Akasha Mudra, also known as Sky Mudra, is a powerful hand formation that can balance the ether element. Akasha means the sky. Our body has all the elements in the universe and they need to be balanced. By balancing the elements we enhance the functions of the element. The ether element is helpful for hearing and promoting the healing transmission of energy in the body. When ether element is weak we are unbel to have clear thoughts. Tinnitus is one of the problems when the ether element is not in balance.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Akasha Mudra, as well as its numerous benefits and important precautions.
What are Mudras?
Mudras are hand gestures that activate a certain element or energy in the body. The five fingers represent the five elements. The energy activation point lies on the fingertips. When the fingertips are connected, the subtle energy in your body gets activated. The thumb represents the fire element. This element represents agni within the body, and it serves to activate all the other elements.
The index finger represents air, middle finger ether, ring finger earth and the little finger represents the water element.
When different hand formations, or mudras, are formed, the combination of subtle elements has a powerful effect on the mind and body.
How Can Mudras Heal?
There is a spiritual force that mediates our mind-body connection. Ayurveda says that when the elements in our body are balanced, our bodies and minds are healthy. Whenever imbalance arises, we can attain balance by activating specific elements using various mudras. Acupuncture is another method that involves activating specific points in the body and improving the flow of energy. Mudras act in a similar way. The tips of our fingers act like electrical potential points, and when the mudras are formed, they create an electrical circuit that circulates energy throughout the body. As this energy circulates, we feel a healing effect. The most astonishing fact is that our brain uses about 60% of its surface area to process the movements and sensations of the hands.
RECOMMENDED: For a complete guide to the many mudras and their benefits, check out Healing Mudras: Yoga of the Hands by Yogi Nataraj.
How to Perform the Akasha Mudra?
The Akasha Mudra activates the ether element within the body. Touch the tips of the middle finger and the thumb and gradually adjust until you can feel your pulse in your fingertips. Be aware of the outflow and inflow of energy going from and to the heart space. Practice this mudra for about 15-20 minutes.
When Should I Perform the Akasha Mudra?
The Akasha mudra is useful for:
- Improving concentration
- Meditation practices
- Calming the heart space
- Treating depression and lack of enthusiasm
- Finding clarity in your thoughts
- Healing tinnitus
- Benefits Vertigo
- Enhancing the balance of thoughts in the body and mind
- Purifies the nervous system
- Improves speech
Remember that it is very important to feel your pulse while performing this mudra. The Akasha Mudra can be used in all sitting meditative poses, or even while practicing walking meditation.
Precautions When Practicing Akasha Mudra
For those who have very high blood pressure this mudra should be done in moderation.
What Chakras Does Akasha Mudra Activate?
Akasha mudra activates the throat and the third eye chakra. These two chakras deal with the ether element and therefore are related to intuition and hearing. Ether promotes clarity of thought, speech and balance in the ears.
Related Mudras
Gyan Mudra, Vayan Mudra, Apana Mudra, Apana Vayu mudra, Kaleshwara mudra, Anantha Prajna Mudra, Poorna Prajna Mudra. Samana mudra all compliment the effect the akasha mudra.
Related Yoga Poses
Since this mudra deals with the ether element Akasha mudra is more related to meditative poses like Padmasana (Lotus pose), Siddhasana (accomplished pose), Vajrasana (Diamond pose), Baddha Padmasana (Tied Lotus pose), Sirshasana (Headstand) are related poses.
List of Mudra Guides
Mudras are very beneficial when performed with proper understanding. Mudras deal with individual elements, combinations of elements, the vital airs, the vital functions and even moods and feelings. Regular practice of each mudra based on our needs and present condition can help us achieve the specific results we are looking for. Please explore our various mudra guides and try out the practices that suit your needs
Chakra Mudras
- Mudras for the Root Chakra
- Mudras for the Sacral Chakra
- Mudras for the Navel Chakra
- Mudras for the Heart Chakra
- Mudras for the Throat Chakra
- Mudras for the Third-eye Chakra
- Mudras for the Crown Chakra
Mudra Sequences
Individual Mudra Guides
- Abhaya Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Agni Mudra
- Anjali Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
- Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Brahma Mudra
- Dharmachakra Mudra
- Dhyan Mudra
- Ganesha Mudra
- Gyan Mudra
- Kundalini Mudra
- Lotus Mudra
- Musti Mudra
- Prana Mudra
- Prithvi Mudra
- Rudra Mudra
- Shakti Mudra
- Shankha Mudra
- Shunya Mudra
- Surya Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
- Uttarabodhi
- Varada Mudra
- Vayu Mudra
- Vitarka Mudra
- Yoni Mudra