How to Do Prana Mudra: Meaning, Benefits & Precautions

Yoga is not just about physical exercise; it includes gestures, breathing practices Pranayama and postures. There are different meanings of the postures and the gestures. In India, there is a complete treatment system dedicated to the Yogic system. So, Yoga is itself a wide term and complicated to understand in a single attempt.

Mudras are hand gestures which is performed by any practitioner during yoga or pranayama. Every gesture mentioned in the traditional text represents different energy; there are physical and spiritual aspects of the Mudras. We will talk about Prana Mudra, which is also known as the vital energy gesture.

What is Prana Mudra? - Prana Mudra Meaning

The Prana mudra is mentioned in various Ayurvedic (Indian Medicine System) and Yogic texts. It is also known as the power mudra or vital energy gesture because it is linked with the first Chakra in the body. In the Sanskrit Language word Prana is used for the life force in the physical body of any conscious living being.

The word mudra is also adopted from Sanskrit, which is known as a seal or gesture. These two words together told the whole story of  Parna Mudra. There are various physical, mental and psychological impacts of any hand gesture.

How Can we do Prana Mudra?

Prana Mudra is performed on an empty stomach and is not compatible with every condition. So, anyone should consult with yogic doctors or masters before performing it. It is easy to perform, but remember to keep your fingers in a light mode. It is often performed with the Anulom Vilom pranayama, Kapalbhati and during meditation practice. Here are ways to perform prana mudra with a simple method:

• Sit with a straight spine and check your body, loosen it from joints.
• Now, hands on the thighs and palms should be open.
• You have to meet your three fingers with each other at a single point.
• Join your little finger, ring finger and thumb in the middle of your palms.
• The index finger and middle finger will remain straight.
• Keep your eyes closed and loosen your hands.
• You can simply observe your breaths during the sitting, or you can perform pranayama.

Explanation of Prana Mudra or Vital Life Gesture

There is a common question about the results of hand gestures and the science behind them. There is an explanation of the five elements in this physical realm, according to ancient texts of Hinduism. These five elements are Sky (Aakash), Air (Vayu), Land (Prthvi), Water (Jal), and Fire (Agni). These five elements contribute to this whole world and how different life forms are made by nature.

According to the Yogic system, all five elements are represented or linked by these elements. Here are symbolic forms:

1. Fire:-  Thumb
2. Air:- Index finger
3. Space/ sky:- Middle finger
4. Earth:- Ring finger
5. Water:- Little finger

If our three elements remain in the balanced form, then we will live in harmony. With Prana mudra, Fire, Water, and Earth remain balanced and meet at a single point.

Prana Mudra Benefits - What are the Benefits of Prana Mudra?

Each gesture impacts the energy flow in the body in certain directions. It is a proven remedy for anxiety and stress. If you perform prana mudra, you will be happy and stress-free. There are three types of benefits of prana mudra: physical, emotional and spiritual. Here are categories of different benefits:

Physical Benefits

• Strengthens the respiratory system and improves the capacity of the lungs.
• It helps in making a strong immune system.
• Increase the eye vision and the strength of the eye muscles.
• Improve the digestion and absorption of the body.
• Overall increase in the metabolic functions of the body.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

• Reduces mood swings, anxiety, stress and depression.
• Make any practitioner emotionally strong.
• Promotes deep emotional healing.
• Keep your mind calm and peaceful.

Spiritual Benefits

• It encourages alignment with our higher self.
• It speeds up or activates the root chakra.
• Balances three elements of the body.
• Also, release dormant energy in the body, which impacts the Kundalini force.

Precautions and Contraindications of Prana Mudra

There are no side effects, and all gestures are nearly safe for performing. The only contraindication is for the pregnant female. Some precautions are:

• Don’t perform this mudra if you are suffering from cold symptoms.
• A highly sensitive person may feel extreme emotions.
• Hyperthyroidism and high BP patients should avoid this mudra.
• In case of a high fever, don’t perform prana mudra.
• In excess Kapha conditions, you should avoid this mudra.

Read Also:- 200 Hour Yoga Teacher Training in Rishikesh

Conclusion

Prana mudra is known as a vital life gesture, and it is a very powerful mudra. It maintains the nervous system and the hormonal system in the body. It is known for pranic flow in the body. For all other guidance, you can connect to the yoga masters of the Pratham Yoga School.