanas, deliberate breathing, and relaxation or meditation that yoga practitioners employ together help to reduce the body’s stress reaction. A calmer state is encouraged by this all-encompassing approach rather than the fight-or-flight reaction that is typical in high-stress circumstances.
It has been observed that individuals who practice yoga have lower stress, and anxiety levels, lower heart rates, and decrease in blood pressure. Yoga allows you to focus in the moment and enhances your general well-being. In addition to that, the spiritual element of yoga helps people to get in touch with their bodies, minds, and emotions. This awareness helps them identify the reason behind their stress and eliminate it from the stem.
It Cultivates Self-awareness
The potential of yoga to enhance self-awareness is one of its great spiritual aspects. This age-old discipline unites breath, body, and mind to enhance practitioners’ awareness of themselves on a level beyond the physical poses seen in mainstream exercise. People can develop their inner connection, identify their thought patterns, and learn to listen to their bodies via regular yoga practice.
More emotional control, better decision-making, and a stronger sense of inner serenity and happiness can all result from this increased self-awareness. Yoga provides an avenue for self-exploration and personal development by promoting mindfulness and present-moment awareness. This allows practitioners to live more purposefully and peacefully, both on and off the yoga mat.
Offers Mental Focus and Clarity
The mind-clearing benefits of yoga are one of its many amazing features. Do you ever find it difficult to recall where you put your keys or how your brain feels at times when it’s cloudy? Of course, yoga can assist with that. Like when you’re practicing yoga, everything seems to just disappear as your attention is drawn to moving your body and breathing.
Your brain becomes trained to remain clear and sharp as a result. You’re not only stretching well, but you’re also exercising your thinking, which makes it fantastic. It’s similar to refreshing your browser, but for your mind instead. Imagine being able to concentrate and think enough to get through your day. Things simply get easier to deal with.
Open Your Third Eye with Yoga
The goal of yoga is to open up your third eye, which is one great feature. Though it’s not quite like that—if you were envisioning a miraculous eye appearing on your forehead it’s nonetheless fantastic in other ways. Our discussion of the third eye is mostly focused on insight and intuition. It’s similar to having superpowers that enable you to see and see extraterrestrial phenomena.
Yoga involves more than just stretching and holding positions; it also works on bringing your inner energy into balance. In many spiritual traditions, the third eye, which is located exactly between your eyebrows, is considered to be the source of intuition and insight. Yoga helps you get a glimpse of a deeper comprehension of the world around you and yourself by focusing on this region.
Imagine having a guide inside you, helping you make better choices and guiding you through tough times that’s your third eye getting into action. Opening it through yoga might not happen overnight, but with regular practice, you might start noticing you’re more in tune with your gut feelings and seeing things clearer. It’s like having an inner compass always pointing you in the right direction.
Yoga Calms Your Nerves and Mind
On one of those days when everything seems a little bit overwhelming, picture yourself. It seems as though you are turning off the world’s sounds as soon as you unfold your mat and begin your asanas. One breath at a time, decluttering your thoughts is just as important as stretching your body. You’re not just moving when you take each breath; you’re deliberately directing your thoughts toward a more peaceful state.
That calming feeling you get after yoga? Your mind appears calmer and more invigorated as if it had taken a spa day. For anyone trying to find some quiet amid the chaos, it’s practically a game-changer.
It Connects You to God
Yoga is a spiritual practice that can deepen your perception of God; it’s more than just a series of physical poses. Consider it as a link between the spiritual and mental domains that opens doors to a more profound experience of divinity and serenity within you.
You are exercising more than just your physical body when you roll over on your mat, practicing through the poses and paying attention to your breath. In addition, you’re clearing the clutter in your head to make room for something deeper. Many people feel a connection to a higher force, whatever that means to them, during these times of intention and silence.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the spiritual aspect of yoga is a powerful tool for connecting yourself with the divine and experiencing inner peace. By including yoga into your daily lives, you can reduce stress and cultivate self-awareness, leading to mental focus and clarity. The practice also offers us the opportunity to open our third eye and tap into our intuition, bringing a deeper understanding of ourselves and the world around us. Apart from these benefits there are various other spiritual aspects of yoga which you discover along the way.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 25, 2024 | Yoga
Anusara Yoga stands as a beacon of light in the realm of yoga, offering practitioners a transformative journey of self-discovery and alignment. Rooted in the principles of alignment, community, and heart-centered practice, Anusara Yoga goes beyond the physical postures, inviting individuals to align their mind, body, and heart in harmony. Founded on the belief that every individual possesses an innate goodness and the potential for transformation, Anusara Yoga at Shree Yoga represents a sacred space where practitioners can embark on a profound exploration of their inner selves.
In each Anusara Yoga class, practitioners are guided through mindful alignment techniques that not only strengthen the body but also foster a deeper connection with one’s intentions and aspirations. Led by experienced instructors who embody the essence of Anusara Yoga, classes provide a nurturing environment where students of all levels can cultivate self-awareness, resilience, and inner strength.
Anusara Yoga: Aligning Mind, Body, and Heart
At Shree Yoga, Anusara Yoga isn’t just about physical postures; it’s a journey of self-discovery, aligning the mind, body, and heart. Founded on the principles of alignment, community, and transformative experiences, Anusara Yoga offers a comprehensive approach to yoga that goes beyond fitness.
What to Expect from an Anusara Class:
In each Anusara Yoga class, practitioners can expect mindful alignment techniques that focus on harmonizing the body’s skeletal, muscle, and fascia structures. Led by experienced instructors deeply rooted in the philosophy of Anusara Yoga, classes offer a safe and supportive environment for practitioners of all levels to explore and deepen their practice.
Experienced Guidance:
With an emphasis on heart-centered practice, Anusara Yoga classes integrate meditation, reflection, and exploration of one’s intentions. The experienced guidance of instructors ensures that students not only improve their physical strength, flexibility, and balance but also cultivate a deeper awareness of themselves and their surroundings.
The History of Anusara Yoga:
Since its inception in 1997, Anusara Yoga has evolved into a global phenomenon, offering practitioners a path to personal growth and self-discovery. Despite challenges and transitions, the essence of Anusara Yoga remains rooted in its commitment to alignment, community, and transformative experiences.
The Anusara School of Hatha Yoga:
Under the umbrella of the Anusara School of Hatha Yoga, practitioners find a unified community dedicated to upholding the principles and values of Anusara Yoga. Through rigorous training, ongoing education, and community-building initiatives, the School ensures that the integrity and unique qualities of Anusara Yoga are preserved and celebrated. In essence, Anusara Yoga at Shree Yoga is more than just a physical practice; it’s a journey of self-discovery, alignment, and transformation, inviting practitioners to connect deeply with themselves and the world around them.
Conclusion
As we reflect on the journey of Anusara Yoga at Shree Yoga, we are reminded of its profound impact on the lives of practitioners worldwide. Beyond the physical postures and sequences, Anusara Yoga serves as a transformative path of self-discovery, alignment, and heart-centered practice. Through the guidance of experienced instructors and the support of a vibrant community, practitioners are empowered to deepen their practice, cultivate inner resilience, and align with their highest potential.
At Shree Yoga, Anusara Yoga represents more than just a series of exercises; it’s a journey of personal growth, connection, and transformation. As practitioners continue to explore the depths of their practice and align with their true essence, may they find peace, joy, and fulfillment on the sacred path of Anusara Yoga.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 19, 2024 | Yoga
Why Yoga for Runners
We all know that running is one of the simplest yet best exercises to ever exist. It holds a large number of benefits for everyone from children to older individuals. But, do you know yoga can be incredibly beneficial for runners? In this article, we are going to explain the benefits of yoga for runners and some of the best poses for runners, read till the end of the article to find out.
6 Reasons Why Runners Should Do Yoga
Flexibility
Running may not require any equipment but it does need flexibility, a runner cannot be at 100% without being flexible. But, it of often neglected. Yoga helps you reach your flexibility goals by allowing you to use various muscles, increasing their suppleness. Not only does it increase flexibility but it also reduces the risk of injuries such as sprains, bruises, and tears. Moreover, yoga focuses help you achieve your balance and core strength which is extremely crucial for runners.
Yoga also opens up blood vessels which allow the blood to reach fatigued muscles, which eventually promotes faster muscle recovery.
Strength
As explained above, yoga is incredibly helpful in improving flexibility for runners however, that’s not all it does. Yoga can do wonders for runners in terms of strength as well. Yoga can simply improve your muscles’ endurance. Yoga also helps stabilise your muscles which helps runners in giving their best performance. Various yoga poses are exceptionally beneficial for runners, such as the plank, chair, and warrior.
The aforementioned poses help strengthen the quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors which eventually leads to a decreased risk of injury, and better overall performance. Along with that, yoga allows
These poses also strengthen the quads, hamstrings, and hip flexors. This strength leads to less risk of injury and improved performance. Yoga promotes body awareness and attention, which helps runners identify symptoms of strain and exhaustion.
Improved Breathing
Yoga works wonders for your breathing. Yoga practices, like those deep-breathing exercises called pranayama, teach you how to take fuller, more efficient breaths. Imagine getting more oxygen with each breath. With better oxygen flow, your muscles get the fuel they need, helping you run longer and even increasing your resistance to muscle fatigue.
Furthermore, yoga helps you develop a steady, rhythmic breathing pattern. This comes in super handy when you’re on a run because it keeps your breathing in check and can prevent that breathlessness. And let’s not forget the mental side of things yoga also teaches you to stay calm and control your breathing even when things get tough.
Develops Body Awareness
Yoga is awesome for developing body awareness, and as a runner, this can give you an edge. When you practice yoga, you get in tune with how your body moves and feels. You start to notice the little things, like how your weight shifts in different poses or how your muscles engage. You’ll become more conscious of your form which helping you identify and correct any issues.
This body awareness also means you’re more likely to catch any imbalances before they turn into full-blown injuries. For instance, if you notice a tight spot during a yoga session, you can manage it before it causes problems on a run.
Prevents Injury
When you practice yoga, you’re not only stretching and strengthening your muscles but also improving your flexibility and balance. This combo is extremely important for runners, as it helps ensure that your body can handle the motion of running without breaking down.
One of the biggest benefits is that yoga targets all the small muscles and connective tissues. Strengthening these areas means they can better support your larger muscle groups, reducing the risk of strains and sprains. Plus, as we have already discussed, yoga increases flexibility which keeps your muscles and joints limber, which ultimately helps prevent injuries. Moreover, yoga promotes better alignment and posture. When your body is aligned correctly, you’re less likely to develop the bad habits that lead to injuries.
Helps Relief Stress
Yoga allows you to breathe deeply, which in turn helps lower your stress levels and calm your mind. Managing stress is extremely important for runners because high stress can lead to tension in your muscles, poor sleep, and even a higher risk of injuries.
When you’re less stressed, your body performs better. You’ll find that your runs feel smoother and more enjoyable because your muscles are relaxed and you’re not carrying the weight of the day’s worries. Plus, a calm mind can improve your focus and mental resilience.
Which Yoga Positions are Best for Runners?
Downward Dog
The downward dog pose stretches out your hamstrings, calves, and Achilles tendons, all are the key areas that can get super tight from running. By spending some time in Downward Dog, you’re giving these muscles a much-needed stretch, which can help improve your flexibility and prevent injuries.
But that’s not all, downward dog also strengthens your shoulders, arms, and core. These muscles play a big role in maintaining good running form, especially on those long runs when you start to feel tired. By building strength in these areas, you’re more likely to keep a strong, stable posture, which in turn can improve your chances of getting hurt.
Low Lunge
Low lunge yoga pose gives your hip flexors a much-needed stretch. These muscles can get tight from all the miles you log in, especially if you spend a lot of time sitting during the day.
The Low Lunge also targets your quads and hamstrings, giving them a nice stretch while building strength and stability in your legs. This can help prevent common running injuries like IT band syndrome or a runner’s knee.
Conclusion
Running is a great exercise however, when combined with yoga, the benefits are multiplied several fold. Adding yoga to your life if you are a runner can help you recover from your injuries faster, increase your flexibility, improve your breathing, and do much more. Furthermore, some of the poses like the downward dog pose and low lunge are very helpful especially if you are a runner. Then again, everybody is different and every position affects everyone differently so the sky is the limit when it comes to discovering what suits your body.
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by Tirtha Acharya | Jun 11, 2024 | Yoga
Power of Mudras
We have seen people making hand gestures during meditation. Do you get curious whether these hand movements have an impact or not?
Well, the mudras have more spiritual, emotional, and physical effects than you imagine. The simple hand gestures pack great healing power inside them by enlivening the chakras, pranas, and kundalini.
In addition to yoga and ayurveda, scientific evidences also claim the power of mudra. The artistic hand gestures facilitate mind concentration, health restoration, and energy flow.
The mudras in ancient times have found their way to the modern world. Mudras are common during meditation and pranayama (breathing exercises).
The healing power of mudra makes it worth learning. If you want to know more about it, you’re at the right place. In this article, you will learn about the definition of mudras, its five elements, and their types.
What are Mudras?
Mudras is a Sanskrit word which means to mark or seal. Mudras are simple hand poses or gestures that help to connect spirituality with the cosmic universal energy.
To get benefit from mudras you should have focus, purpose, and dedication. The power of mudra connects you to the chakras, pranas, and kundalini.
- Parna is the vital principle that connects you with the universal energy flow.
- Chakras are the energy focal points that connect organs with nerve bundles.
- Kundalini is the spiritual energy present at the base of the spine.
Five Elements of the Universe
The whole universe is made up of Panch mahabutas (five elements); fire, water, earth, air, and space. The five fingers in our hands represent them.
The representation of each of the fingers is mentioned below.
- The index finger represents air
- The middle finger represents space
- The ring finger represents the earth
- The pinky finger represents water
- Thumb represents fire
The power of mudra emphasizes the balance of these elements. As the human body is made of the same elements thus hand gestures give true meaning to inner self and awareness.
Benefits of Mudra
Some of the benefits the power of mudra offers are stated below
- Refreshes the mood
- Reduces stress and anxiety
- Gives tranquility and peace of mind
- Improves blood flow to various organs
- Gives better clarity of mind and consciousness
- Helps with spiritual awakening
- Develops better connection with the inner self
- Increase alertness and mindfulness
Types pf Mudras
Here are 5 types of mudras.
1. Jnana Mudra
Jnana mudra is also known as knowledge or conscious seal. This mudra develops better self-connection. It helps to get rid of ego-driven personality. The meditation and reflection on life and wisdom provide with pure inner self and knowledge.
It is very easy to do jnana mudra. You just need to make a circle by touching the tips of your thumb and index finger. Pinky, ring, and middle fingers are stretched and extended.
There are four pillars of knowledge to highlight the power of mudra.
- Vivek differentiates between right and wrong
- Vairagya detaches you from your inner ego
- Shat Sampat is the combination of six virtues
- Mamukshutva depicts freedom or liberation
2. Namaskar Mudra
Namaskar is made up of two words – namas (pay homage to) and kar (to do something). Namaskar is a popular traditional Indian greeting. It has found its way into the world of yoga in the form of namaskar mudra.
To benefit from the power of mudra – you bring the palms of your hand together in front of your chest. The fingers should point upwards with thumbs touching your chest. Make sure to have no gaps between palms.
Namaskar mudra is paired with breathing and meditation exercises. It helps to foster a sense of self-awareness, mindfulness, and spiritual awakening.
3. Surya Mudra
Surya Mudra is also known as Agni Vardhak Mudra or Prithvi Shamak Mudra. It focuses on increasing fire elements and reducing earth elements in the body. Surya means sun which symbolizes energy and sustenance of life on Earth.
You should fold your thumb and ring finger in a way that the tip of the thumb is on the ring finger. The rest of the three fingers are kept straight.
The power of mudra lies in providing energy to the body. The focus of Surya mudra is to increase metabolism, regulate blood circulation, and boost energy. On the spiritual side, it helps to reduce stress and combat negative energy.
4. Adi Mudra
Adi means primary or first and mudra means gesture. The inspiration comes from the primary ability of the fetus to make this hand pose inside the mother’s womb. Here, the power of mudra is to quieten and calm the mind.
In this mudra, you make a fist with your thumb tucked in the palm. Make sure to maintain some pressure from the palm and fingers.
Adi Mudra is responsible for stability and peace of mind. It has a relationship with chest health by improving oxygen supply to the lungs. It also helps in better oxygen supply to the brain resulting in brain activation and better intuitive ability.
5. Shunya Mudra
Shunya means void or emptiness. It is also known as the heavenly mudra. It deals with reducing space elements (akasha) in the body.
The main focus of shunya mudra is the middle finger and thumb. It involves folding the middle finger and placing the thumb on the first phalanx of the middle finger. The direction of the palm should be upward.
This mudra helps bring ease to anxiety, gives tranquility, reduces dizziness, and deals with hearing loss and dementia. It is also effective in thyroid disorders and tinnitus.
Conclusion
The power of mudra represented in simple, subtle hand gestures is mind-blowing. It has a huge effect on physical, mental, spiritual, and psychological well-being.
This holistic approach has proven its worth in yoga, ayurveda, and the scientific field. There are almost 399 mudras in total. You can choose the mudra type which suits your goal.
The inexpensive, easy, and useful activity is worth adding to the yoga routine. It’s a good time investment and amplifies the benefits of yoga by many folds. In the beginning, you can get help from the expert and master the skill of hand gestures.
I hope this article encouraged you to take the next step in your journey by including mudra in yoga.
For more blogs visit on our Nepal Yoga Home blog section.
