The Concept of Pancha Bhutas in Yogic Philosophy:
In Taittiriya Upanishad of Yajurveda, there is the mention of Pancha Bhutas, the five great elements. They are considered the fundamental building blocks of life and the universe. These five elements are Earth, (Prithvi), Water (Jala), Fire (Agni), Air (Bayu), and Space (Akash). Interestingly, in yoga, the five fingers of our hand represent these five elements of the universe. For instance, the thumb represents Agni (Fire), the index finger represents Bayu (Air) and the middle finger represents Akash (Space). Meanwhile, the ring finger and little finger represent Prithvi (Earth) and Jala (Water) respectively. When the four fingers of the hand are kept in different postures with the thumb, they form some specific hand gestures (Hasta Mudra). Hasta mudra benefits are always remarkable.
Importantly, in yogic practice, these hand gestures (Hasta Mudra) have some particular significance. The practice of Hasta Mudra benefits life to a great extent. A regular practitioner can boost health with hand gestures just like yogasana. In fact, when mudras are formed with the help of fingers, they give pressure on each other just as acupressure does.
Hasta Mudra Benefits: Physiological & Mental
To begin with, Hasta Mudras (or hand gestures) play a significant role in influencing various physiological functions of the body. When forming these mudras, specific points on the hands are pressed, stimulating the connected veins, arteries, and nerves. This pressure activates corresponding organs, enhancing their strength and functionality. Moreover, the hasta mudra benefits the endocrine glands, promoting the balanced secretion of hormones essential for overall health. Furthermore, practising Hasta Mudra benefits brain function by harmonising the activity of both the right and left hemispheres. Thus, one can boost health with hand gestures, which contribute to improved mental clarity and well-being.
Some Hasta Mudras and their Benefits
1. Namaskar Mudra:
Process.
* First, stand or sit on a flat ground. Fold both hands on the elbow joint.
* Next, bring the palms of your hand together at the center of your chest.
* Then, allow the palm of both the hands touch each other. Mind that fingers touch each other.
* Let the palms and the fingers press each other gently but firmly.
* Practice it for 5-10 minutes.
* Finally, close your eyes and take a deep breath.
Benefits of Namaskar Mudra
This Mudra goes with the word ‘Namaste’ which means that ‘I bow to the divine within you’. This particular Mudra does many functions. It refreshes the mind and makes one happy. It can eliminate fear and remove mental agony. Besides, it can help in bringing peace of mind, balance and devotion. Bringing purity of mind, it supports in the enhancement of spirituality.
2. Gyan Mudra
Process
* First, sit comfortably on Sukhasana or Padmasana with your spine erect.
* Next, keep your hands on your knees with your palms upward.
* Then, let the thumbs and Index fingers of both the hands touch against each other.
* Keep other fingers straight.
* Sit forming this Mudra for 5-10 minutes.
This Mudra is called Dhyan Mudra as this is used during the time of doing meditation
Benefits of Gyan Mudra
This Hasta Mudra benefits memory and concentration. It increases the stability of mind. It is also said that this Mudra can eliminate mental tension and worries. Most importantly, this is particularly useful for those who are suffering from sleep disorders.
3. Bayu Mudra
Process
* First, sit comfortably on Sukhasana or Padmasana with your spine erect.
* Next, place your hands on knees with palms towards the ceiling.
* Then, fold your index finger and press at the base of your thumb.
* Keep the other three fingers extended and relaxed.
* Practice this Mudra for 5-10 minutes daily.
Benefits of Bayu Mudra
This Mudra helps in regulation of air elements (Bayu) in the body. Regular practice of this Mudra purifies the blood. It is also said that this hand gesture can reduce excess air, relieve bloating, gas, joint pain and anxiety. Moreover, it is also helpful in curing spinal pain.
4. Prana Mudra
Process
* First, sit comfortably with your spine straight either in padmasana or sukhasana.
* Next, keep your palms on your knees, facing the palms upward.
* Then, let the tips of your thumb, ring finger, and little finger touch each other.
* Keep the other two fingers extended and relaxed.
* Practice this mudra for 5-10 minutes. Inhale and exhale deeply.
Benefits of Prana Mudra
Regular practice of Hasta Mudra benefits one by making him physically strong and active. It is also helpful in improving vision health and brightening the skin. It also helps to overcome fatigue and weakness. Additionally, this is a powerful yogic hand gesture that activates the body’s vital energy (Prana). Reducing nervous tension, it calms the mind. As this mudra can balance root chakra, (Muladhara), it enhances stability, confidence, and mental strength.
5. Gyan-Prana Mudra
Process
* First, sit in a comfortable posture. Keep your spine straight.
* Now, let the tips of your little finger, ring finger, thumb, and index finger touch each other together.
* Always keep your middle finger straight.
* Sit either in Sukhasana or Padmasana for 10 to 15 minutes performing this Mudra.
Benefits of Gyan-Pran Mudra
This hand gesture also has many health benefits. It is of great benefits for those who are suffering from insomnia. This Mudra has the power to improve vision health and keep the mind and body fresh and active all the time. It can also enhance memory and concentration.
6. Apana Mudra
Process
* First, sit comfortably either in Padmasana or Sukhasana with your spine erect.
* Next, keep your hands on your knees with your palms upward.
* Then, let the tips of the thumb, middle, and ring finger touch each other.
* At the same time, keep the other two fingers straight and extended and relaxed.
* Sit with this gesture for 5 to 10 minutes.
Benefits of Apana Mudra
This Mudra helps to regulate the body’s elimination process. It also helps to relieve constipation, bloating, and gas. Moreover, it supports kidney function besides balancing sugar level in the body. It relieves toxins from the body thereby enhancing vitality. Importantly, it can also regulate the urinary and reproductive system of the body.
7. Akash Mudra (Mudra of Space)
Process
* First, sit comfortably with your spine erect.
* Now, keep your hands on your knees with palms facing upward.
* Then, press the nail of the middle finger with your thumb.
* Keep other fingers straight and relax.
* Do the practice for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits of Akash Mudra
This hand gesture (Hasta Mudra) enhances the power of intuition and also promotes mental health. It also enhances spiritual awareness and improves ear health. It can support bone health and also the health of teeth, as this Mudra is said to have helped in the process of calcium absorption in the body. Akash Mudra is also beneficial for those who are suffering from thyroid-related problems.
8. Prithvi Mudra.
Process
* First, sit comfortably with your spine erect.
* Then, keep your hands on your knees with palms facing upward.
* Now, touch the tip of the thumb with that of the ring finger and press gently against each other.
* Keep the other three fingers straight and relaxed.
* Do this practice for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits of Prithvi Mudra
This mudra also has several health benefits. It improves the memory power and the capacity of digestion. It boosts life energy by reducing mental stress and anxiety. Practice of this mudra benefits one by boosting the immune system and improves the capacity of endurance.
9. Surya or Agni Mudra.
Process
* First, sit comfortably either in Sukhasana or Padmasana.
* Always keep your backbones erect.
* Place your hand on your knees with palms facing upward.
* Now, press the tip of the ring finger against the base of the thumb.
* Then, press the top of the ring finger with the thumb.
* Keep other fingers straight and relaxed.
* Do the practice for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits of Surya Mudra
This particular Hasta Mudra benefits the practitioner by helping him maintain balance in the body. Regular practice of this mudra balances the body temperature and thereby improves the digestive health. It can also help in burning excess fat in the body and supports improving liver and sugar health. It is also believed that regular practice of this Hasta Mudra benefits the practitioner by decreasing the level of cholesterol in the body.
10. Varuna Mudra
Process.
* First, sit comfortably either in Sukhasana or Padmasana.
* Always keep your backbones erect.
* Now, let the tips of the little finger and thumb touch against each other.
* Keep other fingers straight and relaxed.
* Practice this mudra for 5-10 minutes.
Benefits of Varuna Mudra
This mudra supports detoxification of the body and enhances circulation of blood. It can also improve skin and hair health by preventing dryness in the body. It keeps the body hydrated.
Make Hasta Mudra A Part Of Life
Hasta Mudras, or hand gestures, play a vital role in yoga and Ayurveda by channeling energy flow and balancing the body’s five elements—earth, water, fire, air, and space. These simple yet powerful gestures can enhance physical health, mental clarity, and emotional stability.
Regular practice of specific mudras, such as Vayu Mudra for digestion, Prithvi Mudra for strength, Agni Mudra for metabolism, and Varun Mudra for hydration, can help address various health concerns naturally. Additionally, mudras support meditation, reduce stress, and promote overall well-being without requiring extra time or effort.
