Shakti Mudra, also known as Power Mudra, is a powerful hand formation that can improve the flow the breath, energy and prana in the body. It can also heal the intestines. Shakti Mudra derives its name from the Sanskrit word Shakti meaning power. Shakti also represents Durga or the female energy. The female energy is considered very powerful and this mudra acts very powerfully for females.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Shakti 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 Shakti Mudra?
Touch the ring finger and small finger representing the earth and water of both hands. Thumbs’ symbols of fire principle are thrust to the middle of the hand. Also, hold them tightly with the index and middle fingers, the symbols of air, and the sky. Practice this mudra for about 15-20 minutes.
When Should I Perform the Shakti Mudra?
The Shakti mudra is useful for:
- Improving respiration
- Detoxes the body
- Calming the mind
- Treating depression and lack of enthusiasm especially for women
- Finding clarity in your thoughts
- Improves respiratory system
- Improves peristalysis
- Enhancing the endocrine system
- Improves menstrual cycle related issues
Precautions When Practicing Shakti Mudra
This mudra should be practiced for short durations like 15-20 minutes. This mudra has powerful effects and a shorter duration of time is enough to get good results.
What Chakras Does Shakti Mudra Activate?
The Shakti mudra activates the root and the heart chakra. Mainly it acts like the apana mudra which enhances the lower abdominal air and lightens up the heart.
Related Mudras
Apana Mudra, Apana Vayu Mudra, Visahara mudra give a similar effect to this mudra.
Related Yoga Poses
Padmasana (Lotus pose), Upavista konasana (wide angle seated forward bend), Baddha Konasana (butterfly pose) gives us 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
- 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
- Shankha Mudra
- Shunya Mudra
- Surya Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
- Uttarabodhi
- Varada Mudra
- Vayu Mudra
- Vitarka Mudra
- Yoni Mudra