In Sanskrit, “Vayu” means air, and in Ayurveda, it refers to the Air element and is associated with the Vata dosha in our body. Therefore, Vayu mudra is designed for balancing the Air element in our bodies. Vayu mudra helps to reduce anxiety and nervousness, boosts immunity, helps to overcome gastric problems, recovers peace of mind, and has many other benefits. In this article, we will introduce you to this powerful mudra, will explain how to practice it, and will share with you the benefits of practicing this mudra.
Read on.
What Is Mudra?
‘Mudra‘ can be translated as ‘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 can 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 help us to correct the direction of energy in the body, to control prana, and to improve the psycho-emotional state. Also, with their help, we can eliminate problems in the body and the mind by pressing on particular acupuncture points.
What Is Vayu Mudra?
The term Vayu Mudra is originated in Sanskrit: ‘Vayu‘ means Air and ‘Mudra‘ means gesture. Thus, Vayu Mudra is a hand gesture that represents the Air element. By practicing this mudra, we can reduce and balance the Air element in our body.
The Air element in our body is responsible for managing the different types of pain and various mental disorders. Therefore, by practicing Vayu mudra, we can decrease or alleviate problems related to an imbalance of the Air element. Moreover, this mudra also helps in creating a balance within the Nadis (subtle energy channels) to maintains the air influx and efflux.
Each of the fingers has symbolic significance:
The index finger is associated with knowledge, wisdom, and self-confidence. It is connected to our life force.
The thumb is responsible for our ego, will, and logic. Also, this finger is associated with wisdom, mind, and awareness.
Also, it is important to know that each finger is associated with one of the 5 elements. Thumb represents the Fire element (Agni). The index finger is associated with the energy of the Air element (Vayu). Hence, when we put the index finger under the thumb in Vayu mudra, we make the Fire element suppress the Air, thus, reduce and balance it.
Vayu mudra is associated with the Ayurvedic Vata dosha because Vata is associated with the Air element. Thus, this mudra can be helpful for those who suffer from aggravated Vata or who are of the Vata dosha constitution.
Vayu Mudra Benefits
The regular practice of Vayu mudra provides the following benefits:
- Balances the element of air in the body
- Reduces the symptoms of Parkinson’s disease
- Helps to overcome gastric problems
- Reduces anxiety, stress, and nervousness
- Soothes the mind
- Helps with arthritis, sciatica, gout, knee pain
- Relaxes the muscles
- Stimulates the endocrine glands
- Helps with pain management
- Strengthens the immune system
- Recovers peace of mind
- Supports skin and cartilage
How to Perform?
Vayu mudra is one of the easiest mudras to perform. To practice Vayu mudra, follow these simple steps:
- Bring your body into a comfortable sitting position (cross-legged position, Padmasana, etc.).
- Relax and calm your mind.
- Now, place the tip of the index finger inside the base of the thumb.
- Then gently press the base of the thumb into the tip of the index finger.
- The rest of the fingers should all remain straight.
While performing this mudra, you can repeat mentally or aloud the following affirmation: “I am calm and serene at any time and in any place”.
Perform Vayu mudra daily for 15-20 minutes. Over time, you can increase the time to 45 minutes a day.
Precautions:
- Stay away from the electronic gadgets and turn them off while you’re practicing the Vayu Mudra.
- Do not try to overbend your index finger. Also, do not apply big pressure on your index finger by your thumb.
- Keep your back straight during the practice – this will ease the prana flow.
You can include this mudra into your meditation or pranayama practice for better results.