{"id":1814,"date":"2014-12-09T07:06:38","date_gmt":"2014-12-09T13:06:38","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/jbyrdyoga.com\/blog\/?p=1814"},"modified":"2014-12-12T19:24:34","modified_gmt":"2014-12-13T01:24:34","slug":"ask-the-yogi-what-is-yoga-mudra","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"http:\/\/jbyrdyoga.com\/blog\/ask-the-yogi-what-is-yoga-mudra\/","title":{"rendered":"Ask the Yogi: What is Yoga Mudra?"},"content":{"rendered":"

Q: I have heard of something called yoga mudra and I think it has something to do with your hands. Is it a hand exercise or what?<\/h2>\n

A: The word mudra in Sanskrit means a word or a mark or a gesture that is symbolic. Although there are some mudras that involve the entire body, most are focused on specific movements of the fingers and hands. In yoga the hand mudras are used in conjunction with pranayama (breathing technique exercises) and are done from a seated position. The hands are employed this way in order to enhance the movement of prana (body energy).<\/p>\n

\"yogaYou have likely seen yoga mudras being depicted in Indian artwork especially those images or statues showing sages or spiritual leaders. One basic mudra (chin mudra) has the tip of the thumb and index finger touching while the other fingers are extended. The hands are rested palms up on the thighs while the person sits in lotus pose. This mudra is thought to active the diaphragm muscle and enhance deep breathing. <\/p>\n

There are hundreds of different mudras which have different meanings and purported different effects in the body. While many mudras are for enhancing breathing or meditative effects, some are touted as having healing properties. Here is a video describing one such mudra for the heart:<\/p>\n