Prana Mudra, also known as Kapha Vardhaka Mudra, is a powerful hand formation that improves the pranic energy or strength in the body. Prana mudra is performed after every set of mudra practices as it enhances the effects of that mudra. Prana is called vital energy. In our body the vital energy is responsible for overall circulation of energy and maintaining of energy levels in the body. When we perform any set of mudras we will need to perform prana mudra in the end. This energizes all the mudras we have performed.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Prana 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 Prana Mudra?
The Prana Mudra activates the humor Kapha which is a combination of earth and water element within the body. Touch the tips three fingers the thumb, ring finger and little, 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. Practice this mudra for about 15-20 minutes. This mudra can be performed for improving energy levels or after performing any mudra to improve the energy sustained in the mudra.
When Should I Perform the Prana Mudra?
The Prana Mudra is useful for:
- Improving energy levels
- Balancing Kapha
- Overcoming fickle mind
- Treating depression and lack of enthusiasm
- Finding clarity in your thoughts
- As a support for other mudras
- Improves strength levels even when you have diabetes
- When practiced with the Apana Vayu Mudra and Samana mudra it can control diabetes
- When practiced with Gyan it can cure insomnia
Remember that it is very important to feel your pulse while performing this mudra. The Prana Mudra can be used in all sitting meditative poses, or even while practicing walking meditation. Prana mudra is highly beneficial and recommended every day.
Precautions When Practicing Prana Mudra
If you feel any discomfort while practicing this mudra you should stop it immediately. If you are obese or if you have a cold, cough, runny nose etc. then it is better not to perform Prana Mudra.
Suggested Sequence
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Join your hands in a prayerful, meditative position.
- Straighten your back.
- Touch the tips three fingers the thumb, ring finger and little, and gradually adjust until you can feel your pulse in your fingertips.
- Hold the Prana Mudra for 10-20 minutes.
- Join your hands together and end with a prayer.
What Chakras Does Prana Mudra Activate?
Prana mudra activates the root and the sacral chakras. These two chakras deal with earth and water element. Performing prana mudra activates both these chakras. The pranic air in the chest region is also activated by the prana mudra. This improves the circulation in that area of the chest and the oxygen level in the body. Hence the two chakras are balanced as well as energy circulation in the prana level is improved.
Related Mudras
- Adi Mudra
- Samana Mudra
- Vata Karaka Mudra
- Varuna Mudra
- Linga Mudra
- Prithvi Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
Related Yoga Poses
Sun salutation, Trikonasana (Triangle pose), Parsvakonasana (The right angles triangle pose), Veerabhadrasana (warrior pose), Vrkshasana (tree pose), Bhujangasana (cobra pose), Dhanurasana (the bow pose) give you the benefits of the Prana mudra.
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
- Apana Vayu Mudra
- Bhumisparsha Mudra
- Brahma Mudra
- Dharmachakra Mudra
- Dhyan Mudra
- Ganesha Mudra
- Gyan Mudra
- Kundalini Mudra
- Lotus Mudra
- Musti 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