Mudras for Manipura Chakra
‘Mudra’ is a Sanskrit term that translates to ‘hand gesture.’ Mudras are precise hand gestures designed to improve the flow of energy, Prana, in the body and mind. Mudras have been used since ancient times to express deeper significance in several Hindu and Buddhist ceremonies and traditional dance forms. Mudras are part of the yogic and Vedic healing practice and they continue being practiced nowadays in yoga. When we hear the term yoga, we usually think in yoga asanas and breathing patterns or pranayama, however in any yoga practice yoga mudras or hand gestures are combined, being Namaste the most common and popular.
The term “mudra” is derived from the Sanskrit terms muda and dra, which mean “bliss dissolving,” and denotes to that which dissolves dualism and brings the Yogi and the Divine together.
Yoga Mudra is the technique that works by modifying or diverting energy flow throughout the body through hand movements along acupuncture meridians, putting our energy body into perfect harmony or balance. Because the hands contain all of the acupuncture meridians, they are regarded as the body’s control panel. The five fingers of a hand symbolize the five elements of the body, known as Pancha Mahabhutas, which are fire, water, air, sky, and earth. According to Ayurveda, these energies must be in balance for the body to be at its best health and balance.
When we place our fingers and hands in a specific way, whether we bend, press, cross, extend, or touch our fingers with the other fingers, we are actually altering the energy flow, prana, through these acupuncture points, which influences and stimulates specific areas of the brain and aids in the restoration of elemental balance in the body.
Mudras are practiced along with meditation and breathing techniques to direct the flow of energy throughout the body. It takes some time to become sensitive to the effects of these mudras. To begin, sit in a comfortable meditation posture such as Sukhasana (easy pose), Vajrasana (diamond pose), or Padmasana (lotus pose).
If you don’t feel comfortable sitting on the floor, you may sit on a chair with your back straight. It is critical to warm up your hands before executing these mudras in order to feel the feelings.
It is best to sit in a peaceful and quiet environment that is devoid of distractions. Keeping the eyes closed boosts the healing potential and allows you to observe the feelings that grow inside during the practice.
- The first step is to massage your hands together for 20 to 30 seconds to stimulate circulation. The friction will cause warmth to rise from your hands, indicating that all of the nerve endings in your hands have been activated, and thus, activating each cell associated to numerous organs.
- Place your hands on your lap, and your palms facing up; attempt to calm your mind in the serenity and silence of nature to experience the tingling or pulsing feelings in your hands and body. Uphold this posture for at least 15 seconds.
- Then, with your fingers pressed in certain patterns, execute different mudras, and apply enough pressure to feel the energy flow. Gentleness is key; little is more when it comes to mudras. Remember that you cannot damage yourself if you make a mistake, so you can relax and proceed.
Our energy body governs our physical body to a large degree. Disorders develop as a result of an imbalance in energy in the different organs and their related chakras; mudras may assist balance these energy levels and prana. Yoga mudras even when looking simple, they may be a very effective therapeutic tool.
Mudras for Manipura chakra are intended to improve your motivation to fulfill your life’s goals and the awakening and realization of your power – your ability to influence others through your opinions, role-playing, and leadership. They
are very energetic mudras that dissipate lethargy in the same way the sun dispels clouds. It strengthens your determination, putting you in the right direction.
Below are some of the most practiced and effective Mudras for Manipura. It is important to note that these are the stone foundation mudras for Manipura from which ones many variations of mudras developed into other similar gestures, just in the same way yoga asanas are practiced in multiple variations too.
Apana Mudra
Apana mudra is also known as the “gesture for digestion” as per the Gheranda Samhita. Apana Mudra aids in the detoxification and cleansing of the body by aiding digestion and excretion. It is energetically linked to the pelvic and abdominal regions. Apana refers to the downward and outward movement of energy from the body, such as outbreathing, digestive evacuation, and menstruation. It is also linked to your inner strength and self-assurance.
Apana mudra cleanses and renovates the energies of the Solar Plexus vortex in such a way that impurities are swept away and our inner power radiate strong.
Procedure: Sit comfortably on your yoga mat in a contemplative pose (Sukhasana, Padmasana, Siddhasana, etc.). Close your eyes and focus on the breath flowing in and out of your nostrils. Do this for a few breaths. This breathing technique will assist you in internalizing your Chitta, or awareness.
Fold your middle and ring fingers towards the thumb on both hands, then move your thumb nearer to the folded fingers. Gently push the tip of the folded finger on the tip of the thumb. Keep the resting two fingers as straight and as long as possible. Place both hands (in this position) above the kneecap, palms facing upward. For the duration of the exercise, keep the finger arrangement motionless.
Surya Mudra
Surya mudra is one of the simplest ways to transfer solar energy into the body, which is very beneficial to the Solar Plexus chakra in particular. When we speak about gut emotions and achievement, we’re talking about Solar Plexus energy.
It also represents your power and how you may use it. When we doubt our own value, we frequently focus on this aspect. The sun is intrinsically linked to the Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra; in fact, lying in the sun is the most restorative thing you can do for it. Consider fire, and how it may be used to burn away everything that stands in the way of achieving your objectives.
Surya mudra is an activating hand gesture especially indicated for an underactive Manipura chakra, when we need more whirling energy around this vortex.
Procedure: Bend your ring finger so that the tip of the ring finger precisely meets the base of the thumb finger (at the third line of your thumb). At this point, push the second knuckle of the ring finger with the top of the thumb at the same time. Throughout the exercise, the other three fingers of the hand are softly stretched and straight. You could find it difficult to achieve the ideal finger placement, therefore when doing something with one hand, use the other hand to assist you acquire the appropriate finger positioning.
Hakini Mudra
Hakini mudra consists in all five fingers pressed together. In this, the brain areas dealing with the subtle aspects of the physical and mental body are awakened. Its practice unleashes the spiritual force that resides in the Manipura chakra.
Hakini mudra is a restorative mudra for the Solar Plexus chakra, particularly when it goes into overdrive. It makes Manipura balanced again.
Procedure: Slowly raise both hands to chest level, palms facing each other, and attempt to softly contact the tips of your fingers over your counterpart’s.
While keeping your focus fixed on the third eye. Position your tongue on the
soft palate or the roof of your mouth (khechari mudra). Breathe in to contact the palate and breathe out to release. The duration of time spent breathing and exhaling should be the same.
Perform this mudra while chanting OM to clear your mind of any superfluous ideas. Practice Hakini Mudra for 30 to 45 minutes on a daily basis. Beginners may do this as long as they are comfortable sitting for lengthy periods of time.
Rudra Mudra
Rudra mudra or the “gesture of strength” provides enormous energy to the body, mind and soul. Rudra mudra is formed by joining the thumb (fire element), index finger (air element), and ring finger (earth element). This link results in a potent mix of fire, air, and earth elements in our bodies. As a result, this mudra maintains us both mentally and physically healthy while is spiritually uplifting too.
Rudra mudra is a powerful hand gesture not only for to bring to balance Manipura chakra but for to raise its energies to the next level.
Procedure: Fold your index and ring fingers inwards towards your thumb. Now, using the thumb, press the tips of the index and ring fingers together. Keep the remaining two fingers as extended as possible. Use both hands to do this. Place both hands on your upper thighs without changing the finger stance. Chant Ram to improve your focus.
As we have seen practicing yoga mudras regularly is surprisingly effective by just using our hands and blending the brief practice with a quiet environment, the exercise of pranayama (breathing techniques) and particularly, alternate nostril breathing for Manipura, and chanting and focusing on the beej sound RAM. Doing it regularly is a perfect starting point to get our Solar Plexus (Manipura) Chakra balanced and move forward to more advanced healing methods in this direction.
