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How to Practice Yoga Mudras
To begin, think about how you do any yoga pose. You are conscious of your breath. You acknowledge your body and let it do what it is capable of at any point in time. The photographs in our yoga mudra series show you how to hold your hands. Make sure that the pressure of your fingers is quite light. Keep your hands relaxed. Over time you will find that your fingers, just like the rest of your body, becomes more flexible.
Consider for a moment how your hands may have developed through asanas. A good downward facing dog requires the hands to press fully into your mat. Or, if you have tried or are good at “reverse Namaste” where you do a Namaste (which is a mudra) behind your back; you know that it takes some practice before it is a comfortable position.
Our hands have special significance in their ability to help us heal ourselves and others. Many massage therapists have been trained to use their hands to perform Reiki, (pronounced Rey-Key). Reiki is a Japanese word describing "Universal Life Force Energy." This energy, also known as Prana or Chi is particularly present and noticeable within our hands.
You may already be acquainted with the feel of this energy that moves both within and from your hands after you practice yoga. Similarly, you may notice or become aware of energy moving through your hands as you practice mudras. You can do hand mudras at any time, at any location. Walking, sitting, laying down, waiting in line at the grocery store.
If you want the maximum benefit it would be best to be in a calm, quiet location where you can focus your mind on your breathing and your hands. If you practice meditation, it may be of benefit to do mudras while sitting in meditation. This way you get the added benefit of a calm mind and relaxed, full breathing.
