Apana vayu deals with the downward movement of toxins in the body, namely stool, and urine. When this air is not functioning correctly, we can experience constipation, etc.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Apana Vayu Mudra, as well as its numerous benefits and important precautions. We can practice Apana Vayu Mudra mudrā to get rid of constipation, flatulence, and piles. Expectant mothers can also perform this mudra in the last month of pregnancy.
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 Apana Vayu Mudra?
Connect the tip of the thumb to the tips of the middle and ring finger as shown below. Fold the index finger so its tip touches the base of the thumb. Then extend your pinky finger out straight. Adjust the pressure at the tips of your fingers until you can feel your pulse. Once you feel your pulse, the apana vayu and your root chakra are activated. Practice this mudra for 15- 20 minutes.
When Should I Perform the Apana Vayu Mudra?
The Apana Vayu mudra is useful for the following:
- Improving circulation
- Reducing cholesterol
- Improving digestion
- Regulating urination
- Regulating evacuation
- Relieving gas and bloating
- Eliminating toxins in the body
- Reducing flatulation
- Alleviating constipation
- Pregnant mothers can use this mudra to help induce labor after the 37th week of pregnancy
Remember that it is very important to feel your pulse while performing this mudra.
Precautions When Practicing Apana Vayu Mudra
Pregnant women should perform this mudra only in the last month of pregnancy.
Suggested Sequence
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Join your hands in a prayerful, meditative position.
- Straighten your back.
- Connect the tip of the thumb to the tips of the middle and ring finger as shown.
- Fold the index finger so its tip touches the base of the thumb. Then extend your pinky finger out straight.
- Hold the Apana Vayu Mudra for 10-20 minutes.
- Practice Prana Mudra for 10 minutes.
- Join your hands together and end with a prayer.
What Chakras Does Vayu Mudra Activate?
Vayu Mudra energizes the heart chakra. The heart chakra deals with emotions, feelings, and thoughts. The heart is also responsible for regulating blood pressure and the emotional quality of our thoughts. When we are fearful, anxious, or when we exercise, our heart rate increases. Vayu Mudra calms the heart and reduces our heart rate and blood pressure. When the heart chakra is balanced, our blood pressure and circulation are also balanced.
Related Mudras
- Apana Mudra
- Prithvi Mudra
- Akasha Mudra
- Yoni Mudra
- Uttarabodhi Mudra
- Vajra Mudra
Related Yoga Poses
The seated forward bend (Paschimottanasana), Reverse plank pose (Purvottanasana), Vajrasana (seated diamond pose), Asymmetrical seated forward bend (Marichiasana A, B, C, and D), as well as Boat pose (Navasana) give similar effects.
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
- Akasha Mudra
- Anjali 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