Shunya Mudra, is a powerful hand formation that can decelerate space. The middle finger is the switch for the ether element. When we connect the tips of thumbs with the tips of middle finger this increases the space and when we bend the middle finger and cover it with the thumb the space element is reduced. Ether is one of the components of Vāta in the body. Hearing, thinking and focus depend on air and ether. When we are stressed, air and ether accelerate, leading to uncontrolled thoughts which result in a host of problems such as loss of hearing. By this mudrā, all issues relating to ether can be controlled.
In this article, we provide a deep look at how to perform the Sunya 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 Shunya Mudra?
Fold the middle finger as shown and touch the tip of the middle finger to the base of the thumb. Cover the finger with the thumb as shown, 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 Shunya Mudra?
The Shunya Mudra is useful for:
-
li>Improving capacity to hear
- Reducing tinnitus
- Heals echoing sounds in the ear
- Helps in meditating mantras better
- Improves deafness related problems
- Improves clarity of mind
- Calms the mind
- Clarity of intellect
- Reduces stress
Ether is one of the components of vata in the body. Hearing, thinking and focus depend on air and ether. When we are stressed, air and ether accelerate, leading to uncontrolled thoughts which result in a host of problems such as loss of hearing. By this mudrā, all issues relating to ether can be controlled.
Precautions When Practicing Shunya Mudra
Shunya mudra is very safe mudra in general. However if you have had any ear operation, or if you have a hyperactive personality type, then you should avoid this mudra.
Suggested Sequence
- Sit in a comfortable position.
- Join your hands in a prayerful, meditative position.
- Straighten your back.
- Fold the middle finger as shown and touch the tip of the middle finger to the base of the thumb.
- Cover the finger with the thumb as shown.
- Hold the Shunya Mudra for 10-20 minutes.
- Practice Prana Mudra for 10 minutes.
- Join your hands together and end with a prayer.
What Chakras Does Shunya Mudra Activate?
The Shunya Mudra deals with the ether element. The ether element is present in three chakras, the throat chakra, The third eye chakra and the crown chakra. All these three chakras are controlled by the Sunya Mudra. These three chakras deal with elevating the consciousness. Therefore both the akasha mudra and the sunya mudra controlling the ether element deal more with higher learning and hearing inner sounds, hearing the sounds of the chakras, mantras etc. Therefore this is a mudra related to spirituality and hearing.
Related Mudras
- Gyana mudra (Jnana Mudra)
- Surabhi Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
- Vayan Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Vata Hara Mudra
- Adi Mudra
- Prana Mudra
- Apana Vayu Mudra
Related Yoga Poses
Head stand (Sirshasana), Shoulder stand (sarvangasana), Uttanpadasana (Raised leg pose), Yoga Mudrasana, Halasana (plough pose) give similar benefits to the Shunya 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
- Prana Mudra
- Prithvi Mudra
- Rudra Mudra
- Shakti Mudra
- Shankha Mudra
- Surya Mudra
- Udana Vayu Mudra
- Uttarabodhi
- Varada Mudra
- Vayu Mudra
- Vitarka Mudra
- Yoni Mudra