Shakti Mudra got its name in honor of Shakti. In Sanskrit, Shakti means “power” or “empowerment,” and mudra means “gesture,” “mark,” or “seal.” In the Hindu Pantheon of deities, Shakti is the consort of Lord Shiva. As you may know, Shiva is the personification of cosmic consciousness and the static masculine principle of the Universe. And Shakti is the dynamic feminine principle of the Universe that opposes it. Both of these principles are present in every person, they are equally important for both women and men.
By practicing this beautiful mudra we can reconnect to the Divine Mother within us all.
If you are overly stressed, suffer from anxiety, insomnia or muscle spasms Shakti mudra is what you need!
In this article, I will share with you what Shakti mudra is, what its benefits are and how to perform it.
What Is a Mudra?
“Mudra” can be translated as “seal”, “mark”, or “gesture”. Hence Mudras are symbolic gestures practiced with the hands and fingers.
Connecting the fingers in certain combinations, we can activate the meridians and direct energy throughout the body. Different positions of the fingers have the ability to close or clear the energy channels. In addition, performing this or that mudra, we affect the biologically active points of the palms and fingers.
Mudras are invented for the correct redirection of energy in the body, for the control of prana and for changing the psycho-emotional state. Also, with their help, you can eliminate problems in the body and in the mind by pressing on particular acupuncture points.
Shakti Mudra Benefits
Shakti Mudra is a very powerful practice that has lots of benefits. Here are some of them:
- cures insomnia by calming and relaxing the individual who practices it;
- improves the quality of sleep at night;
- relaxes the pelvic area, offering relief to those with intestinal or menstrual discomfort;
- calms the nervous system and can be practiced anywhere and anytime an individual is seeking relief;
- strengthens the respiratory drive in the lower area of the chest;
- increases the immune system;
- influences the Sacral chakra (Svadhisthana);
- deepens the effect of such meditative poses like Padmasana (lotus pose), Malasana (garland pose), Utkata Konasana (goddess pose);
- helps to reconnect to the Divine Mother within us;
- deepens meditation.
You should definitely consider Shakti mudra practice if you are overly stressed, suffer from anxiety, panic attacks, insomnia or muscle spasms!
How Does It Work?
When the fingers of our hands are connected in a certain mudra, we are in connection with the power of the cosmos and the energy of the Universe. Each of our fingers is a symbol of connection with a certain planet and life-creating elements.
Thumb represents the Fire element (Agni).
The index finger is associated with the energy of the Air element.
The middle finger is responsible for the Ether.
The ring finger connects us to the energy of the Earth.
The pinkie represents Water.
Each finger of the hand corresponds to certain energy. And each phalanx of each finger is responsible for a specific part of the body.
In addition, each finger is connected with different parts of the body and internal organs. By performing mudras with your hands, you definitely stimulate those parts of the body and organs that are directly connected to the energy channels that pass through the palms and fingers.
How to Perform Shakti Mudra?
1. Place your palms in front of your chest.
2. Connect the pads of the pinky and ring fingers together.
3. Fold your thumbs into the palms and wrap the index and middle fingers around the thumb.
4. Press the knuckles of the index and middle fingers together.
Optional: Lower the hands to just below the navel.
While performing this mudra breathe deep. Try to keep your focus on your breath. Gradually slow down the breath, making the exhalation longer.
Visualization
It’s very beneficial to perform a simple visualization while practicing Shakti mudra. For doing this, simply imagine different images of green color. These can be trees, glades, and landscapes. You can imagine being surrounded by a green forest. Focus on the healing power that this forest charges you with. By breathing deeply inhale the fresh air of this forest and feel how it nourishes your body, mind, and spirit. With the exhale release all the tension, stress, and pain that has accumulated in your body over the years. Let your body heal itself!
Affirmation
During your Shakti mantra practice you can also say the following affirmation:
“My essence is filled with calmness, harmony and deep peace”.
Additional Recommendations
You can perform Shakti mudra in a supine position, including on your side. It is not recommended to practice it for more than 12 minutes three times a day, because there is a great risk of lethargy.
Enjoy your practice!