[nectar_dropcap color=””]As [/nectar_dropcap] a yoga teacher trainer and Ayurvedic Yoga Therapist, I often get asked what are my top “go-to’s” for balance and well-being. Although everyone is different, one of my favorite tools to use that most people can benefit from is a very special and effective practice called Apana Vayu Mudra. A mudra is a seal created with the body to help link up and expand our prana in a particular way. Apana Vayu Mudra is in the category of therapeutic mudras and is done with one or both hands. Sometimes known as Mrta Sanjivani Mudra (one that brings along life from death), this mudra has many benefits and is for anyone with physical or mental/emotional heart conditions for help in symptom relief and letting go.
Here’s How To Do It:
– find a quiet place and sit comfortably with your spine tall and extend the arms forward, palms up
– fold your index finger in towards the center of your palm
– cross your thumb over the index finger
– touch the tip of the thumb to the tips of the middle AND ring fingers
– keep little finger straight
– soften or close your eyes, and practice 1:1 mindful, diaphragmatic breathing with the intention of healing your heart
Benefits with Regular Practice:
– helps prevent heart attacks as well as their recurrence, lessen heart palpitations, relieve heaviness on heart
– helps relieve heartache, anxiety, panic, grief, sadness, overwhelm
– helps balance the three doshas (vata, pitta, kapha) as well as can help improve digestive fire as well as lung capacity
Practice Guidelines:
– A regular practice of Mudra Therapy consists of doing it 3x/day for 2 minutes each time until the symptoms are relieved.
– Practice with both hands for the best results.
– If you are unable to make the mudra for whatever reason (i.e. arthritis), do the mudra one hand at a time and use your other hand to help create the mudra, or use a thin scarf to gently tie the fingers in place.
– Doing the mudra with your meditation practice is a wonderful addition.
I want to thank my teacher, Indu Arora, for sharing this beautiful practice with me many years ago. It’s been a go-to for challenging times in my life, as well as has touched the hearts – literally – of so many of the students I serve. ~Namaste
